---
title: "Lens for Connecting to Kubernetes Clusters | Hostman Docs"
description: "Learn how to connect to Kubernetes clusters with Lens. Manage and monitor clusters with ease and efficiency."
---

> For the complete documentation index for AI agents, see [llms.txt](https://hostman.com/llms.txt).

In this article, we will describe how to connect a [Kubernetes cluster](https://hostman.com/products/kubernetes/) to **Lens**, a desktop application for managing clusters.

## Lens Versions

Lens Desktop is available in three versions:

-   Lens Personal (free version)
-   Lens Pro (paid)
-   Lens Pro Enterprise (paid, for large companies)

## Creating a Lens ID

To use the free Lens version, go to the [Lens ID creation form](https://app.k8slens.dev/subscribe/personal/signup) and create a Lens ID. It will have a subscription for the free version. 

If you already have a Lens ID, click **Login with Lens ID**, enter your credentials, and log in. The free license will be added to your Lens ID.

## Installing Lens

1.  Download the installer for your operating system from the [official website](https://k8slens.dev/) and install it on your device.
2.  Launch the application.
3.  Select **New to Lens** if you don't have a Lens ID yet.

![Lens](https://content.hostman.com/assets/693465d3-99f3-4bdb-9577-6acbc3aa6cdc.png?width=685&height=744)

_The "Welcome to Lens" window in the [Lens](https://k8slens.dev/) installer_

4.  You'll be redirected to the Lens ID creation form. Enter your details and click **Create Lens ID**.

![7b74e5f7 52cd 4317 9afd 909dfe91b99a](https://content.hostman.com/assets/b5fe55df-a450-424d-9fb6-8b2e2d9d60ef.png?width=720&height=1084)

_Creating a Lens ID in the [Lens](https://k8slens.dev/) installer_

5.  Verify your email address by clicking on a link sent to you. A confirmation form will open.
6.  Enter your username and password and click **Login**.

![3cef0bd6 87d2 4cca 8ee4 7afa25d132ce](https://content.hostman.com/assets/a97ee232-e117-487b-9c61-1a4bb3a94346.png?width=736&height=794)

_Creating a Lens ID in the [Lens](https://k8slens.dev/) installer_

After successful login, the Lens Desktop will open.

## Connecting to the Cluster

You can save the configuration for connecting to the cluster in the default Lens folder or a custom one.

#### Using the Standard Folder

When using the standard folder (`~/.kube` or `~/.k8slens`, depending on the OS), you should see the name of your cluster in the **Catalog** → **Clusters** section. You can also access it from the welcome menu that appears after successful authorization in Lens by selecting **Browse Clusters in Catalog**.

#### Using the Custom Folder

1.  Create a folder named `k8s_config` in a location convenient for you (you can name the folder as you wish).
    
2.  Download the configuration file (`kubeconfig`) from the dashboard of the created cluster and place it in the folder you just created.
    

![6c07bc59 Ed27 4ca2 935a 7f27c707b464](https://content.hostman.com/assets/9cb0dd1c-6d15-429f-ba45-8a331f05604f.png?width=1554&height=1006)

3.  In the **Clusters** section, click the **+** button in the lower right corner and then add the configuration file(s) or the entire folder with files for initialization.
    

![Image2](https://content.hostman.com/assets/2bcbaf41-9fa6-4bfe-82c3-15b5e652e79d.png?width=1256&height=613)

_Lens Desktop. [Lens / Mirantis](https://k8slens.dev/)_

4.  Connect to the cluster by clicking on it.
    

![Image1](https://content.hostman.com/assets/0b88cb0d-2d33-4f31-9b88-07b8cfbf52d3.png?width=1338&height=492)

_Lens Desktop. [Lens / Mirantis](https://k8slens.dev/)_

You're all set! You are connected to the created [Kubernetes](https://hostman.com/products/kubernetes/) cluster.

![Image5](https://content.hostman.com/assets/310c1c7c-b06f-4de5-bd56-8881870feaa3.png?width=1362&height=682)

_Lens Desktop. [Lens / Mirantis](https://k8slens.dev/)_

You can learn about cluster management through the Lens IDE in the [official documentation](https://docs.k8slens.dev/).