# Cline with AnyRouter — free models, one API key

> Use Cline with AnyRouter's OpenAI-compatible base URL. Run free models with anyrouter/free, or any catalog model with one sk-ar- key.


# Cline with AnyRouter

[Cline](https://cline.bot) has a built-in **OpenAI Compatible** provider, so it can talk to AnyRouter with no plugin and no code. You get free models through `anyrouter/free`, every catalog model behind one `sk-ar-` key, and a log row for each request.

## Set it up

::::steps

:::step{title="Create an AnyRouter key"}
Open [Dashboard → Keys](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/keys) and create a key. Every AnyRouter inference key starts with `sk-ar-`.
:::

:::step{title="Add AnyRouter as an OpenAI Compatible provider"}
In Cline, click the gear icon to open settings, then set:

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| **API Provider** | `OpenAI Compatible` |
| **Base URL** | `https://anyrouter.dev/api/v1` |
| **API Key** | your `sk-ar-` key |
| **Model** | `anyrouter/free` |
:::

:::step{title="Send a message and check the logs"}
Ask Cline anything, then open your [request logs](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/logs). The request appears with the model that answered, tokens, and cost.
:::

::::

:::tip
Cline is an agent that calls tools. Pick a model that supports tool calling — browse [Chat Completions models](https://anyrouter.dev/models?endpoint=chat-completions). Under Cline's model configuration you can also set the context window and max output tokens to match the model's catalog page.
:::

## Which model id to use

| Model id | What it does |
|---|---|
| `anyrouter/free` | Routes to the best free model available right now, with automatic fallback. No credits used. |
| `anyrouter/auto` | Picks from top models (free and paid) with health-aware failover. Paid members use credits. |
| `owner/model` | A specific model, for example `z-ai/glm-5.2`. Copy ids from the [catalog](https://anyrouter.dev/models). |

## Free models

`anyrouter/free` costs nothing and needs no provider keys. It is capped per account per day: **10 requests/day** on the Free plan and **1000 requests/day** on paid plans, reset at 00:00 UTC. An agent like Cline sends many requests per task, so the Free plan cap goes quickly. Details: [Free Tier](/features/free-tier).

## Bring your own keys

Already pay for a provider? Add its key in AnyRouter and Cline uses it through the same base URL. BYOK requests are billed by your provider and do not count against the free daily cap. See [Use your own provider keys](/guides/byok-provider-keys) and [BYOK](/features/byok).

## Troubleshooting

**401** — the API Key field does not hold an active `sk-ar-` key. Check it in [Dashboard → Keys](https://anyrouter.dev/dashboard/keys).

**404 or model not found** — the Model field must match an AnyRouter id exactly, including the `owner/` prefix.

**429 `free_tier_daily_limit_exceeded`** — you used today's free requests. Wait for 00:00 UTC, add credits, or switch to a BYOK model.

**400 `no_eligible_models` on `anyrouter/auto` or `anyrouter/free`** — your privacy or routing settings (for example Zero Data Retention or blocked providers) excluded every candidate. Relax them in the dashboard, or pick a specific model.

## Related

- [AnyRouter CLI](/cli)
- [Kilo Code](/guides/kilo-code) · [Continue](/guides/continue) · [OpenCode](/guides/opencode) · [Claude Code](/guides/claude-code) · [Codex](/guides/codex)
- [AnyRouter MCP with Cline](/mcp/cline)
- [Free Tier](/features/free-tier)


## Related

- [Free Tier](/docs/features/free-tier.md)
- [Get a provider API key](/docs/guides/byok-provider-keys.md)
- [Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)](/docs/features/byok.md)
- [AnyRouter CLI](/docs/cli.md)
- [Kilo Code with AnyRouter — free models, one API key](/docs/guides/kilo-code.md)
- [Continue with AnyRouter — free models, one API key](/docs/guides/continue.md)
- [OpenCode with AnyRouter — free models, one API key](/docs/guides/opencode.md)