AI code editors like Cursor and Windsurf are transforming how developers build websites. But they have a documented problem that breaks SEO even on frameworks designed for it: they put 'use client' on everything.
The 'use client' Problem
Next.js (the most popular React framework) is designed for server-side rendering. Components render on the server by default, producing SEO-friendly HTML. But when you use Cursor or Windsurf to generate code for a Next.js project, the AI frequently adds 'use client' to the top of every component file.
This directive tells Next.js: "Don't render this on the server; run it in the browser only." It effectively converts your SSR-capable application back into a client-side rendered SPA, destroying the SEO benefits that Next.js was supposed to provide.
Why AI Editors Do This
AI code editors add 'use client' because it avoids server/client boundary errors. React hooks like useState, useEffect, and event handlers only work in client components. Rather than carefully structuring the component tree with proper server/client boundaries, the AI takes the easy path: make everything a client component.
Community Workarounds
The developer community has created workarounds like custom .cursorrules files that instruct Cursor to avoid unnecessary 'use client' directives. But these are fragile. The AI doesn't always follow the rules, and complex components often genuinely need client-side features.
The Result: Next.js Sites With No SEO
If you've built a Next.js site with Cursor or Windsurf and checked Google Search Console, you may see the same empty-page problem that affects pure React SPAs. The framework is capable of SSR, but the AI-generated code bypasses it.
How PrimeHTML Fixes Cursor/Windsurf Sites
Rather than fighting the AI editor's tendencies, PrimeHTML works outside your codebase entirely. We prerender your pages for search engines and AI crawlers regardless of your app's rendering architecture. Whether your Next.js site is properly SSR'd or entirely client-rendered due to Cursor's 'use client' additions, PrimeHTML ensures bots see fully rendered content.
Learn how PrimeHTML works or get in touch to fix your Cursor-built site's SEO.