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---
title: "Installing Cline"
description: "Cline brings AI-powered coding assistance to your editor. Available for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs."
---
## Choose Your Editor
Cline works across multiple development environments:
- **VS Code/Cursor:** Install from VS Code Marketplace (most popular)
- **JetBrains IDEs:** Install from JetBrains Marketplace - works in IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and more
- **VSCodium/Windsurf:** Install from Open VSX Registry
## VS Code Installation
### 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`.
<Frame caption="VS Code marketplace with Cline extension ready to install">
<img
src="https://storage.googleapis.com/cline_public_images/docs/assets/image%20(20).png"
alt="VS Code marketplace showing Cline extension"
/>
</Frame>
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.
## JetBrains Installation
For IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, DataSpell, and other JetBrains IDEs:
1. Open your JetBrains IDE
2. Press `Ctrl+Alt+S` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd+,` (macOS) to open Settings
3. Go to Plugins → Marketplace tab
4. Search "Cline" and click Install
5. Restart your IDE
**Need more help?** See our [complete JetBrains installation guide](/getting-started/installing-cline-jetbrains) for screenshots and troubleshooting.
### 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](https://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:
```
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.