Cline rate limits, context window & usage caps (2026)
Rate limits, context window, message limits, file upload caps and image generation limits - all Cline plans compared.
Cline usage limits by plan
| Api Usage | Unlimited | Bring your own API key |
| Models | Unlimited | Any OpenAI-compatible model |
| File Edits | Unlimited | Full repo access |
| Cost Control | Unlimited | Built-in cost tracking |
What happens when you hit Cline's limits?
Check the reset window - most limits refresh within 1–60 minutes
Reload or try again after the reset window passes
If you hit limits regularly, upgrade your plan to increase caps
Cline limit reset schedule
⚡
Per minute
API RPM limits - reset every 60 seconds
🕐
Per hour
Short rolling windows for message quotas
⏱
Per 5 hours
Common for consumer plan message limits
📅
Per day / month
Image gen credits and file storage caps
Exact reset period per limit type is shown in the "Notes" column of the plan table above. Cline uses rolling-window resets - quotas refresh continuously, not at a fixed midnight cutoff.
More Cline intelligence
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Limits sourced from Cline's official documentation. Updated when plan changes are announced.
Cline limits - frequently asked questions
What is the Cline message limit?
Cline message limits vary by plan - see the full breakdown by tier in the table above.
Does Cline have a file upload limit?
Yes, Cline enforces file upload limits that vary by plan. See the detailed breakdown above.
When do Cline limits reset?
Reset periods vary by limit type - many Cline limits reset on a rolling window (e.g., per 5 hours or per 24 hours). Check the notes column in the table above for specific reset schedules.
What happens when you hit Cline's rate limit?
Cline will temporarily block new requests when you exceed your plan's limits. You may see an in-app message or receive an HTTP 429 response. Wait for the reset window to pass or upgrade your plan.