How to Use Antigravity Free

Getting Started with Antigravity: Accessing Google's AI Coding Agent

Coding used to mean writing every line of syntax yourself. Then it shifted to using AI to suggest snippets of code. Now, we are entering a phase where the AI acts more like a collaborator that can actually do the work. Google recently entered this space with a tool called Antigravity. It is a dedicated platform for agentic development, meaning it doesn't just suggest text - it can execute tasks across your environment.

Look, the appeal here is obvious. Most developers are tired of copy-pasting code from a chat window into their IDE. Antigravity aims to fix that by living inside a VS Code-like interface and handling the terminal, the browser, and the editor simultaneously. It provides access to high-end models like Gemini 3.1 Pro and even competitors like Claude Sonnet 4.5. People are using it to build full applications in under half an hour. Since it is currently in public preview, there are ways to use these premium capabilities without the heavy price tag usually associated with top-tier AI models.

What is Antigravity and What Can It Actually Do?

Antigravity is Google's agentic development platform. It functions as a standalone coding environment that resembles VS Code, but it is built specifically to let AI agents run the show. Here's the thing: it is not just a wrapper for a chatbot. It is a system where you can dispatch agents to plan, code, and test software autonomously.

The feature works by using "Artifacts." When you give the agent a task, it doesn't just start typing. It generates a task list, an implementation plan, and eventually screenshots or recordings of the work it has done. You can watch the agent open a terminal, install dependencies, write the React components, and then open a browser to verify the design. It is built for higher-level task-oriented development rather than just line-by-line assistance.

Key Capabilities and Model Support

One of the most interesting aspects of Antigravity is its model flexibility. It primarily uses Gemini 3.1 Pro, which Google has optimized for long-context coding tasks. However, it also supports Claude Sonnet 4.5 and GPT-OSS. This allows you to pick the "brain" that fits your specific project best. The platform includes two primary modes: Planning and Fast.

Planning mode is designed for complex architecture. The agent does thorough research and produces a detailed roadmap before touching any code. Fast mode is better for quick bug fixes or small feature additions. You can even dispatch multiple agents at once. If you have three different bugs in a repository, you can send three agents to fix them simultaneously while you monitor their progress from a manager view.

The Knowledge Base

Every time an agent completes a task, it saves the context to a local knowledge base. This helps the tool understand your specific coding style and project structure over time. Future tasks become more accurate because the agent "remembers" how the existing components interact. It is a significant step up from standard chat interfaces that forget everything once the session ends.

Access Requirements: Which Plan Do You Need?

Currently, Antigravity is available in a public preview phase. Google has made it available at no charge for individual developers. This is a strategic move to get people using their ecosystem instead of competitors like Cursor or Windsurf. You do not need a massive enterprise contract to start using it today.

There are some nuances to the tiers though. While the software itself is a free download, the underlying models have rate limits. Gemini 3.1 Pro currently has generous limits for individuals in the preview, but Claude Sonnet 4.5 or specialized OpenAI models might require different configurations or may have tighter restrictions depending on your region. Most users will find the free preview sufficient for building personal projects or testing the waters of agentic coding.

If you are looking for the broader "Gemini AI Pro" experience which often includes higher usage caps, specialized Google One features, or Workspace integration, those usually sit behind a subscription. Retail prices for these premium AI bundles can run up to $240 per year. For those who want the full suite of premium AI models without that high annual cost, there are alternative ways to get access.

Practical Ways to Get Access for Less

If the free public preview limits are too restrictive for your workflow, or if the preview ends and Google moves to a paid-only model, you have a few options. Here is how the costs break down for premium AI access.

1. The Official Route (Retail)

The standard way to get guaranteed high-limit access to Google's best models is through a Google One AI Premium plan or a Workspace add-on. This typically costs around $20 per month, totaling $240 annually. It is the most stable option, but it is expensive if you only want it for the coding features of Antigravity.

2. AccsUpgrade (Third-Party Option)

AccsUpgrade is one alternative for developers who want the premium Gemini AI Pro features at a lower price point. They offer access for around $20, which is a significant discount compared to the $240 retail price. This is a common choice for students or independent developers who need the power of Gemini 3.1 Pro but are on a tight budget. The trade-off is that you are using a third-party service to manage the subscription, which might not have the same direct support as a retail Google account. It is an effective way to lower the barrier to entry for high-end AI tools.

3. Google AI Studio Integration

You can also use Google AI Studio to get API keys for Gemini models. This often has a free tier for developers with specific rate limits. Antigravity can sometimes integrate with these external keys, allowing you to bypass the standard interface limits if you have your own API access. This requires a bit more technical setup but is a viable path for those who want to stay within the official Google developer ecosystem for free.

Step-by-Step Setup: Using Antigravity Free

Once you have decided on your access method, setting up Antigravity is a straightforward process. It is compatible with MacOS, Linux, and Windows.

1. Download the Public Preview: Visit the official Google Antigravity landing page. Download the installer for your specific operating system.
2. Initial Configuration: Open the application. You will be greeted with an interface that looks nearly identical to VS Code. You can sign in with your Google account to sync your preferences and access the Gemini 3.1 Pro model.
3. Set Autonomy Levels: Look at the settings panel in the bottom right corner. Here, you can decide how much control the agent has. You can set it to "Request Review" for every terminal command or "Always Proceed" if you trust the AI. For beginners, the review mode is much safer.
4. Configure the Deny List: This is a critical security step. You can specify certain files or folders that the AI is never allowed to read or modify. This is important if you have sensitive environment variables or private keys in your project.
5. Start a Project: You can either open an existing folder or start from scratch. Use the "Dispatch" window to give your first command. For example, "Build a Next.js landing page using ShadCN components."
6. Monitor Artifacts: As the agent works, watch the Artifacts tab. You will see it generating a task list. You can click on any task to see exactly what the agent is doing in real-time.

Common Access Blockers and Fixes

Even though the tool is in public preview, you might run into some hurdles during setup. Here are the most common issues reported by users.

Rate Limit Errors: If you are using the free Gemini 3.1 Pro tier, you might hit a wall after several hours of heavy coding. The fix is usually to wait for the limit to reset or to switch models if you have access to Claude or GPT-OSS within the interface. Moving to a paid plan like Gemini AI Pro via AccsUpgrade or the official retail channel typically solves this.

OS Compatibility: While Antigravity supports the big three operating systems, certain terminal commands might fail on Windows if you aren't using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). If the agent struggles to install dependencies, try opening the project folder through a WSL terminal inside Antigravity.

Extension Conflicts: Because Antigravity is a fork of the VS Code ecosystem, it allows you to install extensions. Some extensions that modify the terminal or the file explorer can interfere with the agent's ability to "see" what it is doing. If the agent seems confused, try disabling third-party extensions to see if that clears the path.

Security Permissions: On MacOS, you may need to manually grant the application permission to control your terminal or access certain folders. If the agent gets an "Access Denied" error when trying to run a script, check your system's Privacy and Security settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Antigravity work with my existing VS Code extensions?

Yes. Since the interface is built on the same foundation as VS Code, you can import most of your favorite extensions. However, the agent itself does not always "know" how to use those extensions. It primarily interacts with the core editor, terminal, and browser. You should use extensions for your own manual coding, but don't expect the agent to use a specialized third-party linter automatically.

Is my code used to train Google's models?

Google's policy for the public preview generally allows them to use data to improve their services, but this can vary based on the specific tier you are using. If you are on an Enterprise or a Workspace Pro plan, the privacy protections are usually much stricter. Always check the current terms of service in the settings menu if you are working on proprietary or sensitive codebases.

Can I use Antigravity offline?

No. Antigravity requires an active internet connection to communicate with the premium models like Gemini 3.1 Pro and Claude Sonnet. The agentic logic happens in the cloud, even though the code is written to your local machine. If you lose connection, the agent will stop mid-task, though your local files will remain saved.

What happens when the public preview ends?

Google has not officially announced a date for the end of the public preview. Typically, when these tools move to "General Availability," the free tier becomes more limited and the best features move behind a subscription like Gemini AI Pro. This is when options like AccsUpgrade become particularly useful for maintaining access without the full retail price jump.

Moving Forward with Agentic Coding

Antigravity represents a significant shift in how we build software. It moves the AI from a simple autocomplete tool to a functional assistant that can manage complex workflows. Starting with the free public preview is the best way to see if this agentic style fits your personal development process. If you find yourself hitting rate limits or needing more power, exploring a Gemini AI Pro subscription is the logical next step. Whether you choose the official retail path or a more budget-friendly option like AccsUpgrade, the goal is to spend less time on boilerplate and more time on the actual logic of your applications.