Installing Cline
Cline is a VS Code extension that brings AI-powered coding assistance directly to your editor. Install using one of these methods:
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.
🛠️ VS Code Marketplace: Step-by-Step Setup
Follow these steps to get Cline up and running:
-
Open VS Code: Launch the VS Code application.
⚠️ Note: If VS Code shows “Running extensions might…”, click “Allow”.
-
Open Your Cline Folder: In VS Code, open the Cline folder you created in Documents.
-
Navigate to Extensions: Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of VS Code (
Ctrl + Shift + X
orCmd + Shift + X
). -
Search for ‘Cline’: In the Extensions search bar, type
Cline
.
VS Code marketplace with Cline extension ready to install
- Install the Extension: Click the “Install” button next to the Cline extension.
- 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.
- 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!
🌐 Open VSX Registry
For VS Code-compatible editors without Marketplace access (like VSCodium and Windsurf):
- Open your editor.
- Access the Extensions view.
- Search for “Cline”.
- Select “Cline” by saoudrizwan and click Install.
- Reload if prompted.
👤 Creating Your Cline Account
Now that you have Cline installed, let’s get you set up with your account:
- 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.
- Start with Free Credits:
- No credit card needed!
- 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.
-
💻 Your First Interaction with Cline
You’re ready to start building! Copy and paste this prompt into the Cline chat window:
✅ Pro Tip: Cline will help you create the project folder and set up your first webpage!
🧩 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.
🫂 Still Struggling?
Join our Discord community and engage with our team and other Cline users directly.