---
title: Signing Into the Assette VS Code Extension
description: "Once the Assette Block Editor extension has been successfully installed in Visual Studio Code (VS Code), the next critical step is authenticating with **Single Sign-On (SSO)**. SSO is required to access any functionality within the extension, including downloading, editing, or…"
url: "https://learn.assette.com/docs/signing-into-the-assette-vs-code-extension/"
updated: "2025-05-21"
category: Developers / Developer Tools / Visual Studio Code
---

# Signing Into the Assette VS Code Extension

Once the Assette Block Editor extension has been successfully installed in Visual Studio Code (VS Code), the next critical step is authenticating with **Single Sign-On (SSO)**. SSO is required to access any functionality within the extension, including downloading, editing, or uploading Assette content blocks. This guide walks you through the complete SSO sign-in process, requirements, troubleshooting tips, and security considerations to ensure you can securely and reliably begin using the extension.

## Prerequisites

Before attempting to sign in with SSO, confirm that the following requirements are met:

- **VS Code is Installed**: Refer to [Visual Studio Code Setup](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/setup/setup-overview) if needed.
- **Assette Block Editor Extension is Installed**: The extension must be installed and must be **version 0.0.8 or higher**. Refer to [Installing and Setting Up the Assette Block Editor VS Code Extension](https://learn.assette.com/docs/installing-the-assette-vs-code-plug-in/) for more information.
- **Internet Access**: A stable internet connection is required to authenticate via your browser.
- **Client ID**: You must have your firm’s **Assette Client ID**, or a value specific to your organization.
- **SSO Access**: You must be set up with SSO credentials through your organization's identity provider (such as Azure Active Directory, Okta, or OneLogin).

> **Important**: The extension will not function without successful SSO authentication. Logging in is mandatory for any further action.

## Steps to Sign In with SSO

### Step 1: Open the Extension Panel

1. Launch **Visual Studio Code**.
2. Click the **Assette icon** in the Activity Bar (left sidebar). This opens the Assette extension panel.

If the icon is not visible:

- Go to the Extensions tab (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X).
- Search for and confirm the **Assette Block Editor** is installed.
- If installed but not visible, reload or restart VS Code.

### Step 2: Initiate the Sign-In Process

In the Assette extension panel:

1. Click the **Sign In** button.
2. A prompt will appear requesting your **Client ID**.
   - Enter your organization’s unique Assette Client ID (e.g., `MODL`, `BYOD`).
   - This ID identifies the correct environment for your firm’s SSO authentication flow.
3. Press `Enter` or click to continue.

### Step 3: Complete Browser-Based SSO Authentication

After entering your Client ID:

1. Your default browser will open a secure login page.
2. You will be redirected to your organization’s **SSO provider login screen**.
3. Log in using your **corporate credentials** (e.g., company email and password or identity provider MFA).

Upon successful authentication:

- The browser window will confirm login success.
- You will be automatically redirected back to Visual Studio Code.

### Step 4: Confirm Authentication in VS Code

After completing the login:

- Return to VS Code.
- The Assette extension panel should now display:
  - A **hierarchical tree view** of blocks and folders.
  - The **toolbar** with key functions: Download, Upload, Refresh, and Sign Out.
- You are now fully authenticated and ready to begin managing Assette blocks.

## What Happens After Signing In

Once authenticated:

- The extension retrieves and displays a tree view of block files available for your account.
- You are able to download and edit Python, text, and other supported blocks.
- Uploading your updates to Assette is now enabled.

All authenticated sessions persist until explicitly signed out or until the session expires due to inactivity or token expiry.

## Troubleshooting Sign-In Issues

If you encounter issues during the SSO sign-in process:

### The browser does not open:

- Ensure your system allows applications to open external URLs.
- Try right-clicking the **Sign In** button and selecting **Copy Link**, then manually open it in a browser.

### Incorrect or missing Client ID:

- Double-check the Client ID for typos or incorrect casing.
- Confirm with your administrator if you’re unsure of your firm’s ID.

### SSO login fails in the browser:

- Ensure you are using your corporate credentials.
- If Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required, complete all steps.
- Contact your internal IT or SSO administrator if login fails consistently.

### Sign-in appears to succeed, but VS Code does not update:

- Restart VS Code to ensure token refresh.
- Check for background errors in the **Output panel** by navigating to **View > Output** and selecting “Assette” from the dropdown.

## Signing Out

To end your session:

1. Click **Sign Out** from the extension toolbar.
2. This will remove your current credentials and return the extension to the login prompt.
3. Signing out is useful when switching users or resetting authentication.

## Security Considerations

- Assette uses secure browser-based authentication through industry-standard SSO protocols.
- Login credentials are never stored in Visual Studio Code.
- Tokens used for session management expire automatically, reducing risk from unattended sessions.

## Additional Resources

- [Visual Studio Code: Managing Extensions](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/extension-marketplace)
- [Visual Studio Code: Trust and Security](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/workspace-trust)
- [Assette Help Center](https://learn.assette.com/)
