Key Features
Two AI Modes
Chat Mode (Cmd+I):
- Ask questions about your code
- Generate snippets inline
- Explain functions
- Quick fixes and refactoring
Builder Mode (Cmd+Shift+Y):
- Multi-file agentic editing
- Project-aware context
- Accepts/rejects changes per file
- Runs commands autonomously
Free Model Access
No API keys, no subscription:
| Model | Cost in Trae | Cost in Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Sonnet | Free | $20/mo Pro |
| GPT-4o | Free | $20/mo Pro |
| Inline completions | Free | Free (limited) |
VS Code Compatibility
- Full VS Code extension support
- Existing keybindings work
- Settings sync from VS Code
- Same extension marketplace
Builder Mode Workflow
1. Describe what you want:
"Add user authentication with JWT, password hashing, and protected routes"
2. Trae plans the changes across multiple files
3. Review diffs per file:
✓ src/auth/middleware.ts — Accept
✓ src/routes/auth.ts — Accept
✗ src/config.ts — Reject (keep my existing config)
4. Apply accepted changesContext Providers
Trae understands your project:
- Full codebase indexing
- Git history awareness
- Terminal output context
- Documentation references
Key Stats
- 8,000+ GitHub stars
- By ByteDance
- Free Claude Sonnet + GPT-4o
- VS Code-based (full compatibility)
- Builder mode for multi-file edits
FAQ
Q: What is Trae? A: Trae is a free AI IDE by ByteDance with built-in Claude and GPT-4o access, featuring Chat and Builder modes for AI-assisted coding.
Q: Is Trae really free? A: Yes, including AI features. ByteDance subsidizes the model costs.
Q: How does Trae compare to Cursor? A: Both are VS Code-based AI IDEs. Trae is completely free. Cursor has more mature features but charges $20/mo for Pro.