# Cline Setup: OpenAI Compatible Provider

> Configure Cline's OpenAI Compatible provider for ZRouter with your account API key, model ID, and supported text-tool workflows.

## Compatibility first

**Client-executed function tools are supported with account keys.** Use inline text tool results and explicit history. Full Cline sessions still need client-specific validation; media, hosted tools, and opaque state remain unsupported.

Use a dedicated account API key for the supported subset. The example below connects to your ZRouter account at `https://zrouter.si/v1`.

## Configure the extension

Open Cline's settings using its gear icon. Choose **OpenAI Compatible**, then enter:

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Base URL | `https://zrouter.si/v1` |
| API key | Your dedicated ZRouter account API key |
| Model ID | Exact `PROVIDER_INSTANCE/MODEL_ID` returned by the gateway |
| Max output tokens | A limit supported by the selected model |
| Context window | The selected model's actual context limit |

Use **OpenAI Compatible**, rather than assuming the native OpenAI provider offers the same custom URL settings. Keep this workflow text-only and use client-executed function tools supported by the selected model. See [Cline's official provider setup](https://docs.cline.bot/provider-config/openai-compatible).

## Verify

Save the settings and use **Verify** if available. Start a small task, such as reading one file and explaining it. Check gateway logs for successful inference and tool exchanges. Tools run under Cline's permission controls; routing through ZRouter does not replace those controls.

## Troubleshooting

- For authentication errors, use your account API key, not an upstream provider key or browser session token.
- For 404, the base URL should end at `/v1`, not `/v1/chat/completions`.
- For unknown models, copy the gateway's exact identifier instead of a display label.
- For a hosted-tool or media rejection, disable that feature and use a supported text workflow.

See [shared troubleshooting](/docs/integrations/troubleshooting). The settings in this guide apply to Cline's OpenAI-compatible extension configuration; other Cline interfaces may have separate settings.