[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "in%20vs%20code%2C%20how%20do%20i%20select%20a%20different%20model%2C%20such%20as%20claude%20opus%20when%20I%27m%20in%20a%20project%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s how to select a different Claude model (like Claude Opus) while using Claude in Visual Studio Code:\n\n---\n\n## \ud83e\uddf0 What you need to check first\n\nBefore switching models, make sure:\n\n- You have the **Claude Code** extension installed in VS Code. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/vs-code?utm_source=openai))  \n- You\u2019re signed into an **Anthropic account** with a subscription level that allows access to **Opus** models. Some models are premium and gated. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11940350-claude-code-model-configuration?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd04 Ways to switch or select models in VS Code\n\nHere are the methods to pick or change between Claude models:\n\n### 1. Use the `/model` command in the Claude panel\n\n- Open a Claude session within VS Code (via the Claude Code extension). ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/vs-code?utm_source=openai))  \n- Type `/model` and hit Enter. This should bring up a list of available models (e.g. `claude-opus-4-6`, `claude-sonnet-4-6`, `claude-haiku-4.5`).  \n- Choose the model you want. Changes take effect immediately in that session. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11940350-claude-code-model-configuration?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### 2. Switch models while typing a prompt\n\n- While entering a prompt, press:\n  - **Windows / Linux**: `Alt + P`\n  - **macOS**: `Option + P` ([claudelog.com](https://claudelog.com/faqs/switch-models-while-typing/?utm_source=openai))  \n- This brings up the model selector without losing what you\u2019ve already typed. Choose the model (Opus, Sonnet, Haiku), continue or submit. ([claudelog.com](https://claudelog.com/faqs/switch-models-while-typing/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### 3. Through your VS Code settings (workspace or global)\n\n- In settings, look for `claude-code.selectedModel`. ([claudelab.net](https://claudelab.net/en/articles/claude-code/ide-integration?utm_source=openai))  \n- Set it to your desired model string, e.g. `\"claude-opus-4-6\"` ([claudelab.net](https://claudelab.net/en/articles/claude-code/ide-integration?utm_source=openai))  \n- This setting defines what model new conversations default to using. It may not change the model _mid-conversation_ unless you use the `/model` command or quick-switch shortcut.\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f Common issues & limitations\n\n- **Missing Opus option**  \n  If you don\u2019t see Opus in the model list or the picker, it might be because your plan doesn\u2019t include it. Some users on Pro or student plans report that Opus is unavailable. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/GithubCopilot/comments/1rv2uzl/can_no_longer_select_models_like_claude_opus_46/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n- **VS Code extension vs CLI differences**  \n  The VS Code UI sometimes doesn\u2019t expose the same model choices as the CLI (terminal) version of Claude Code. You might need to use terminal commands or adjust settings via JSON to access Opus. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeAI/comments/1so6s33/opus_46_silently_removed_from_claude_desktops/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you\u2019d like, I can walk you through the exact commands or steps for your version of VS Code and subscription plan to make sure Opus is available."
    }
]