> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.coderabbit.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use the VS Code extension

> Review code changes in your local Git repository using the CodeRabbit VS Code extension with automatic or manual review options.

Review code changes directly in VS Code using the CodeRabbit extension. Choose between automatic reviews after every commit or manual reviews for specific changes.

<Note>
  These instructions are for VS Code. If you're using a VS Code-compatible editor
  like Cursor or Windsurf, the steps are similar but may require adaptation.
</Note>

## Choose your workflow

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Automatic reviews" icon="zap">
    Let CodeRabbit review every commit automatically
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manual reviews" icon="sliders-vertical">
    Control exactly what gets reviewed and when
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Automatic reviews

The simplest way to get code reviews. CodeRabbit automatically reviews all changes when you commit to your local Git repository.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Make a Git commit">
    Commit your changes using VS Code or terminal. A dialog appears asking
    **Would you like to start a review?**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the review">
    Click **Yes**. The CodeRabbit sidebar opens with the review in progress.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for completion">
    The review typically completes within a few minutes. Click **Stop the
    review** to cancel if needed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  You can configure the extension to always review automatically or never
  prompt. See [Configure automatic review
  behavior](/ide/vscode-config#configure-automatic-review-behavior).
</Tip>

## Manual reviews

Get precise control over what CodeRabbit reviews. Compare any branch against any other branch, review only committed changes, or focus on specific files.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open CodeRabbit sidebar">
    Click the CodeRabbit icon in the VS Code activity bar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select base branch (optional)">
    Under **Branch** in the sidebar, click the base branch name to compare against
    a different branch.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose review scope">
    Select your review type:

    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="All changes">
        **Review all changes** - Includes both committed and uncommitted changes
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Committed only">
        **Review committed changes** - Only changes you've committed locally
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Uncommitted only">
        **Review uncommitted changes** - Only staged and unstaged changes
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify files to review">
    Check the **Files to review** list in the sidebar. Use `git stash` or change
    your review scope to modify which files are included.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the review">
    Click the review button. The sidebar shows progress as the review runs.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Working with review results

After any review completes, CodeRabbit adds actionable comments to your code. Each comment includes specific suggestions you can apply directly or use as guidance.

### Browse and apply suggestions

Review comments appear in the **Files** section of the CodeRabbit sidebar. Click any comment to see the detailed suggestion inline in your editor.

When CodeRabbit provides a specific code fix, click the **Apply suggested change** checkmark icon to apply it immediately.

### Use AI coding agents

For complex issues, click the **Fix with AI** star icon to send the problem to your preferred AI coding agent:

* **VS Code + Copilot**: Sends directly to Copilot
* **Command-line tools**: Claude Code, Codex CLI, OpenCode - opens terminal with respective command
* **VS Code extensions**: Cline, Roo, Kilo Code, Augment Code - integrates with extension sidebars
* **Clipboard fallback**: Copies prompt for use with any AI agent

Configure your preferred AI agent in [extension settings](/ide/vscode-config#configure-ai-agent-integration).

### Managing comments

* **Ignore**: Remove comment from editor view
* **Collapse**: Hide comment but keep indicator icon
* **Restore**: Click collapsed/ignored comments in sidebar to show again

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Configure the extension" href="/ide/vscode-config">
    Customize automatic review behavior and AI agent integration
  </Card>

  <Card title="Uninstall the extension" href="/ide/vscode-uninstall">
    Remove the CodeRabbit extension from VS Code
  </Card>
</CardGroup>