Claude Code in VS Code

Prerequisites

Complete the Node.js Installation Guide.

Install Claude Code:

1. Install VS Code

Download VS Code from the official download page.

On macOS:

Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4, or later): choose ARM64.

Intel Mac: choose x64.

2. Install the Claude Code extension

In VS Code, open Extensions, search for Claude Code for VS Code, confirm that the publisher is Anthropic, and select Install.

Open a project, then select the Claude Code icon in the editor toolbar.

3. Create an AnyRoute API key

Open the AnyRoute API Keys page.

Select Create Key.

Enter a name and select a Claude-compatible group.

Optionally configure IP restrictions, a spending limit, a rate limit, and an expiration date.

Never commit or publicly share an API key.

4. Configure the key

Option A: CC Switch (recommended)

Download CC Switch from the GitHub Releases page. In AnyRoute, select Import to CCS, then enable the imported Claude configuration.

Option B: environment variables

Windows PowerShell:

$env:ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL = "https://cc.anyroute.io"
$env:ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN = "YOUR_API_KEY"

macOS or Linux:

Start VS Code from the same configured environment, or use CC Switch so that the extension receives the provider settings. Avoid storing a key in project files.

When the extension first opens, it may display Anthropic sign-in options. With the AnyRoute environment configured, wait briefly for the extension to detect the provider.

If the prompt remains, open VS Code settings, search for Claude Code, and enable Disable Login Prompt if that option is present in your installed extension version.

6. Start using the extension

Describe the task in the input box. Claude Code can inspect and, subject to your selected permissions, modify the current workspace.

7. Working modes

Ask before edits

Claude displays proposed changes and requests confirmation before writing. Use this for unfamiliar tools and sensitive repositories.

Edit automatically

Claude writes without per-edit confirmation. Use it only for well-scoped work, then inspect the Git diff and run appropriate tests.

Plan mode

Claude inspects the project and proposes an implementation plan before editing. Use it for refactors, multi-file work, and architectural changes.

Additional features

Multiple panels

Use the + button to open additional Claude Code panels for independent tasks such as implementation and testing.

Reference a project file

Type @ and select a file to add it to the conversation context.

Attach a file

Use /attach file when supported by the installed version.

Switch models

Use /model and select Switch Model.

Troubleshooting

The Claude Code icon is missing

Confirm that the Anthropic extension is installed and enabled, then restart VS Code and open a project.

Open the extension settings and enable Disable Login Prompt if available. Also confirm that VS Code received the AnyRoute environment variables.

HTTP 401 or connection failure

Check ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL, ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN, key expiration, and the selected group.

How do I change models or billing groups?

Create a key for the required group in the AnyRoute console, then switch profiles in CC Switch.

Prerequisites#

1. Install VS Code#

2. Install the Claude Code extension#

3. Create an AnyRoute API key#

4. Configure the key#

Option A: CC Switch (recommended)#

Option B: environment variables#

5. Skip the official login prompt#

6. Start using the extension#

7. Working modes#

Ask before edits#

Edit automatically#

Plan mode#

Additional features#

Multiple panels#

Reference a project file#

Attach a file#

Switch models#

Troubleshooting#

The Claude Code icon is missing#

The login prompt remains#

HTTP 401 or connection failure#

How do I change models or billing groups?#