Setup guide - Documented by Cline
Use OpenAI in Cline
Cline supports the official OpenAI API with an API key (provider "OpenAI") and a subscription path (provider "OpenAI Codex") that signs in with your OpenAI account via OAuth.
Last verified 3 steps2 official sources
Steps
- Step 1.
API key path: create a key in the API keys section of the OpenAI Platform (https://platform.openai.com/api-keys) and copy it immediately.
- Step 2.
Open Cline Settings, choose "OpenAI" from the "API Provider" dropdown, paste your key into the "OpenAI API Key" field, and choose a model from the "Model" dropdown. Optionally enter a Base URL if you use a proxy; most users will not need to change it.
- Step 3.
Subscription path: open Cline settings, select OpenAI Codex from API Provider, click Sign in with OpenAI and complete browser OAuth, then return to Cline and choose a model.
Caveats
- Cline's OpenAI page does not list model ids; the ids shown come from OpenAI's model catalog. Choose from Cline's Model dropdown.
- On the OpenAI Codex (OAuth) path, available models depend on your OpenAI plan.
More setup guides
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Related reading
- Codex CLI 0.163: Instant Steering Is Now the DefaultCodex CLI 0.163.0 makes mid-response steering the default and adds searchable /config and a leader key. What changed and what to check before upgrading.
- Tool Calling Under the Hood: Claude Messages vs OpenAI ResponsesHow tool calling works on the wire: JSON schema tools, parallel calls, tool_choice, strict mode and streaming deltas in Claude Messages vs OpenAI Responses.
- Codex 'gpt-5.5 Model Is Not Supported' Error: The FixCodex says gpt-5.5 is not supported with a ChatGPT account because OpenAI retired it from ChatGPT sign-in on October 14. The fix and what still works.
- Codex CLI Background Daemon: How to Turn It OffCodex CLI starts a persistent, self-updating background daemon since 0.157.0. What it does, why it hit Hacker News and the reported workaround to turn it off.
- Codex CLI 0.162: Managed Worktrees and Pinned TasksCodex CLI 0.162 lets the agent create and list its own Git worktrees, adds pinned tasks and custom provider capability overrides. What to change this week.
- ChatGPT Free vs Go vs Plus After GPT-6: Which Model You GetFree and Go ($8) both get GPT-6 Luna in Chat. Plus ($20) is the cheapest plan with GPT-6 Sol and full Codex. What each ChatGPT plan buys now.
FAQ
How do I use OpenAI in Cline?
Cline supports the official OpenAI API with an API key (provider "OpenAI") and a subscription path (provider "OpenAI Codex") that signs in with your OpenAI account via OAuth.
Which OpenAI model ids work in Cline?
The official docs read for this guide list gpt-6.1-sol, gpt-6-astra and gpt-6-luna.
Is this an official OpenAI and Cline setup?
Cline documents this setup in its own docs. It was last checked against 2 official pages on October 17, 2026.
Sources
Last verified against 2 official pages.
- docs.cline.bothttps://docs.cline.bot/provider-config/openai
- developers.openai.comhttps://developers.openai.com/api/docs/models
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