Skip to main content
The pre.dev MCP Server replaces Cursor Plan Mode with production-ready specification generation. Give your AI agents the architecture context they need to build complex systems correctly the first time.

​
Quick Start

1

Get Your API Key

Get API Key

Visit the playground to get your API key
2

Install the MCP Server

  • Cursor - One-Click
  • Cursor - Manual
  • Claude Code
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
Add to CursorClick the button above to automatically install the pre.dev MCP server in Cursor. You’ll be prompted to enter your API key during installation.
3

Test the Integration

Open your AI coding agent and try this command:
Use pre.dev to generate a spec for a task management app
If successful, you’ll receive a comprehensive project specification!

​
Why Your AI Agent Needs pre.dev

AI coding agents like Cursor are powerful, but they struggle with complex, multi-file projects without proper architecture. pre.dev solves this by generating comprehensive technical specifications that transform how your AI agent understands and builds systems.

​
The Problem with Current AI Planning

Standard AI planning modes (like Cursor Plan) provide basic task decomposition, but they:
  • ❌ Lack deep architectural context
  • ❌ Miss critical implementation details
  • ❌ Don’t consider database schemas, API contracts, or system boundaries
  • ❌ Force you to manually guide complex builds step-by-step

​
How pre.dev Makes Your AI Agent Better

The pre.dev MCP Server equips your AI coding agent with:
  • ✅ Enterprise-Grade Architecture: Complete system designs with database schemas, API contracts, and component hierarchies
  • ✅ Implementation Roadmaps: Detailed, sequenced build plans that guide your agent through complex projects
  • ✅ Technology Decisions: Pre-made architectural choices for auth, state management, APIs, and more
  • ✅ Full Context Understanding: Your agent knows exactly what to build, how to build it, and why
Result: Your AI agent goes from “helpful assistant” to “senior architect + developer” in seconds.

​
Available Tools

fast_spec

Cost: 10 credits | Speed: ~30-60 secondsQuick project specifications perfect for rapid prototyping and MVP planning.
Use pre.dev fast_spec to generate a spec for: 
A social media app with real-time messaging, 
photo sharing, and user profiles

deep_spec

Cost: 50 credits | Speed: ~2-5 minutesComprehensive, detailed specifications ideal for enterprise projects and complex systems.
Use pre.dev deep_spec to generate a detailed spec for: 
An enterprise CRM with AI-powered lead scoring, 
automated workflows, and advanced analytics

​
Advanced Features

Build on existing work by referencing previous specs or projects:
Use pre.dev deep_spec to add payment processing 
to this existing project: [existing_context_id]
The MCP will automatically:
  • Fetch your existing context
  • Validate permissions
  • Generate new specs that build on your previous work
Include external documentation for more accurate specs:
Use pre.dev deep_spec to generate a spec for a React app, 
referencing: https://react.dev/docs, https://tailwindcss.com/docs

​
Cost Management

Check Your Usage: Visit pre.dev/projects/playground to view remaining credits, usage history, and upgrade options.
Out of Credits?If you run out of credits, you’ll see this message:
❌ Insufficient Credits Available
Fast Spec requires 10 credits.
You have 3 remaining.
Visit the playground to upgrade your plan or purchase additional credits.

​
Common Use Cases

  • Rapid Prototyping
  • Enterprise Planning
  • Feature Addition
  • Technical Documentation
Perfect for MVPs and quick validation:
Use pre.dev fast_spec to generate a spec for: 
MVP of a food delivery app with restaurant listings, 
order tracking, and payment integration

​
Troubleshooting

  • Verify your API key is correct
  • Ensure you’re using the right key (solo vs enterprise)
  • Check your subscription is active
  • Restart Cursor after adding MCP config
  • Verify the URL: https://api.pre.dev/mcp
  • Check JSON syntax in configuration
⌘I