Command reference ยท Cursor CLI
/max-mode
Only available on old request-based pricing plans, not generally
/max-mode is a slash command from the official CLI reference and toggles "Max Mode" โ according to the docs, explicitly only on old, request-based pricing plans ("legacy request-based plans"). Max Mode extends a model's context window beyond the default limit, which helps for tasks with unusually large amounts of context; but according to Cursor, the standard window is already enough for most coding tasks. On current (non-legacy) pricing tiers, this toggle no longer exists on its own โ there, models that need Max Mode activate it automatically themselves. On legacy plans, Max Mode is billed at the model's API price plus a 20% surcharge. The state appears as an indicator in the footer, and since July 2026 also in the prompt bar, and persists across sessions.
โ WHEN TO USE IT?
Unlock more context for a large task on a legacy plan
Enable /max-mode before running a model with a tight default context window on a very large repository
Check whether Max Mode is currently active
Call /max-mode and check the MAX indicator in the footer or prompt bar
โ WHEN NOT TO?
You're on a current (non-legacy) pricing plan
According to the docs, Max Mode is only available as a toggle for users with an old, request-based subscription; it's absent on current plans.
Better: Use /model to directly select a model with a larger context window
Routine, small coding task
According to Cursor, the standard context window is enough for most tasks; Max Mode also costs a 20% surcharge on legacy plans.
Better: Work without Max Mode and only enable it when you actually need the context
SOURCES
- Cursor Docs โ Slash Commands โ cursor.com
MORE COMMANDS ยท Cursor CLI