Practical overview
When it fits
Use Scribeai when you want to discuss or request changes to selected code from within VS Code, or save that coding conversation alongside the workspace.
Who it is for
- Developers who want to ask questions about code while working in VS Code.
- Developers seeking AI-assisted edits, refactoring, comments or code rewrites.
- Users who want workspace-saved coding conversations and notes.
Documented uses
- Ask for an explanation of highlighted code and continue with contextual follow-up questions.
- Request a change to selected code, such as refactoring, adding comments or rewriting it in another language.
- Generate comments or docstrings for code.
- Keep conversations and user-created notes in the workspace for later reference.
Requirements & limits
The README documents installation through the VS Code Marketplace or a VSIX release. An OpenAI API key is required to use the extension's AI actions.
- The extension requires an OpenAI API key; its README says the key is used for OpenAI API access and sent only to OpenAI.
- Conversations are saved in the workspace, and user-created notes inside a conversation are not sent to AI.
- The README describes a model selector in ScribeAI settings and says GPT-4 is available to users who have access to it.
- AI Edit modifies the highlighted code; the README describes using Undo or requesting reformatting if the result is unsatisfactory.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Set up Scribeai in VS Code
Install the extension, configure an OpenAI API key and open a code file to begin using its editor actions.
Before you start
- Visual Studio Code
- An OpenAI API key
Steps
Install ScribeAI from the VS Code Marketplace, or download a VSIX release, unzip it and open the folder with VS Code.
In VS Code settings, search for ScribeAI and add your OpenAI API key.
Reload or restart the extension to apply the key.
Open a file and select the plus icon in the active editor to start.
Expected outcome
The extension is configured and ready to start an Ask AI or AI Edit interaction with selected code.
Guide limitations
- The README says the API key is used to access OpenAI's API and is sent only to OpenAI.
- This guide covers setup and opening the extension; it does not verify a successful AI response.
Ask about selected code or request an edit
Use Scribeai's documented Ask AI and AI Edit actions on a selected section of code.
Before you start
- ScribeAI installed in VS Code
- An OpenAI API key configured
- A code file open in the editor
Steps
Highlight the code you want to work with and open a chat using the plus or chat icon.
For an explanation or question, enter your prompt and choose Ask AI; continue the conversation with follow-up questions as needed.
To change the selection, enter an instruction such as asking for a refactor or comments, then choose AI Edit.
Review the changed code; use Undo if you do not want the edit, or reselect it and request reformatting if its formatting is incorrect.
Expected outcome
Ask AI returns a contextual response in a conversation, while AI Edit applies the requested change to the selected code.
Guide limitations
- The README warns that formatting may be incorrect or the highlighted section may be disrupted, and describes undoing or requesting a reformat as responses.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 16 October 2026
- Original website title
- ajikan/ScribeAI · Official homepage title · retained in its source language