🤖 Setting Up LM Studio with Cline

Run AI models locally using LM Studio with Cline.

📋 Prerequisites

  • Windows, macOS, or Linux computer with AVX2 support
  • Cline installed in VS Code

🚀 Setup Steps

1. Install LM Studio

  • Visit lmstudio.ai
  • Download and install for your operating system

2. Launch LM Studio

  • Open the installed application
  • You’ll see four tabs on the left: Chat, Developer (where you will start the server), My Models (where your downloaded models are stored), Discover (add new models)

3. Download a Model

  • Browse the “Discover” page
  • Select and download your preferred model
  • Wait for download to complete

4. Start the Server

  • Navigate to the “Developer” tab
  • Toggle the server switch to “Running”
  • Note: The server will run at http://localhost:1234

5. Configure Cline

  1. Open VS Code
  2. Click Cline settings icon
  3. Select “LM Studio” as API provider
  4. Select your model from the available options

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Start LM Studio before using with Cline
  • Keep LM Studio running in background
  • First model download may take several minutes depending on size
  • Models are stored locally after download

🔧 Troubleshooting

  1. If Cline can’t connect to LM Studio:
  2. Verify LM Studio server is running (check Developer tab)
  3. Ensure a model is loaded
  4. Check your system meets hardware requirements