Standalone desktop workspace
Open a workspace in the native beta app and let the agent read, edit, and run code without opening VS Code.
Cline
Freemium
Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that reads and edits code, runs commands, and works with connected tools. Its native desktop app provides a standalone workspace for coding tasks on macOS, Windows, and Linux, while the same agent is also available in IDEs and the CLI.
What is Cline?
Cline is an open-source AI coding agent for developers who want an agent to work across their codebase rather than only provide inline autocomplete. It can read files, make multi-file edits, run terminal commands, operate a browser, and show changes for approval. Its Plan and Act workflow separates planning from execution for tasks that need more control.
Cline for Desktop is a beta native application that does not require an editor window. A developer opens a workspace, views its name and Git branch, and interacts with the agent while it reads, edits, and runs code. The desktop app is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, with builds for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs and x86_64 and arm64 Linux packages.
The agent supports multiple inference options. Users can bring their own API key and connect to providers including Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, open-weight models, or a local endpoint; the broader Cline service also lists providers such as OpenRouter, AWS Bedrock, GCP Vertex, Groq, Cerebras, Vercel AI Gateway, and DeepSeek. Models can be switched during a desktop project, and Cline is also available through VS Code, JetBrains, Cursor, Windsurf, the CLI, and SDK.
Cline is free for individual developers; AI inference is usage-based, with support for using personal API keys or Cline credits. Enterprise plans add organizational capabilities such as centralized billing, SSO, role-based access control, team management, and audit logs.
What can Cline do?
Provider and model flexibility
Use a personal API key with supported hosted or local model endpoints, and switch models during a project.
Queued messages
Continue writing while a task is running; edit, reorder, send, or delete follow-up messages from the queue.
Fork and edit conversations
Edit an earlier message to fork a session, rewind the workspace to that checkpoint, and rerun the task from the revised prompt.
Cross-surface session history
Review and favorite sessions from Desktop, CLI, the editor extension, and scheduled runs, with filtering by source.
Controlled agent actions
In the IDE, Plan and Act modes, checkpoints, visual diffs, and approval prompts help users review proposed work and command execution.
Use Cases
“Working outside an editor”
Open a repository directly in the desktop app when a full IDE window is unnecessary, while still giving the agent access to the workspace and Git context.
“Iterating on an unfinished task”
Queue clarifications or follow-up requests during a long-running task, then reorder or edit them before they are sent.
“Exploring alternative implementations”
Fork a conversation from an earlier prompt, revise the instruction, and rerun the work from the selected checkpoint rather than starting over.
“Reviewing and improving a codebase”
Use the IDE surface to reference files, folders, problems, or Git diffs, ask for refactoring or review, and inspect changes before approving them.
“Connecting development work to external systems”
Use MCP servers in the editor to let Cline interact with supported services such as bug trackers, deployment platforms, or data warehouses, subject to the configured tools and approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cline free?
The open-source Cline product is free for individual developers. Users pay for AI inference on a usage basis, either through their own provider API keys or Cline credits; the source does not specify fixed prices.
Which operating systems support Cline for Desktop?
The desktop beta is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The listed downloads include Apple Silicon and Intel macOS builds, Windows builds, and Linux `.deb` and `.rpm` packages for x86_64 and arm64.
Can I use my own model provider?
Yes. The desktop app supports bringing your own API key and connecting to providers such as Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, open-weight models, or a local endpoint. Cline also lists additional providers on its pricing and product pages.
How does Plan and Act mode work?
Plan Mode is used to discuss requirements and develop an implementation plan. After the plan is approved, Act Mode carries out the work step by step, including code changes and commands that require the applicable approval.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI coding agent / Developer tool
- Desktop status
- Beta
- Desktop platforms
- macOS, Windows, and Linux
- Other surfaces
- VS Code, JetBrains, Cursor, Windsurf, CLI, and SDK
- Core workflow
- Workspace-based agent interaction with queued messages, session history, and conversation forking
- Pricing model
- Free for individual developers; AI inference is usage-based
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