Use Cline with OAIRoute
Cline ships with an "OpenAI Compatible" provider type. Paste the gateway base URL and a key, and every model OAIRoute carries becomes selectable inside the extension.
Configuration
API Provider OpenAI Compatible
Base URL https://api.oairoute.com/v1
API Key YOUR_OAIROUTE_KEY
Model ID claude-opus-5
# Enable "Supports Images" and "Supports Prompt Caching"
# for the models that offer them.Why route it through OAIRoute
Pick the model per task, not per install
Ask questions with a cheap model, write code with a strong one. Both are the same provider entry with a different model ID.
Keep your own key and spend limit
Create a dedicated key for the extension so a runaway loop cannot drain your main balance.
Works with prompt caching where offered
Turn on "Supports Prompt Caching" and large file reads stop being billed at full price.
Setup
- 1
Create a key
Register at api.oairoute.com and create a key on the token page.
- 2
Configure the provider
In Cline settings choose API Provider: OpenAI Compatible, then fill in the base URL and key.
- 3
Verify
Ask Cline to read your package.json and list the dependencies. If it does, tool use is wired up.
Models worth trying
| Model ID | Name | Use it for | USD per 1M in / out |
|---|---|---|---|
claude-sonnet-5-5 | Claude Sonnet 5.5 | Best default for Cline — strong tool use. | $0.18 / $0.90 |
gpt-6.1-sol | GPT-6.1 Sol | Cheap alternative for simple edits. | $0.10 / $0.50 |
glm-5.3-flash | GLM-5.3 Flash | Lowest cost per task, good for repetitive changes. | $0.036 / $0.126 |
Prices are per million tokens, input / output, at the rates published in the model catalogue.
Questions
Where do I enter the model ID?
In the same provider panel. Type the model string exactly as it appears in the catalogue, for example claude-sonnet-5-5.
Settings vanish per workspace?
Cline stores some settings per workspace. Set it once in your global config so every project inherits it.
Tool calls fail on some models?
Not every model implements tool use equally. Switch to claude-sonnet-5-5 when a cheaper model misbehaves.