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Installing Caret

Installation Options​

  • VS Code Marketplace (Recommended): Fastest method for standard VS Code and Cursor users.
  • Open VSX Registry: For VS Code-compatible editors like VSCodium.

VS Code Marketplace: Step-by-Step Setup​

Follow these steps to get Caret up and running:

  1. Open VS Code: Launch the VS Code application.

    Note: If VS Code shows "Running extensions might...", click "Allow".

  2. Open Your Caret Folder: In VS Code, open the Caret folder you created in Documents.

  3. Navigate to Extensions: Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of VS Code (Ctrl + Shift + X or Cmd + Shift + X).

  4. Search for 'Caret': In the Extensions search bar, type Caret.

VS Code marketplace showing Caret extension
VS Code marketplace with Caret extension ready to install
  1. Install the Extension: Click the "Install" button next to the Caret extension.
  2. Open Caret:
    • Click the Caret icon in the Activity Bar.
    • Or, use the command palette (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P) and type "Caret: Open In New Tab" for a better view.
  3. Troubleshooting: If you don't see the Caret icon, try restarting VS Code.

Pro Tip: You should see the Caret chat window appear in your VS Code editor!

Open VSX Registry​

For VS Code-compatible editors without Marketplace access (like VSCodium and Windsurf):

  1. Open your editor.
  2. Access the Extensions view.
  3. Search for "Caret".
  4. Select "Caret" by saoudrizwan and click Install.
  5. Reload if prompted.

Creating Your Caret Account​

Now that you have Caret installed, let's get you set up with your account:

  1. Sign In to Caret:
    • Click the Sign In button in the Caret extension.
    • You'll be taken to app.caret.bot to create your account.
  2. Start with Free Credits:
    • No credit card needed!
  3. Available AI Models:
    • Anthropic Claude 3.5-Sonnet (recommended for coding)
    • DeepSeek Chat (cost-effective alternative)
    • Google Gemini 2.0 Flash
    • And more — all through your Caret account.

Your First Interaction with Caret​

You're ready to start building! Copy and paste this prompt into the Caret chat window:

Hey Caret! Could you help me create a new project folder called "hello-world" in my Caret directory and make a simple webpage that says "Hello World" in big blue text?

Pro Tip: Caret will help you create the project folder and set up your first webpage!

Tips for Working with Caret​

  • Ask Questions: If you're unsure about something, ask Caret!
  • Use Screenshots: Caret can understand images — show him what you're working on.
  • Copy and Paste Errors: Share error messages in the chat for solutions.
  • Speak Plainly: Use your own words — Caret will translate them into code.

Still Struggling?​

Join our Discord community and engage with our team and other Caret users directly.