---
title: Windsurf
---


[Windsurf](https://windsurf.com) is an AI code editor by Codeium. Its native BYOK only supports Anthropic's official endpoint and **can't point at a custom base URL directly**. To use CrossModel, install the **Roo Code** plugin from the built-in extension marketplace and connect through it.

## Quickstart

### 1. Create an API key

Sign in to the [Console](/console/api-keys) and create a key that starts with `cm-` on the **API Keys** page. The key is shown only once, so copy it somewhere safe.

### 2. Install the Roo Code plugin

Click the Extensions icon in the Windsurf activity bar, search for **Roo Code**, and install it.

### 3. Point Roo Code at CrossModel

Click the Roo Code icon in the activity bar to open the panel. On first run a setup wizard appears — choose **Use without an account**, then fill in:

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| **API Provider** | `OpenAI Compatible` |
| **Base URL** | `https://api.crossmodel.ai/v1` |
| **API Key** | your `cm-` key |
| **Model** | a model ID, e.g. `deepseek/deepseek-v4-pro` |

Save, then send a test message in the Roo Code chat panel to confirm the connection.

### 4. Start using it

Work with the AI through the Roo Code panel — requests route to CrossModel and bill against the model you picked.

<Callout type="info">
  Windsurf's native Cascade still uses Windsurf's own models. Roo Code is a separate panel; the two coexist without interfering with each other.
</Callout>

## Choosing models

Model IDs follow the `vendor/short_name` format, e.g. `openai/gpt-5.5`, `anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6`, or `deepseek/deepseek-v4-pro`. See the full list in the [model catalog](/models).

## Troubleshooting

| Symptom | What to check |
|---------|---------------|
| Can't find Roo Code | Make sure it's installed from the Windsurf extension marketplace, then restart the editor. |
| Connection fails | Confirm the base URL ends with `/v1` and the key starts with `cm-`. |
| "Model not found" | Check the model ID format; casing must match exactly. |
| Insufficient balance | Top up in the [Console](/console/billing). |