Claude Code has an official VS Code extension from Anthropic. Anthropic describes it as a native graphical interface for Claude Code, integrated directly into the editor, so you can work with Claude Code without leaving VS Code. The details below come from Anthropic's VS Code docs, checked on 4 November 2026.
Install the extension
- Check that VS Code is version 1.94.0 or later.
- Open the Extensions view and search for Claude Code. The publisher is Anthropic and the extension ID is
anthropic.claude-code. - Install it, open the Claude Code panel and sign in with an account that includes Claude Code: a Pro, Max, Ultra, Team or Enterprise plan, or an Anthropic Console account.
The same extension installs in Cursor and other editors built on VS Code.
How the extension relates to the command line tool
The extension bundles its own copy of the Claude Code CLI, so it works without a separate install. It doesn't add the claude command to your shell, though. To run claude in a terminal as well, install the CLI separately, as set out on the install page.
New lines in the VS Code terminal
When running the CLI inside VS Code's own terminal, the /terminal-setup command installs a Shift+Enter keybinding for new lines. The rest of the keyboard shortcuts are on the terminal shortcuts page.
JetBrains IDEs
For IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, Android Studio, WebStorm, PhpStorm and GoLand there's a Claude Code plugin in the JetBrains Marketplace, currently in beta. It doesn't bundle the CLI, so the CLI needs installing as well as the plugin. The details are in Anthropic's JetBrains docs.
Editor or terminal
I run Claude Code in the terminal myself, on a Mac Mini that stays on, inside tmux, and reached over SSH from my phone through ShellDrop. Why that suits the way my business runs is on the Claude Code guide. The editor extension is the other way in, with the changes appearing in the files you have open.
Setting it up for your business.
The half-day Claude Code course builds an agent operating system for your business on your own machine, with your screen shared the whole way. Two seats, live on Zoom.
See the Claude Code course →Questions about Claude Code in VS Code
Is there an official Claude Code extension for VS Code?
Yes. Anthropic publishes the Claude Code extension, ID anthropic.claude-code, in the VS Code Extensions marketplace. It needs VS Code 1.94.0 or later.
Do I need the Claude Code CLI to use the VS Code extension?
No. The extension bundles its own copy of the CLI. It doesn't put the claude command on your shell PATH, so to run claude in a terminal as well, install the CLI separately.
Does the Claude Code extension work in Cursor?
Yes. Anthropic's docs say the extension also installs in Cursor and other editors built on VS Code.
Is there a Claude Code plugin for JetBrains?
Yes, a beta plugin from the JetBrains Marketplace for IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, Android Studio, WebStorm, PhpStorm and GoLand. It doesn't bundle the CLI, so the CLI needs installing as well.