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:

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 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!

🌐 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.
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.

💻 Your First Interaction with Cline

You're ready to start building! Copy and paste this prompt into the Cline chat window:

Copy

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!

🧩 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.