Set up an editor | Flutter

Set up an editor

You can build apps with Flutter using any text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) combined with Flutter's command-line tools. The Flutter team recommends using an editor that supports a Flutter extension or plugin, like VS Code and Android Studio. These plugins provide code completion, syntax highlighting, widget editing assists, run & debug support, and more.

You can add a supported plugin for Visual Studio Code, Android Studio, or IntelliJ IDEA Community, Educational, and Ultimate editions. The Flutter plugin only works with Android Studio and the listed editions of IntelliJ IDEA.

(The Dart plugin supports eight additional JetBrains IDEs.)

Follow these procedures to add the Flutter plugin to VS Code, Android Studio, or IntelliJ.

If you choose another IDE, skip ahead to Write your first Flutter app.

Install VS Code

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VS Code is a code editor to build and debug apps. With the Flutter extension installed, you can compile, deploy, and debug Flutter apps.

To install the latest version of VS Code, follow Microsoft's instructions for the relevant platform:

Install the VS Code Flutter extension

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  1. Start VS Code.

  2. Open a browser and go to the Flutter extension page on the Visual Studio Marketplace.

  3. Click Install. Installing the Flutter extension also installs the Dart extension.

Validate your VS Code setup

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  1. Go to View > Command Palette....

    You can also press Ctrl / Cmd + Shift + P.

  2. Type doctor.

  3. Select Flutter: Run Flutter Doctor.

    Once you select this command, VS Code does the following.

    • Opens the Output panel.
    • Displays flutter (flutter) in the dropdown on the upper right of this panel.
    • Displays the output of Flutter Doctor command.

Install Android Studio or IntelliJ IDEA

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Android Studio and IntelliJ IDEA offer a complete, IDE experience once you install the Flutter plugin.

To install the latest version of the following IDEs, follow their instructions:

Install the Flutter plugin

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The installation instructions vary by platform.

macOS

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Use the following instructions for macOS:

  1. Start Android Studio or IntelliJ.

  2. From the macOS menu bar, go to Android Studio (or IntelliJ) > Settings....

    You can also press Cmd + ,.

    The Preferences dialog opens.

  3. From the list at the left, select Plugins.

  4. From the top of this panel, select Marketplace.

  5. Type flutter in the plugins search field.

  6. Select the Flutter plugin.

  7. Click Install.

  8. Click Yes when prompted to install the plugin.

  9. Click Restart when prompted.

Linux or Windows

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Use the following instructions for Linux or Windows:

  1. Go to File > Settings.

    You can also press Ctrl + Alt + S.

    The Preferences dialog opens.

  2. From the list at the left, select Plugins.

  3. From the top of this panel, select Marketplace.

  4. Type flutter in the plugins search field.

  5. Select the Flutter plugin.

  6. Click Install.

  7. Click Yes when prompted to install the plugin.

  8. Click Restart when prompted.

Unless stated otherwise, the documentation on this site reflects the latest stable version of Flutter. Page last updated on 2024-10-28. View source or report an issue.