# Switch from GitHub Copilot to Cline

> Developers want an open-source, BYOK agent in VS Code with explicit approval of every file edit and terminal command.

Source: https://ai.dosa.dev/switch/github-copilot-to-cline · Copilot Migrations · Updated 2026-10-15 · Published by dosa.dev

## Why switch

Developers want an open-source, BYOK agent in VS Code with explicit approval of every file edit and terminal command. Shifts from a fixed $10/mo seat to pay-as-you-go API tokens.

## Cost delta

| | GitHub Copilot | Cline |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Copilot Pro ($10/mo) | — |
| Per-seat monthly delta | −$10 | |
| 10-dev team annual delta | −$1,200 | |

Shifts from a fixed $10/mo seat to pay-as-you-go API tokens. Model it: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=none&preset=daily

## Config migration

- GitHub Copilot rules: `.github/copilot-instructions.md`
- Cline rules: `.clinerules`
- Convert with the Rules Converter: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=copilot&to=clinerules

## 4-step checklist

1. **Audit & export your GitHub Copilot rules** — GitHub Copilot reads repo-level rules from .github/copilot-instructions.md. Convert them to .clinerules with the Rules Converter, then review the output before committing. (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=copilot&to=clinerules)
2. **Install & configure Cline** — Download Cline from the official site. Pricing: Freemium. (https://github.com/cline/cline?utm_source=ai.dosa.dev&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Adapt your daily workflow (IDE Plugins → IDE Plugins)** — You stay in your editor with a different plugin — mostly new keybindings, approval flow and pricing model. Cline is best for developers needing a true coding agent that can handle complex, multi-file refactoring, execute terminal commands, and follow project-specific coding rules defined in.clinerules.
4. **Run a one-week parallel pilot, then reallocate seats** — Shifts from a fixed $10/mo seat to pay-as-you-go API tokens. Keep GitHub Copilot active for one sprint while Cline handles new tasks; cancel seats only after velocity holds. (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=none&preset=daily)

## What you gain

- Cline is best for developers needing a true coding agent that can handle complex, multi-file refactoring, execute terminal commands, and follow project-specific coding rules defined in.clinerules.
- Plan and Act modes for strategy alignment and autonomous execution.
- Multi-file codebase awareness and refactoring.
- Support for wide-ranging AI providers including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and local models.

## What you give up

- GitHub Copilot is positioned for developers seeking to accelerate their coding workflow, automate routine tasks like commit messages and PR reviews, and leverage agent-driven development to handle complex multi-file changes. — confirm Cline covers that before cancelling seats.
- Cline is not ideal for users seeking simple code autocompletion tools, as Cline is designed as an agentic partner for complex tasks rather than a lightweight syntax-suggestion engine.

Running both: Running both is mostly redundant — pilot Cline on one repo for a sprint, then pick one.

## Spec sheet

| | [GitHub Copilot](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/github-copilot) | [Cline](https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cline) |
|---|---|---|
| Company | GitHub | Cline |
| Category | IDE Extensions & Plugins | IDE Extensions & Plugins |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Entry paid plan | Copilot Pro ($10/mo) | — |
| Rules file | .github/copilot-instructions.md | .clinerules |

## FAQ

### How do I convert my GitHub Copilot rules to Cline?

GitHub Copilot reads .github/copilot-instructions.md and Cline reads .clinerules. Run them through the Rules Converter (https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=copilot&to=clinerules) and review the output before committing.

### Is Cline cheaper than GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot starts at Copilot Pro ($10/mo); Cline has no listed per-seat plan. Shifts from a fixed $10/mo seat to pay-as-you-go API tokens.

### What do I lose when switching from GitHub Copilot to Cline?

GitHub Copilot is positioned for developers seeking to accelerate their coding workflow, automate routine tasks like commit messages and PR reviews, and leverage agent-driven development to handle complex multi-file changes. — confirm Cline covers that before cancelling seats. Cline is not ideal for users seeking simple code autocompletion tools, as Cline is designed as an agentic partner for complex tasks rather than a lightweight syntax-suggestion engine.

### Can I use GitHub Copilot and Cline together?

Running both is mostly redundant — pilot Cline on one repo for a sprint, then pick one.

## Links

- GitHub Copilot review: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/github-copilot
- Cline review: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cline
- GitHub Copilot vs Cline: https://ai.dosa.dev/compare/github-copilot-vs-cline
- Rules Converter: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/rules-converter?from=copilot&to=clinerules
- Cost calculator: https://ai.dosa.dev/tools/cost-calculator?team=10&seats=none&preset=daily