Zed — Rules
- File format
- Markdown
- Discovery paths
-
.rules,.cursorrules,CLAUDE.md - Syllago install method
- Project scope, Direct copy
- Symlink support
- Yes
Features
How each feature converts to syllago's canonical format. See format conversion for what these statuses mean.
Other features
Behaviors, conventions, and capabilities that aren't tied to a single named field — things like path-based activation, discovery rules, and lifecycle behavior.
| Feature | Conversion | Summary |
|---|---|---|
cross_provider_recognition | Translated Conversion type: Translated Actively mapped to the target provider’s equivalent field during conversion. Learn more → | Zed discovers rule files from multiple providers at project root using a priority-ordered list: .rules, .cursorrules, .windsurfrules, .clinerules, .github/copilot-instructions.md, AGENT.md, AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, GEMINI.md — the first matching file wins |
| Cross-provider rule file recognition | Preserved Conversion type: Preserved Syntax survives conversion but the target provider may not interpret it. Learn more → | At project root, Zed recognizes a priority-ordered list of rule filenames from multiple providers: .rules (preferred), .cursorrules, .windsurfrules, .clinerules, .github/copilot-instructions.md, AGENT.md, AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, GEMINI.md. The first matching file is used. |
| Default rules (paper clip icon) | Not portable Conversion type: Not portable Unique to this provider — can’t be carried across providers. Learn more → | Any rule in the Rules Library can be set as default by clicking the paper clip icon, making it automatically included in every new Agent Panel interaction. Default rules are managed through the Rules Library UI. |
| Rules Library editor | Not portable Conversion type: Not portable Unique to this provider — can’t be carried across providers. Learn more → | Zed provides a dedicated Rules Library editor (agent panel > ... > Rules..., or cmd-alt-l on macOS / ctrl-alt-l on Windows/Linux) with syntax highlighting, inline assistant support, title editing from the editor title bar, and duplicate/delete controls. |
Sources
| Source |
|---|
| https://zed.dev/docs/ai/rules |
| https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zed-industries/zed/main/.rules |