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Guide · Open source

How to use bolt.new: build and deploy a web app in your browser

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Bolt.new is an AI-powered web development agent that you use in your browser. You describe an app in a chat, and the AI builds, runs and can deploy it without installing anything on your computer. This guide walks you through how it works, how to write better prompts, and what limits to expect, so you can build a working full-stack prototype.

bolt.newstackblitz/bolt.new · ★ 16.6k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Open bolt.new. Go to https://bolt.new in your browser. No local installation is needed.
  2. 2Describe your app. Write a prompt that explains what the app does and names any frameworks or libraries you want.
  3. 3Refine the prompt. Optionally click the enhance icon, then edit the suggested prompt before sending it.
  4. 4Build the foundation. Ask for the basic structure first so Bolt sets up the project correctly.
  5. 5Add features in batches. Combine simple changes into one message to save time and tokens.
  6. 6Deploy and share. Deploy from chat when the app is ready and share its URL.

What Bolt.new does and how it works

Bolt.new runs an in-browser development environment powered by StackBlitz's WebContainers. According to the README, this lets the AI install npm packages and libraries, run Node.js servers, interact with third-party APIs, and deploy to production from chat.

The AI has control over the filesystem, node server, package manager, terminal and browser console, so it can handle the app from creation through deployment.

  • Install and run npm tools and libraries, such as Vite and Next.js
  • Run Node.js servers
  • Interact with third-party APIs
  • Deploy to production from chat
  • Share your work via a URL

Start your first project in the browser

There is no local setup. Open bolt.new in your browser, then describe the app you want in the chat. The source lists no prerequisites for using the web app.

Be specific in your first message about what the app should do. If you want particular frameworks or libraries, name them up front so Bolt scaffolds the project accordingly.

  • Go to https://bolt.new
  • Describe the app in the chat, including any frameworks such as Astro, Tailwind or ShadCN
  • Let Bolt build and run the project, then review the result in the live browser environment

Write better prompts

The README offers a few habits that help Bolt produce a better project and use fewer AI credits.

Start with the basic structure of the app, then add features once the foundation is wired up. Combining simple instructions into one message also saves time and reduces API credit consumption.

  • Be specific about your stack in the initial prompt
  • Use the 'enhance' icon to have the AI refine your prompt, then edit the result before sending
  • Scaffold the basics first, then add advanced features
  • Batch simple instructions, for example changing the colour scheme, adding mobile responsiveness and restarting the dev server, in one message

Deploy and share your app

The README says you can deploy to production from chat and share your work via a URL. It does not describe deployment targets or hosting details, so check the Help Center at https://support.bolt.new/ for current specifics.

Understand plans, tokens and beta status

Bolt.new is free to get started. The README describes a free daily token limit. When you reach it, AI interactions pause until the next day or until you upgrade. Paid subscriptions add more AI tokens and private projects, and can be purchased from the settings in the lower-left corner of the application.

The README states Bolt.new is in beta and actively improving based on feedback. Plan your AI usage accordingly.

Build on the open-source codebase (optional)

If you want to build your own AI-powered development tool with WebContainers, the Bolt codebase is open source under the MIT licence. You only need this step if you want to build your own tool; using bolt.new in the browser does not require it.

git clone https://github.com/stackblitz/bolt.new

What people use it for

  • Prototyping a full-stack web app without local setup
  • Showing AI-generated code running in a live browser environment
  • Letting a PM or designer produce a working web prototype, as the README suggests
  • Studying or building on the open-source Bolt codebase

Frequently asked questions

Is bolt.new free?

The README says Bolt.new is free to get started. It also describes a free daily token limit, and paid subscriptions for more AI tokens and private projects.

What happens when I hit the bolt.new free limit?

Once the free daily token limit is reached, AI interactions are paused until the next day or until you upgrade your plan.

Is bolt.new in beta?

Yes. The README states that Bolt.new is in beta and that the team is actively improving it based on feedback.

Do I need to install anything to use bolt.new?

No. Bolt.new runs in the browser, and the source lists no prerequisites for the web app. Installing is only needed if you clone the open-source codebase to build your own tool.

What frameworks and libraries work on bolt.new?

The README says Bolt.new supports most popular JavaScript frameworks and libraries, and that anything that runs on StackBlitz should run on Bolt.new as well.

How do I report a bolt.new bug?

Use the Issues section of the stackblitz/bolt.new GitHub repository. Search first to see whether someone has already reported the same problem. Community support is available on the StackBlitz Discord.

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Our verdict

Bolt.new suits people who want to prototype a full-stack web app quickly in the browser, including non-coders and developers who want to see AI-generated code run live. Pick something else if you need to work offline, need predictable AI costs, or need a stable production product, since the README says it is in beta and describes daily token limits. Comparable tools named in the source include v0, Lovable, Replit and CodeSandbox.

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