> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://thegrid.ai/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://thegrid.ai/docs/integrations-and-best-practices/integrations/kilocode.md).

# Kilo Code Integration with The Grid | VS Code and CLI Setup

Kilo Code talks to The Grid through its built-in custom-provider flow. The CLI has a `/connect` shortcut; the VS Code extension exposes the same setup behind a gear icon. Either way, your requests go straight to `api.thegrid.ai/v1` with your Grid consumption key, billed against your Grid credits.

## Prerequisites

* Kilo Code installed (the [VS Code extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=kilocode.Kilo-Code) or the CLI: `npm install -g @kilocode/cli`).
* A Grid account at [app.thegrid.ai](https://app.thegrid.ai).
* Credits in your account. The Grid is prepaid; zero credits returns 402.
* A Grid consumption API key from **Settings → API Keys → Create Consumption Key**.

## Setup

### 1. Get your Grid consumption API key

Log into [app.thegrid.ai](https://app.thegrid.ai). Go to **Settings → API Keys → Create Consumption Key** and copy it.

### 2a. CLI: run `/connect`

```bash
kilo
```

Inside the TUI, run `/connect`, select **The Grid** from the provider list, and paste your consumption key when prompted. Kilo writes the provider config for you.

### 2b. VS Code: gear icon → Custom provider

In the Kilo Code panel, click the gear icon. In the **Providers** tab, choose **Custom provider** and select **The Grid**. Paste your consumption key and submit. Kilo populates the instrument list automatically.

### 3. Pick a default instrument

Set your default instrument in the Kilo model picker. `code-prime` is a good starting point for a coding agent; `agent-prime` fits agentic tool-use work; the Max tier handles hard architecture or long-horizon planning. The full tier guide lives in the [current instruments list](/docs/instrument-specifications/current-instruments.md).

### 4. Check the context window per instrument

Kilo Code is part of the Cline/Roo family and needs an accurate context window per model to decide how much it can send. When it reads The Grid's `/v1/models`, it picks up the window automatically. If you set a model up by hand or override it, set the context window to 128K on the `code-prime` or `agent-prime` instruments above and 1M on the Max tier, and keep max output below it. A window larger than the instrument's real one makes Kilo overpack a long task and return a 400. For any other instrument, get its context window from the [current instruments list](/docs/instrument-specifications/current-instruments.md).

### 5. (Optional) Tier instruments per mode

Kilo Code's Architect, Coder, and Debugger modes each accept their own model. A common split: Code Max for Architect and Debugger, Code Prime for Coder, Code Standard for autocomplete.

## Verification

Open a project and ask: "Add a rate limiter middleware to the Express app in `src/server.ts` and a test for it." If Kilo reads files, writes code, and runs the test, the integration is live.

## Troubleshooting

{% hint style="warning" %}
**401 Unauthorized.** You used a Grid trading key, not a consumption key. Trading keys authenticate the order book, not inference. Generate a new consumption key and reconnect.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**402 Payment Required.** Your credits are at zero. Top up at [app.thegrid.ai](https://app.thegrid.ai). Auto Buy is on by default; if it's not catching this, check that your payment method is valid.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Instruments missing from the model picker.** Confirm The Grid is in the connected providers list (gear icon → Providers in VS Code, or `kilo models` in the CLI). If you previously used another OpenAI-compatible provider with the ID `openai-compatible`, pick a fresh ID and reconnect.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Cost numbers don't match the Grid dashboard.** Kilo Code's cost display uses static per-model fields. The Grid bills at market rate per fill, which varies by supplier. Treat the dashboard at [app.thegrid.ai](https://app.thegrid.ai) as the source of truth.
{% endhint %}


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