> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cline.bot/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authorization & Model Selection

> Authenticate with Cline and choose your first AI model

Cline connects to AI models through a **provider**. You have two paths:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Cline Provider" icon="bolt">
    Sign in with Google, GitHub, or email. No API keys to manage — access multiple models with built-in billing, free options, and early access to new releases.

    **Best for:** Most users, fastest setup
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)" icon="key">
    Use 3rd party provider or API keys from Anthropic, OpenAI, OpenRouter, or any supported provider. Run models locally with Ollama or LM Studio for complete privacy.

    **Best for:** Enterprise, custom billing, local models
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  **Watch:** [Selecting Your Model](https://youtu.be/GuPmu5TVtfA) walks through choosing and configuring your first model.
</Tip>

## Setup Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Click the settings icon in the top-right of the Cline panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a Provider">
    Choose from the **API Provider** dropdown:

    * **Cline** — simplest setup, no API key needed
    * **OpenRouter** — many models, one API key
    * **Anthropic** — direct Claude access
    * **Ollama / LM Studio** — run models locally
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate">
    **Cline Provider:** Click **Sign In** and authenticate via Google, GitHub, or email. See [OAuth details](#how-oauth-works) below.

    **BYOK:** Paste your API key from your provider's dashboard.

    **Local:** No key needed — just ensure your local server is running.

    <Note>
      API keys are stored in your system's credential manager and sent only to your selected provider. They are never logged or transmitted to Cline's servers.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a Model">
    Select a model from the **Model** dropdown. Consider:

    * **Context window** — how much code the model can process at once
    * **Speed** — smaller models respond faster
    * **Cost** — varies by model; local models are free
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify">
    Send any message. If Cline responds, you're ready.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Cline Provider

The Cline Provider gives you one account, one billing relationship, and access to models from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and more.

* **No API key juggling** — one sign-in, multiple models
* **Built-in billing** — add credits once, use across all models
* **Free models** — search "free" in the model selector to find no-cost options tagged **FREE**
* **Stealth models** — early access to new releases before they're widely available
* **Always current** — new models added as they launch

### Adding Credits

Click **Add Credits** in Cline settings or visit your [account dashboard](https://app.cline.bot/dashboard). Credits work across all available models.

### How OAuth Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign In">
    Click **Sign In** in Cline settings. Your browser opens to `app.cline.bot`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate">
    Choose Google, GitHub, or email.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Return to IDE">
    After authentication, you're redirected back with an authorization code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Secure Storage">
    Tokens are stored in your IDE's native secret storage (VS Code Secrets, JetBrains Credential Store, etc.).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)

Use your own API keys when you need specific billing arrangements, higher rate limits, access to beta models, or local privacy.

### Cloud Providers

| Provider          | Best For                             | Setup Guide                                   |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------- |
| **OpenRouter**    | Multiple models, competitive pricing | [Setup](/provider-config/openrouter)          |
| **Anthropic**     | Direct Claude access                 | [Setup](/provider-config/anthropic)           |
| **Claude Code**   | Claude Max/Pro subscription          | [Setup](/provider-config/claude-code)         |
| **OpenAI**        | GPT models                           | [Setup](/provider-config/openai)              |
| **Google Gemini** | Large context windows                | [Setup](/provider-config/gcp-vertex-ai)       |
| **AWS Bedrock**   | Enterprise                           | [Setup](/provider-config/aws-bedrock/api-key) |
| **DeepSeek**      | Great value                          | [Setup](/provider-config/deepseek)            |

### Local Models

Run models on your own hardware for complete privacy and zero per-request costs.

| Provider      | Best For                         | Setup Guide                                |
| ------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| **Ollama**    | Easy setup, wide model selection | [Setup](/running-models-locally/ollama)    |
| **LM Studio** | GUI-based model management       | [Setup](/running-models-locally/lm-studio) |

Local models require sufficient hardware (especially GPU memory). See [Running Models Locally](/running-models-locally/overview) for requirements.

## Which Model Should I Choose?

| Priority                  | Recommended Model          |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| **Reliability**           | Claude Sonnet 4            |
| **Value**                 | Qwen3 Coder                |
| **Speed**                 | Cerebras GLm 4.6           |
| **Privacy**               | Any Ollama/LM Studio model |
| **Existing subscription** | Claude Code with Max/Pro   |

<Note>
  Learn more about LLMs and models in [Chapter 2 of AI Coding University](https://cline.bot/learn).
</Note>

## CLI Authentication

```bash theme={"system"}
# Authenticate from the terminal
cline auth

# Shorthand
cline a
```

Opens a browser for OAuth, same as the IDE extension. Your session persists until you sign out.

## Account Management

* **Balance & usage:** Open Cline settings — your credit balance is at the top. Click **View Usage** for transaction history.
* **Switch organization:** Go to Cline settings → **Switch Organization** to change which billing account is charged.

## Troubleshooting

| Issue                          | Fix                                                                                                                  |
| ------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Unauthorized: Please sign in" | Session expired. Click **Sign In** to re-authenticate.                                                               |
| Browser doesn't open           | Check default browser settings. Copy the URL from the Cline output panel manually.                                   |
| Frequent re-authentication     | Check org security policies. Ensure you're not clearing IDE secrets. Try a full sign-out/sign-in.                    |
| Can't access organization      | Verify membership at [app.cline.bot](https://app.cline.bot). Ask your admin about permissions. Sign out and back in. |

## Next Steps

* [Your First Project](/getting-started/your-first-project) — build something with Cline
* [Core Workflows](/core-workflows/task-management) — patterns you'll use daily
* [Customization](/customization/overview) — tailor Cline to your workflow