A 10-Step Guide to Building Your App with Bolt

Bolt is an AI-powered development platform that allows you to build websites, web apps, and mobile apps just by describing what you want in plain English. Instead of writing code from scratch, you chat with the AI to create, refine, and deploy your application.

​

Step 1: Clearly Define Your App Idea

Before you start, have a clear vision. What will your app do? Who is it for? What are the most essential features? For example, instead of "a social app," a better idea is "a mobile app for local hiking groups to schedule events and share trail photos." A clear plan leads to better prompts and a better final product.

​

Step 2: Start a New Project on Bolt

Navigate to the Bolt.new website. After signing in, you'll be presented with a chat interface. This is where the magic happens. There's no complex setup; you can start building immediately by describing your app.

​

Step 3: Write a Detailed Initial Prompt

This is the most crucial step. Your first prompt should be a detailed description of the app you want to build. Include the app's name, its core purpose, key features, and any design ideas.

Example Prompt:

"Create a web app called 'TaskFlow'. It should be a project management tool where users can create projects, add tasks to each project, and set deadlines. The main page should show a dashboard of all projects. The design should be modern and minimalist with a dark mode."

​

Step 4: Generate and Review the First Version

After you submit your prompt, Bolt's AI will generate the initial version of your application. This includes the frontend (what users see), the backend (the server logic), and sometimes even a basic database structure. You'll see a file structure, the code itself, and a live preview of the running app, all within your browser.

​

Step 5: Iterate and Refine with Follow-up Prompts

Your first version won't be perfect. Now, you refine it by "chatting" with the AI. Be specific with your requests. You can ask for new features, design changes, or bug fixes.

Example Follow-up Prompts:

• "Add a user authentication system so people can sign up and log in."

• "Change the primary color to a shade of blue."

• "The 'Add Task' button isn't working. Please fix it."

• "Make the layout responsive so it looks good on mobile phones."

• ​

Step 6: Connect to a Backend and Database

For apps that need to store user data (like user profiles, posts, or project details), you'll need a database. Bolt integrates seamlessly with services like Supabase. You can simply ask the AI to set it up.

Example Prompt:

"I want to store the tasks in a Supabase database. Please create the necessary tables and connect the app to it."

​

Step 7: Focus on UI/UX (User Interface/Experience)

A good app is easy and enjoyable to use. Use prompts to fine-tune the visual details. You can ask for specific fonts, animations, or layout adjustments. You can even upload image files or connect to Figma for design inspiration.

​

Step 8: Test Your App Thoroughly

Interact with the live preview as if you were a real user. Click every button, fill out every form, and try to break things. When you find an issue, describe it in the chat for the AI to debug and fix.

​

Step 9: Prepare for Deployment

Once you're happy with your app, it's time to get it ready for the world. Bolt simplifies this process. For a web app, this might involve finalizing domain settings. For a mobile app, you'll need developer accounts for the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, which Bolt's documentation can guide you through.

​

Step 10: Deploy Your App

Bolt features a one-click deployment process. With integrations like Netlify (for web apps) and Expo Application Services (EAS) (for mobile apps), you can publish your app directly from the Bolt interface. Just click the "Deploy" button, follow the prompts, and your application will be live on the internet or submitted to app stores.