How to Set Up Claude Code in IntelliJ IDEA (Step by Step)

In short: install the Claude Code CLI, install the Claude Code [Beta] plugin from the JetBrains Marketplace, restart IntelliJ, then run claude in the IDE terminal (or use Ctrl+Esc / Cmd+Esc). The same plugin family works in PyCharm, WebStorm, Android Studio, PhpStorm and GoLand.

Why Claude Code in IntelliJ

Many Java and Kotlin teams live in IntelliJ. The plugin keeps Claude next to your project, so you review changes in the IDE diff viewer instead of guessing from terminal text alone.

What you need

• Claude Code CLI: install first. The plugin does not bundle its own CLI; it runs the claude command.
• JetBrains plugin: Marketplace listing name: Claude Code [Beta]. Label may change; search “Claude Code” by Anthropic.
• Paid Claude access: any paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise) or a Claude Console account. Sign-in is prompted the first time you run claude.
• Supported IDEs: IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, Android Studio, PhpStorm, GoLand — same plugin family.

How setup flows

Install steps

1. Install the CLI from the official Claude Code quickstart (same steps as the terminal guide). Check: claude --version.
2. Open IntelliJ. Go to Settings → Plugins → Marketplace. Search Claude Code. Install Claude Code [Beta].
3. Restart the IDE completely (not just the plugin).
4. Open your project. Open the integrated terminal at the project root.
5. Run claude. Sign in when asked.
6. Or press Ctrl+Esc (Mac: Cmd+Esc) / use the Claude Code button if shown.
7. External terminal? run claude, then /ide, to connect. Success looks like “Connected to IntelliJ IDEA.”

Settings

1. Plugin settings: Settings → Tools → Claude Code [Beta].
2. Claude command: if the IDE cannot find the CLI, set the full path (examples from docs: claude, /usr/local/bin/claude, or npx @anthropic-ai/claude-code).
3. WSL (Windows): docs suggest a wrapper like wsl -d Ubuntu -- bash -lic "claude" as the Claude command (adjust distro name).
4. Diff tool: with the IDE connected, in Claude run /config and set Diff tool to auto (IDE) or terminal.
5. File refs: Alt+Ctrl+K (Mac: Cmd+Option+K) inserts a file reference such as @src/Auth.java#L1-99.
6. PyCharm / WebStorm / others: install the same Marketplace plugin in that IDE and repeat the restart + terminal steps.

Configuration

1. Put short project rules in CLAUDE.md at the project root (or run /init in Claude).
2. Shared deny rules live in ~/.claude/settings.json (same file as the CLI).
3. Start Claude from the same root as the IDE project so file paths match.

# Project rules
- Language: Java 21 (or Kotlin if this module is Kotlin)
- Build: Maven or Gradle — run tests before you finish
- Style: short methods, clear names
- Never read or edit .env, secrets/, or deploy scripts

{
  "permissions": {
    "deny": ["Read(./.env)", "Read(./secrets/**)"]
  }
}

First task (5 minutes)

1. Open a small Java or Kotlin class.
2. Select a method. Ask: “Add input checks and a unit test for this method. Show the plan first.”
3. Use Plan / approval so you see the plan before edits.
4. Review the IDE diff. Accept only the lines you understand.
5. Approve the test command when asked. Run the tests yourself once more.

Quick quiz

Save tokens and money

Select one method, not the whole module. Keep CLAUDE.md short. Prefer Plan for multi-file work. New chat per task.

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