Installing Cline

Cline is a VS Code extension that brings AI-powered coding assistance directly to your editor. Install using one of these methods:

• Open VSX Registry: For VS Code-compatible editors like VSCodium.

• VS Code Marketplace (Recommended): Fastest method for standard VS Code and Cursor users.

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. 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 with Cline extension ready to install

5. Install the Extension: Click the "Install" button next to the Cline extension.

6. Open Cline: Once installed, you can open Cline in a few ways:

   • Click the Cline icon in the Activity Bar.

   • Use the command palette (CMD/CTRL + Shift + P) and type "Cline: Open In New Tab" to open Cline as a tab in your editor. This is recommended for a better view.

   • Troubleshooting: If you don't see the Cline icon, try restarting VS Code.

What You'll See: 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):

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

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

   • Start with a task's worth of free credits - no credit card needed

2. Available AI Models: Cline provides instant access to frontier 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

Now you're ready to start building with Cline. Let's create your first project folder and build something! Copy and paste the following 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?

What You'll See: 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, don't hesitate to ask Cline!

• Use Screenshots: Cline can understand images, so feel free to use screenshots to show him what you're working on.

• Copy and Paste Errors: If you encounter errors, copy and paste the error messages into Cline's chat. This will help him understand the issue and provide a solution.

• Speak Plainly: Cline is designed to understand plain, non-technical language. Feel free to describe your ideas in your own words, and Cline will translate them into code.

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