Ready to get started? Installation takes less than 2 minutes! Choose your editor below and follow the simple steps.
Before You Begin
Create Your Account
Sign up for a free Cline account to get:
- Access to multiple AI models including stealth models
- Seamless setup without managing API keys
- Occasional free inferencing through partner providers
Have a Compatible Editor
Cline works with:
- VS Code / Cursor
- JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ, PyCharm, WebStorm, etc.)
- VSCodium / Windsurf
Installation Instructions
- VS Code/Cursor
- JetBrains IDEs
- VSCodium/Windsurf
1
Open Extensions
Launch VS Code and open the Extensions view:
- Press
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + X, or - Click the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar
2
Search for Cline
Type “Cline” in the Extensions marketplace search bar
3
Install
Click the Install button on the Cline extension.png)
VS Code marketplace with Cline extension ready to install
4
Access Cline
After installation completes:
- Click the Cline icon in the Activity Bar, or
- Open Command Palette (
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P) → type “Cline: Open In New Tab”
Cline opened in VSCode
If VS Code shows “Running extensions might…” dialog, click Allow. If you don’t see the Cline icon, restart VS Code.
Installation Complete! You should now see the Cline interface in your editor. Time to sign in!
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Plugin Installation IssuesIf you can’t find Cline in the marketplace:
- Make sure you’re searching in the Marketplace tab (not Installed)
- Try searching for “Cline AI” or just “Cline”
- Check that your VS Code version is compatible
- Restart your VS Code and try again
- Check your internet connection
- Try installing from VSIX file as an alternative
- Restart VS Code completely (File → Exit and reopen)
- Check View → Command Palette → “Cline: Open In New Tab”
- Verify the plugin is enabled in Extensions view
- Look for the Cline icon in your Activity Bar (usually on the left side)
- Ensure you’ve restarted VS Code after installation
- Check if there are any error messages in the Developer Console
- Try disabling and re-enabling the extension
- Make sure you’re using a supported VS Code version
- Check for VS Code updates that might improve compatibility
- Consider closing other resource-intensive extensions if needed
Next Steps: Sign In & Start Building
1
Open Cline
Find and open Cline in your editor:
- VS Code/Cursor/VSCodium/Windsurf: Click the Cline icon in the Activity Bar
- JetBrains: Go to View → Tool Windows → Cline
2
Sign In
Click the Sign Up button in the Cline interface
You’ll be redirected to app.cline.bot to authenticate. After signing in, you’ll automatically return to your editor.
3
You're All Set!
Congratulations! You’re all set to start using Cline!Cline is now ready to help you build projects.
Tips for Success
Ask Questions
Don’t know something? Ask in Plan Mode! Cline can explain concepts, debug errors, and guide you through tasks.
Use Screenshots
Some models understand screenshots of what you’re working on or errors you encounter.
Share Error Messages
Use @problems to share error messages for quick solutions and debugging help.
Speak Naturally
Use your own words—no need for technical jargon. Cline will translate your ideas into code.