---
title: "Getting Started with Autohand for JetBrains"
source: https://docs.autohand.ai/working-with-autohand-code/code/jetbrains/getting-started
---

# Getting Started

Install and configure Autohand Code for JetBrains IDEs including IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm, PyCharm, and GoLand. self evolving coding assistance through the Autohand plugin.

## Requirements

-   IntelliJ IDEA 2024.1+, WebStorm 2024.1+, PyCharm 2024.1+, GoLand 2024.1+, or any JetBrains IDE 2024.1+
-   Autohand account (free tier available)
-   Internet connection for AI features

**Why JetBrains?** JetBrains IDEs provide deep language understanding through their built-in inspections and refactoring engine. Autohand leverages this for more accurate code suggestions.

## Installation

### Install from JetBrains Marketplace

1.  Open your JetBrains IDE
2.  Go to **Settings** > **Plugins** > **Marketplace**
3.  Search for "Autohand"
4.  Click **Install**
5.  Restart the IDE when prompted

### Manual installation

If you prefer to install manually or need an older version:

1.  Download the plugin from the [JetBrains Marketplace](https://plugins.jetbrains.com)
2.  Go to **Settings** > **Plugins**
3.  Click the gear icon and select **Install Plugin from Disk**
4.  Select the downloaded plugin file
5.  Restart the IDE

### Verify installation

Go to **Settings** > **Tools** > **Autohand**. If the settings page appears, the plugin is installed correctly.

## Authentication

Connect your Autohand account to enable AI features.

### Browser authentication

1.  Open **Settings** > **Tools** > **Autohand**
2.  Click **Sign In**
3.  Your browser will open the authentication page
4.  Sign in with your Autohand account
5.  Return to the IDE - you will see a confirmation

### API key authentication

If you prefer using an API key, enter it in the plugin settings:

1.  Go to **Settings** > **Tools** > **Autohand**
2.  Enter your key in the **API Key** field

Alternatively, set the `AUTOHAND_API_KEY` environment variable before launching the IDE.

**Security note:** Never commit API keys to version control. Use environment variables or the IDE's built-in credential storage instead.

## Your first conversation

Start using Autohand in your JetBrains IDE with these basic interactions.

### Open the Autohand panel

-   Go to **View** > **Tool Windows** > **Autohand**
-   Or use keyboard shortcut: **Alt+A**

### Ask a question

Type a question or request in the Autohand panel:

``` text
What does this function do and how can I improve it?
```

Autohand will analyze the current file and provide insights.

### Request changes

Ask Autohand to modify your code:

``` text
Add null checks and input validation to this method
```

Autohand proposes changes that you can accept, modify, or reject.

### Inline assist

Trigger inline assistance directly in the editor:

-   Press **Alt+Enter** in the editor
-   Type your request in the popup
-   Autohand applies changes inline

## Set up project context

Help Autohand understand your project with an AGENTS.md file.

### Generate automatically

1.  Open the Autohand panel (**Alt+A**)
2.  Type "Initialize project context"
3.  Review and customize the generated file

### Create manually

Create an `AGENTS.md` file in your project root:

``` markdown
# AGENTS.md

## Project overview
A Rust CLI tool for managing cloud infrastructure.

## Tech stack
- Rust 1.75+
- Tokio for async runtime
- Clap for argument parsing

## Commands
- `cargo build` - Build the project
- `cargo test` - Run tests
- `cargo run -- --help` - Show CLI help

## Code style
- Use Result types for error handling
- Prefer explicit types over inference
- Write integration tests for CLI commands
```

## Keyboard shortcuts

| Action | Windows / Linux | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Toggle panel | Alt+A | Alt+A |
| Inline assist | Alt+Enter | Alt+Enter |
| Accept suggestion | Tab | Tab |
| Dismiss | Escape | Escape |
| New conversation | Ctrl+N (in panel) | Ctrl+N (in panel) |

Customize shortcuts in **Settings** > **Keymap**.

## Settings

Configure Autohand under **Settings** > **Tools** > **Autohand**.

| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Model | AI model to use | z-ai/glm-4.7 |
| Inline completions | Enable inline suggestions while typing | Enabled |
| Panel position | Tool window dock position (left/right/bottom) | Right |
| Indexing | Index project files for context-aware suggestions | Enabled |

### Example configuration

The plugin stores settings in the IDE's configuration. You can also export them as XML:

``` xml
<component name="AutohandSettings">
  <option name="model" value="z-ai/glm-4.7" />
  <option name="inlineCompletions" value="true" />
  <option name="panelPosition" value="right" />
  <option name="indexing" value="true" />
</component>
```

## Next steps

-   [Explore JetBrains features](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/code/jetbrains/features.html) - Learn about all available features
-   [AGENTS.md guide](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/agents-md.html) - Write effective project context
-   [Skills system](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/skills.html) - Extend capabilities with skills
-   [Best practices](/docs/guides/ace/best-practices.html) - Work effectively with AI agents