cline/docs/getting-started/installing-cline.mdx

---
title: "Installing Cline"
description: "Get Cline set up in your editor and start building projects with AI assistance."
---

## Prerequisites

Before installing Cline, make sure you have the following:

### Create a Cline Account

Create a Cline account for the best experience. Creating a Cline account is completely free and you can [sign up here](https://app.cline.bot/signup). A Cline account provides:
- Access to multiple AI models including stealth models
- Seamless setup without needing to manage API keys
- At times, we partner with model providers to offer inferencing at no cost through your Cline account

### Compatible Editor

Cline works with the following IDEs:
- **VS Code** - Microsoft's popular code editor
- **Cursor** - AI-powered code editor based on VS Code
- **JetBrains IDEs** - IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, DataSpell, PhpStorm, and other JetBrains products
- **VSCodium** - Open-source version of VS Code
- **Windsurf** - VS Code-compatible editor

Make sure you have one of these editors installed before proceeding with the Cline installation.

## Choose Your Editor

Cline works across multiple IDEs. Select your preferred editor below for installation instructions:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="VS Code/Cursor" icon="code">
    ### Installation Steps

    1. **Open VS Code** and navigate to the Extensions view (`Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + X`)
    2. **Search for "Cline"** in the Extensions marketplace
    3. **Click Install** on the Cline extension

    <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>

    4. **Access Cline** after installation:
       - Click the Cline icon in the Activity Bar, or
       - Use Command Palette (`Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P`) → "Cline: Open In New Tab"

    > **Note:** If VS Code shows "Running extensions might..." dialog, click "Allow". If you don't see the Cline icon, restart VS Code.

    <Accordion title="Troubleshooting">

    **Plugin Installation Issues**

    If 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

    If installation fails:
    - Restart your VS Code and try again
    - Check your internet connection
    - Try installing from VSIX file as an alternative

    **Plugin Not Appearing**

    If you don't see the Cline tool window after installation:
    - 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)

    **Common Issues**

    Plugin appears to be installed but doesn't work:
    - 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

    Performance or compatibility issues:
    - 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

    Need help? Join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/cline).

    </Accordion>
  </Tab>
  
  <Tab title="JetBrains IDEs" icon="brain">
    <img
    	src="https://storage.googleapis.com/cline_public_images/docs/assets/jetbrains-logo.svg"
    	alt="JetBrains logo"
    	style={{ width: "200px", height: "auto", margin: "0 auto 20px auto", display: "block" }}
    />

    Cline for JetBrains works almost identically to Cline in VSCode. All the core features work properly: diff editing, using tools, logging in with different providers, MCP servers, Cline rules and workflows, and more.


    ### Installation Steps

    **Method 1: From IDE (Recommended)**
    1. Open your JetBrains IDE
    2. Go to **Settings** (`Ctrl+Alt+S` on Windows/Linux, `Cmd+,` on macOS)
    3. Navigate to **Plugins** → **Marketplace**
    4. Search for "Cline" and click **Install**
    5. Restart your IDE

    <Frame>
    	<img
    		src="https://storage.googleapis.com/cline_public_images/docs/assets/cline-jetbrains-marketplace-search.png"
    		alt="JetBrains marketplace showing Cline plugin search results"
    	/>
    </Frame>

    **Method 2: Browser Install**
    
    Visit the [JetBrains Marketplace](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/28247-cline) and click **Install to IDE**.

    <Accordion title="Method 3: Manual Installation">

    1. Download the plugin from the [marketplace page](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/28247-cline)
    2. Go to **Settings** → **Plugins**
    3. Click the gear icon → **Install Plugin from Disk**
    4. Select the downloaded `.zip` file
    5. Restart your IDE

    </Accordion>

    ### Using the Plugin

    After installation, you’ll find Cline in your IDE. Look for the Cline tool window (usually on the right side) or go to View → Tool Windows → Cline.

    ### Key Features

    Cline for JetBrains includes all core features:
    - Diff editing and file modifications
    - Multiple API providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, local models)
    - MCP servers and custom tools
    - Cline rules and workflows
    - @ mentions for files, folders, and problems
    - Drag & drop support

    > **Note:** Terminal output appears in collapsible sections rather than streaming directly to chat.

    ### Key Differences from VSCode
    The terminal integration works differently in JetBrains. Unlike VSCode where terminal output streams directly to the chat, JetBrains shows command output in a collapsible section. Commands still execute successfully - you just need to expand the Command Output section to see results.

    <Accordion title="Troubleshooting">

    **Plugin Installation Issues**

    If 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 IDE version is compatible (2023.1 or later recommended)

    If installation fails:
    - Restart your IDE and try again
    - Check your internet connection
    - Try installing from disk as an alternative

    **Plugin Not Appearing**

    If you don't see the Cline tool window after installation:
    - Restart your IDE completely (File → Exit and reopen)
    - Check **View** → **Tool Windows** → **Cline**
    - Verify the plugin is enabled in **Settings** → **Plugins** → **Installed** tab
    - Look for the Cline icon in your IDE's tool window bar (usually on the right side)

    **Common Issues**

    Plugin appears to be installed but doesn't work:
    - Ensure you've restarted your IDE after installation
    - Check if there are any error messages in the IDE's event log
    - Try disabling and re-enabling the plugin in Settings

    Performance or compatibility issues:
    - Make sure you're using a supported JetBrains IDE version
    - Check for IDE updates that might improve compatibility
    - Consider allocating more memory to your IDE if needed

    Need help? Join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/cline).

    </Accordion>
  </Tab>
  
  <Tab title="VSCodium/Windsurf" icon="terminal">
    ### Installation Steps

    For VS Code-compatible editors using Open VSX Registry:

    1. **Open your editor** (VSCodium, Windsurf, etc.)
    2. **Navigate to Extensions view** (`Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + X`)
    3. **Search for "Cline"** in the marketplace
    4. **Select "Cline" by saoudrizwan** and click **Install**
    5. **Reload** if prompted

    > **Note:** These editors use the Open VSX Registry instead of the VS Code Marketplace.

    <Accordion title="Troubleshooting">

    **Plugin Installation Issues**

    If 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 editor version is compatible

    If installation fails:
    - Restart your editor and try again
    - Check your internet connection
    - Try installing from disk as an alternative

    **Plugin Not Appearing**

    If you don't see the Cline tool window after installation:
    - Restart your editor 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)

    **Common Issues**

    Plugin appears to be installed but doesn't work:
    - Ensure you've restarted your editor after installation
    - Check if there are any error messages in the Developer Console
    - Try disabling and re-enabling the extension

    Performance or compatibility issues:
    - Make sure you're using a supported editor version
    - Check for editor updates that might improve compatibility
    - Consider closing other resource-intensive extensions if needed

    Need help? Join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/cline).

    </Accordion>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Sign In to Your Cline Account

Now that you have Cline installed, sign in to access your account:

1. **Open Cline** in your editor (click the Cline icon in the Activity Bar or Tool Windows)
2. **Click "Sign In"** - you'll see this button in the Cline interface
3. **Complete authentication** - you'll be redirected to [app.cline.bot](https://app.cline.bot) to sign in
4. **Return to your editor** - once signed in, you'll be automatically redirected back


### 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](https://discord.gg/cline) and engage with our team and other Cline users directly.