Claude AI offers powerful language models, but accessing them for free isn’t always straightforward. This guide walks you through how to set up Claude Cloud Code without paying a dime — no technical jargon, just clear steps.
Finding Free Claude AI Models
Start by visiting B.AI, a platform offering a selection of free AI models you can use right away. Once there, click the “Try BI” button to access the dashboard, where models like GLM 5.3 Flash and others await your experimentation. These models respond instantly, offering you a taste of Claude’s capabilities without spending a cent.
Not all models are accessible via API; look out for the gift icon marking the free ones you can integrate with your own projects. Copy the model ID of your preferred one to get ready for setup.
Preparing Your Cloud Code Configuration
Next, you’ll need to configure Claude Cloud Code to connect with the free model you picked. Head to the terminal, navigate to your Cloud Code folder, and clear existing configuration files—specifically, remove any old setting.json to avoid conflicts.
Join the accompanying Discord community if you haven’t yet; there you’ll find pre-written code snippets and resources to simplify your setup. Copy the Cloud Code configuration snippet from the #resources channel and paste it into your freshly created setting.json file.
Linking API Credentials and Selecting Your Model
The crucial part of the setup lies in the API token. Generate your API key from the B.AI platform by creating a new token and copying it directly into your setting.json. Paste the base URL and your chosen model ID alongside the token to complete your config.
You can swap out models anytime by changing the model ID in your configuration file and saving it—giving you flexibility to test multiple AI options effortlessly.
Installing and Running Cloud Code
Downloading the Cloud Code CLI tool is straightforward. Visit the official Cloud Code website, navigate to the CLI download section, and follow commands designed for your operating system. Windows users, for example, can paste a single command into their terminal to install.
Once installed, launching Cloud Code is just a terminal command away. If prompted, confirm API key setup, and you’re ready to test your connection. Try running a sample query to see responses from the AI model you’ve selected.
Integrating Claude AI with VS Code
For developers who want a smooth workflow, the Cloud Code VS Code extension brings the AI model right into your editor. Download the extension, then click the Cloud Code icon in VS Code to start interacting with Claude AI directly.
Changing models or updating credentials happens just as quickly here by modifying the setting.json. This means you can experiment with different AI engines without interrupting your work.
This setup opens up a world of free, no-cost access to Claude AI’s language models, perfect for developers, content creators, or AI enthusiasts eager to explore.
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