File Tagging

Last updated: September 7, 2026

Available on: Mac, Windows

Tag files in Cursor and Windsurf with your voice. Say a file name while dictating in an AI chat and Flow attaches it — no keyboard, no @ menu. For developers who want context in chat without breaking flow.

What it is

Cursor and Windsurf let you attach files to a chat so the AI has more context for better code suggestions. Normally you press @, type the file name, and pick from a list. File Tagging replaces that with speech, and is on by default.

When to use it

Use this feature when you want to:

  • Reference files in Cursor or Windsurf AI chat without typing.

  • Attach multiple files while explaining a coding task.

How it works in Flow

Key behaviors

  • Full file name: Without a trigger word, say the complete name with extension — "Can you fix the bug in index dot ts please?"

  • Trigger words: Say "tag," "at," or "@" and then just the base name — "Can you explain this code to me, tag my python script."

  • Multiple files: Name more than one file in a single dictation — "look at cron dot py and vad dot py" — and Flow tags each.

  • Smart matching: Speak CamelCase and snake_case names as natural words — "cursor formatting" matches cursorFormatting.ts, "my script name" matches my_script_name.py.

Best practices

  • Use a trigger word ("tag" or "at") when you don't want to say the extension out loud.

  • Avoid wrapping spoken file names in quotes or backticks.

  • Turn on Screen Reader Mode in your IDE for reliable variable and code-symbol recognition. File tagging itself does not need it.

Screen Reader Mode and settings

Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code have a Screen Reader Mode that lets other apps read information from them. Flow uses it to recognize variable and function names you dictate. Both settings live in Flow Settings → Vibe coding, and Vibe coding is available on all plans, including Free.

Setting

Default

What it does

Variable recognition (VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf)

Off

Recognizes dictated variable and function names.

File Tagging in Chat (Cursor & Windsurf)

On

Tags files mentioned in AI chat.

How to turn on variable recognition

Enable this manually in your IDE; in Flow Settings → Vibe coding, click Set up for the instructions. In Cursor or Windsurf:

  1. Open the Command Palette with Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows).

  2. Search for and run "Toggle Screen Reader Accessibility Mode."

  3. Confirm the "Screen Reader Optimized" flag appears in the IDE's bottom bar.

Examples

Tagging a file by its full name

You say: "Can you fix the bug in index dot ts please?"

Flow tags: index.ts

Using a trigger word without an extension

You say: "Can you explain this code to me, tag my python script."

Flow tags: the matching file from your open tabs, e.g. my_python_script.py

Tagging a CamelCase file by speaking naturally

You say: "Look at cursor formatting for the styles."

Flow tags: cursorFormatting.ts

Tagging multiple files in one dictation

You say: "Look at cron dot py and vad dot py and tell me how they interact."

Flow tags: cron.py and vad.py

FAQs

Does file tagging work in VS Code?

No. VS Code supports variable recognition through Screen Reader Mode, but file tagging works only in Cursor and Windsurf.

Why didn't my file get tagged?

Check whether your cursor is in a terminal pane, you're in VS Code, or File Tagging in Chat was toggled off. See Limitations and notes.

How do I turn off file tagging?

Open Flow Settings → Vibe coding and toggle off File Tagging in Chat (Cursor & Windsurf).

Limitations and notes

  • File tagging and variable recognition are available on Mac and Windows only.

  • File tagging is supported in Cursor and Windsurf — not VS Code, with or without GitHub Copilot.

  • File tagging may not work in terminal panes within Cursor or Windsurf.

  • Voice tagging of people or @-mentions in other apps (for example Slack) is not available; file tagging applies only to AI chat in Cursor and Windsurf.