Trae
: How to use it, features, and the business problems it solves
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What is Trae?
An AI-native IDE developed by ByteDance. Built on VS Code, it lets you switch between an IDE mode you control yourself and a SOLO mode where AI autonomously handles everything from requirements to implementation, testing, and deployment. It has the GPT-5 series, Gemini 3 series, Kimi, MiniMax, and ByteDance Seed built in, with Claude and others addable as custom models via API key. Pricing is token-based, from a free tier up to Ultra $100.
Business problems it solves
About "Trae"
What is Trae
Trae is an AI-native integrated development environment (IDE) developed by ByteDance. Built on VS Code, it keeps the extensions and keybindings you are used to while embedding AI agents for code generation, multi-file editing, and autonomous task execution. Its hallmark is switching between an IDE mode where you stay in control and a SOLO mode where, given requirements, the AI proceeds from planning through implementation, testing, and deployment. It is in the same "AI-native IDE" category as Cursor and Windsurf.
Trae's product lineup has been revamped into two lines: TraeCode for coding (the subject of this page) and TraeWork for general work. The old description of "completely free, with Claude 3.5 Sonnet / GPT-4o built in" no longer matches reality—paid plans and token-based billing have been introduced, and the built-in models have been overhauled.
Switch between "write it yourself" and "hand it off"
Trae's strength is letting you choose how you develop with two modes. In IDE mode, you use the editor, terminal, debugger, and extensions as usual while the AI assists via completion and chat. In SOLO mode, you hand over requirements in natural language or local files and the AI agent proceeds step by step from requirement breakdown → code generation → testing → preview → deployment. You can use each mode for work you want to control closely versus work you want to fully delegate.
Features
01Write with AI
- Agent — define tasks in natural language, with codebase search, planning, and tool execution
- CUE (completion) — chained completion, multi-line edits, next-edit prediction (Python / TypeScript / Go and more)
- Context — specify files, folders, terminal output, repositories, and web pages as context
- AI code review — diff summaries and review, plus AI commit message generation
02Hand it off (SOLO mode)
- Autonomous development — end-to-end from requirements to implementation, testing, and deployment
- Figma to code — generate code from designs
- Service integrations — connect with Supabase (DB), Vercel (deploy), and Stripe (payments)
03Extend and secure
- MCP and custom agents — Model Context Protocol support; configure your own tool sets
- VS Code extension compatibility — inherits the extension store and Remote SSH / WSL
- Privacy mode and sandbox — code is not used for training, and generated commands run with restrictions
Built-in models
Trae currently lets you choose from built-in models such as the GPT-5 series, Gemini 3 series, Kimi K2.5, MiniMax, and ByteDance's Seed. Anthropic's Claude and other providers can be used as custom models by registering your own API key. Which built-in models are available may vary by region (some models are not offered in certain regions).
How to use
-
Download it
Get the macOS / Windows / Linux build from the official site (trae.ai).
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Open a project
Open an existing project or create a new one. You can carry over your VS Code extensions.
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Instruct the Agent or SOLO mode
Describe what you want to build in natural language. In SOLO mode it proceeds autonomously from planning.
-
Review and apply
Review the generated diffs and, with edits as needed, merge them in.
Pricing
You can start from a free tier, and higher plans give larger token allowances—it is token-based billing (amounts in USD).
| Plan | Monthly | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 5,000 completions/mo, limited SOLO, 2 concurrent cloud tasks |
| Lite | $3 | Unlimited completions, $5-equivalent allowance |
| Pro (7-day free) | $10 | $20-equivalent allowance, 10 concurrent tasks |
| Pro+ | $30 | ~3.5× Pro's allowance, 15 concurrent tasks |
| Ultra | $100 | ~20× Pro, early model access, 20 concurrent tasks |
Billing has moved from a request count to a token basis, consuming credits based on input / output tokens, model, context length, and the number of agent runs. It was "completely free" only in the past; today the free tier has limits. Check the official site for the latest pricing (as of August 2026).
How it differs from other AI IDEs
AI coding tools split into "AI-native IDEs" that fork VS Code and extension types that add onto an existing editor. Trae is a ByteDance product with a generous free tier, distinguished by SOLO mode's autonomous development and service integrations.
| Aspect | Trae | Cursor | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Standalone VS Code-based IDE | Standalone VS Code-based IDE | Extension for each editor |
| Autonomy | To deployment via SOLO mode | Agent / background | Agent mode |
| Pricing | Free to $100 (token-based) | Free to $200 | Free to $39 |
Among AI-native IDEs, Cursor, Windsurf, JetBrains' Junie, and the extension-type GitHub Copilot are worth comparing. If you are looking for a free-to-try VS Code-based AI IDE, Trae is a strong option.
This page is based on information published on the official site as of August 2026. Built-in models and pricing may change, so check the official site for the latest.
