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Installation Options

  • VS Code Marketplace (Recommended): Fastest method for standard VS Code and Cursor users.
  • Open VSX Registry: For VS Code-compatible editors like VSCodium.

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VS Code Marketplace: Step-by-Step Setup

Follow these steps to get Cline up and running:
  1. Open VS Code: Launch the VS Code application.
    Note: If VS Code shows “Running extensions might…”, click “Allow”.
  2. Open Your Cline Folder: In VS Code, open the Cline folder you created in Documents.
  3. Navigate to Extensions: Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of VS Code (Ctrl + Shift + X or Cmd + Shift + X).
  4. Search for ‘Cline’: In the Extensions search bar, type Cline.
VS Code marketplace showing Cline extension

VS Code marketplace with Cline extension ready to install

  1. Install the Extension: Click the “Install” button next to the Cline extension.
  2. Open Cline:
    • Click the Cline icon in the Activity Bar.
    • Or, use the command palette (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P) and type “Cline: Open In New Tab” for a better view.
  3. Troubleshooting: If you don’t see the Cline icon, try restarting VS Code.
Pro Tip: You should see the Cline chat window appear in your VS Code editor!

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Open VSX Registry

For VS Code-compatible editors without Marketplace access (like VSCodium and Windsurf):
  1. Open your editor.
  2. Access the Extensions view.
  3. Search for “Cline”.
  4. Select “Cline” by saoudrizwan and click Install.
  5. Reload if prompted.

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Creating Your Cline Account

Now that you have Cline installed, let’s get you set up with your account:
  1. Sign In to Cline:
    • Click the Sign In button in the Cline extension.
    • You’ll be taken to app.cline.bot to create your account.
  2. Start with Free Credits:
    • No credit card needed!
  3. Available AI Models:
    • Anthropic Claude 3.5-Sonnet (recommended for coding)
    • DeepSeek Chat (cost-effective alternative)
    • Google Gemini 2.0 Flash
    • And more — all through your Cline account.

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Your First Interaction with Cline

You’re ready to start building! Copy and paste this prompt into the Cline chat window: 
Hey Cline! Could you help me create a new project folder called "hello-world" in my Cline directory and make a simple webpage that says "Hello World" in big blue text?
Pro Tip: Cline will help you create the project folder and set up your first webpage!

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Tips for Working with Cline

  • Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about something, ask Cline!
  • Use Screenshots: Cline can understand images — show him what you’re working on.
  • Copy and Paste Errors: Share error messages in the chat for solutions.
  • Speak Plainly: Use your own words — Cline will translate them into code.

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Still Struggling?

Join our Discord community and engage with our team and other Cline users directly.