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Step-by-Step Guide: Build Your First App with Lovable
Turn your idea into a functional application without writing a line of code. This detailed tutorial takes you from start to finish, with examples and pro tips for getting it right the first time.
📋 Before you start: What you need
| 🛠️ Element | ✅ Required | 🎁 Optional |
|---|---|---|
| ⏱️ Time | 30–60 minutes | – |
| 👤 Lovable Account | Free | Pro Version |
| 💡 App Idea | Even basic | Business plan |
| 💻 Coding Skills | None | Bonus if you have them |
| 🌐 Browser | Chrome / Firefox / Safari | – |
1️⃣ Account Creation and Getting Started with the Interface
🎯 Registration and first contact
- Access lovable.dev
- Click on “
Start Building“or”Sign Up“ - Choose your enrollment method:
- Google (recommended for speed)
- GitHub (if you are a developer)
- Classic email
🖥️ Discover your workspace
Once connected, this is what you see:
| 🖼️ Zone | 🎯 Function | 🏃 First Reflex |
|---|---|---|
| 📝 Prompt Bar (bottom) | Describe what you want to create (front-end, back-end, workflow) | Start with “Create a…” then press Enter |
| 🖼️ Preview Area (center) | Visualize the app in real-time and interact with it | Click on a component to test it |
| 📁 Project Panel (left) | List and organize all your projects | Click on “New Project” to get started |
| ⚙️ Editing Tools (right) | Modify properties, styles, and behaviors of elements | Select an element to display its panel |
| ↩️ History (top) | Undo/Redo the last actions | Use the “Undo” button or Ctrl + Z |
💡 Beginner tip: Explore the interface for 2 minutes before creating. Click everywhere, you won't break anything!
🔧 Optional configuration for the most techy
If you want to view/edit the generated code:
Profile → Settings → Integrations → Connect GitHub
This allows you to:
- Save your code
- Collaborate with developers
- Personalize beyond AI
2️⃣ Mastering the Art of Prompting: The Key to Success
📝 Anatomy of an effective prompt
A good prompt follows this structure:
[WHAT] + [FOR WHOM] + [FEATURES] + [FEATURES] + [STYLE]
❌ Prompt wave:
“Make me a todo app”
✅ Precise prompt:
“Create an application of task management minimalistic for
students with:
- To-do list by subject
- Due dates with alerts
- Percentage of progress
- Dark/light mode
- Modern “Notion” style design
🎯 Examples of prompts by application type
| 📱 App Type | 💬 Starting Prompt | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Simple mobile app | Create a mobile-first expense tracker with categories, monthly budget limits, and interactive charts. Use a clean, modern design with blue accent colors and offline data storage. | ✅ Specify offline support to ensure accessibility. |
| E-commerce app | Build an online store for handmade jewelry featuring a product gallery, shopping cart, checkout form, and order confirmation. Include a size guide with zoomable images and care instructions. | 🎯 Indicate product zoom to optimize user experience. |
| Dashboard app | Design a sales dashboard showing revenue trends, top products, and customer metrics. Incorporate date range filters, export to PDF, and dynamic tooltips. | 🖨️ Mention PDF export to facilitate automated reporting. |
| Form app | Create a multi-step job application form with resume upload, portfolio links, and real-time validation on each step. Send a customizable confirmation email upon successful submission. | ✉️ Specify sending a confirmation email to reassure the user. |
🚀 Advanced technique: The quick iterative
Step 1 - General structure: “Create a recipe sharing app with homepage showing recent recipes”
Step 2 - Adding Features: “Add a search bar to filter recipes by ingredients and cooking time”
Step 3 - UX improvement: “Make recipe cards show prep time, difficulty level, and rating stars”
Lovable understands context. No need to repeat everything at every prompt!
3️⃣ Connecting Supabase for a Powerful Backend
🔌 Why Supabase?
| ❌ Without Supabase | ✅ With Supabase | 💡 Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary data (in-memory) | Persistent data on PostgreSQL | Reliability and recovery after restart |
| No user management | Full auth (email, OAuth, MFA) | Secure access and multi-user support |
| Single-user usage | Multi-user support | Real-time collaboration |
| No built-in security | RLS, SOC 2, AES-256 encryption | Compliance and data protection |
| No instant API | Generated REST/Realtime APIs | Accelerated development |
| No media storage | Storage for files and media | Centralized asset management |
| No server functions | Edge Functions (serverless) | Add backend logic without DevOps |
📋 Step-by-Step Connection Guide
- In Lovable, click on the button
Supabase(top right corner)!
[Lovable logo] -------------------- [🔌 Supabase] [👤]
- First time connecting? A window opens:
- Click”
Create Supabase Account“(if new) - Or”
Connect Existing Account“(if already registered)
- Click”
- Permission required:
- Supabase asks: “Allow Lovable to access?”
- Click”
Authorize“(secure)
- Creation of the Supabase project:
Organization name: [Your name/business]
Project name: [Your app name]
Region: Europe (Paris)//Closer = faster
- Back in Lovable:
- The project appears in the dropdown menu
- Select it
- Green badge = Connected! ✅
⚠️ Important: Connect Supabase BEFORE requesting:
- Login/signup system
- Data backup
- User profiles
- File upload
💡 Example of use
| ⚙️ Context | 💬 Prompt | 📈 Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Without Supabase | “Create a note-taking app” | Notes disappear on refresh |
| With Supabase connected | “Create a note-taking app with user accounts and persistent storage” | Notes saved, multi-device, secure |
4️⃣ Testing and Deploying Your Creation
| 🛠️ Element | 🔍 Description | 💡 Required/Optional | 🚀 Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌐 Domain Name | Register and point to the Lovable app | ✅ Required | High |
| 🔒 SSL Certificate | Encrypt all HTTP connections | ✅ Required | High |
| ⚙️ Environment Variables | API keys, Supabase URL, secrets | ✅ Required | High |
| 📊 Analytics | Integrate Google Analytics, Matomo, or equivalent | ✅ Required | Medium |
| 🛠️ CI/CD Pipeline | Automate build, tests, and deployment | ✅ Required | High |
| 📝 SEO Meta Tags | title, description, og:image for social sharing | ✅ Required | Medium |
| ⚡ Performance | Lighthouse audit, image optimization, lazy-load | ✅ Required | Medium |
| ✅ Accessibility | WCAG controls, ARIA labels, keyboard navigation | ✅ Required | Medium |
| 🗂️ Sitemap & robots.txt | Generate sitemap.xml and configure robots.txt | ✅ Required | Low |
| 🔗 Social Previews | Optimized images and descriptions for social media | ⚪ Optional | Low |
| 📄 Privacy Policy & T&C | GDPR-compliant legal pages | ✅ Required | High |
| 🍪 Cookie Consent | Banner and cookie management | ✅ Required | Medium |
| 📥 Backups & Rollback | Automatic backup and restoration strategy | ✅ Required | Medium |
| 🔔 Monitoring & Alerts | Uptime, error logs, Slack/email alerts | ⚪ Optional | Low |
| 📱 PWA / Mobile App | Manifest, service worker for offline mode | ⚪ Optional | Low |
🔍 Advanced preview tool:
- Click on”
Preview“(eye in the upper right corner) - Choose the device (mobile/tablet/desktop)
- Share the temporary link for feedback
- Valid for 24 hours (perfect for user tests)
🚀 Deployment in production
Option 1 : Lovable instant deployment
“Ship” button → Choose URL → Confirm → Live in 30 sec!
- URL type:
yourapp.lovable.app - SSL included (https://)
- Automatic global CDN
Option 2 : Custom domain
| 🛠️ Service | ⚡ Difficulty | 💰 Price | ⏱ Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netlify | ⭐ Easy | Free | 5 min |
| Vercel | ⭐ Easy | Free | 5 min |
| Namecheap | ⭐⭐ Medium | ~ €10/year | 15 min |
| Custom Hosting | ⭐⭐⭐ Expert | Variable | 30+ min |
📋 Netlify process (recommended):
- Export from Lovable (
Download code) - Create a Netlify account
- Drag & drop the folder
- Custom domain in 2 clicks
5️⃣ Expert Tips for Rapid Progress
Beginner mistakes to avoid
| ❌ Common Error | 🛠️ Solution | 💡 Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Prompt too long | Break it down into steps | Create a clear plan before writing |
| Not specific enough | Add examples | Mention format, tone, and audience |
| Forgetting to save | Lovable auto-saves! | Check the save status before each step |
| Wanting everything perfect | Iterate progressively | Launch an MVP, then adjust |
| Ignoring errors | Read the red error messages | Fix issues as you go |
Professional workflow
Day 1: Prototype
- Define clear objective
- Create basic structure
- Test core features
Day 2-3: Improvement
- Refine the design
- Add interactions
- Optimizing UX
Day 4-5: Production
- User tests
- Final corrections
- Deployment
🎓 Resources for Going Further
| 🎓 Resource | 📋 Description | 🔗 Link |
|---|---|---|
| Official Documentation | Guide des prompts & bibliothèque de modèles réutilisables | https://docs.lovable.dev/prompting/prompting-one |
| Exemples d’apps | Showcase de projets construits avec Lovable AI | https://lovable.dev/how-to/e-commerce-management/app-showcase |
| Tutoriels vidéo | Vidéos pas-à-pas, démos & retours d’expérience | https://www.youtube.com/@lovable-labs |
| Communauté Discord | Échanges en temps réel et aide communautaire (64 k+ membres) | https://discord.com/invite/lovable-dev |
| Forum & programme | Portail forum & Community Champion Program | https://docs.lovable.dev/tips-tricks/community |
| Templates | Une bibliothèque de dizaines de templates (landing pages, dashboards…) | https://lovable.dev/templates |
| Support | Chat in-app IA + escalation humaine, email support@yovable.dev | https://docs.lovable.dev/tips-tricks/support-policy |
| FAQ | Réponses aux 40+ questions les plus courantes | https://docs.lovable.dev/introduction/faq |
You now have all the keys to create your first application. Lovable eliminates technical barriers - your creativity is the only limit.
Challenge:Create a simple app (calculator, timer, todo list) by following this guide. Estimated time: 20 minutes. Share your creation with #MyFirstLovableApp!
Types of Projects Achievable with Lovable
Lovable goes far beyond simple landing pages: it is a no-code AI platform that allows you to create professional web applications from end to end, from a fast MVP to the finished product.
With a conversational interface, you describe your project in natural language and the AI is responsible for generating the architecture, interface, and functionalities, including database, authentication, and payment integration.
📊 Overview of the possibilities
| 📂 Category | ⭐ Complexity | ⏱️ Average Time | 🧩 Concrete Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌐 Showcase Websites | ⭐ Easy | 30 min – 2 h |
Portfolio Landing page Interactive CV |
| 🛍️ E-commerce | ⭐⭐ Medium | 2 h – 4 h |
Online store Marketplace Booking system |
| 📱 SaaS Applications | ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced | 4 h – 8 h |
Basic CRM Analytical dashboard Collaborative tools |
| 🚀 Complex Platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Expert | 1 – 3 days |
Social network Marketplace Multi-service portal |
🎨 Starter Projects (Great for getting started)
Lovable is ideal for quickly launching simple and beautiful projects, perfect for creatives, freelancers or entrepreneurs.
| 🎨 Project Type | ✨ Key Features | 💬 Starting Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Portfolio |
Fullscreen gallery Animated bio Contact form Embedded testimonials |
“Create a photographer portfolio with fullscreen gallery, about section, and booking calendar” |
| Product Landing Page |
Impactful hero section Feature list Pricing comparison table Strategic CTA buttons |
“Build a SaaS landing page with pricing tiers, feature comparison, and email signup” |
| Interactive Resume |
Career timeline Dynamic skill bars Project gallery PDF download button |
“Design an interactive resume with work timeline, skill ratings, and project gallery” |
🛒 Turnkey e-commerce and business solutions
Lovable makes it possible to create robust business solutions, connected to Supabase for data management and to Stripe for payments.
| 🛒 Solution | 🎯 Ideal Use Case | ✨ Essential Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🏪 Online Store | Artisans, creators |
• Product catalog • Smart cart • Integrated Stripe payment • Real-time inventory management |
| 📅 Reservation System | Restaurants, salons, coaches |
• Interactive calendar • Slot management • Email/SMS confirmations and reminders • Reservation tracking dashboard |
| 🎫 Ticketing Platform | Conferences, shows |
• Seat selection • QR code generation • Mobile check-in • Real-time analytics |
| 💼 Job Board | Recruiters, associations |
• Advanced filters • CV upload and parsing • AI-based candidate/job matching • Company dashboard for tracking |
🔥 Advanced applications: the power of Lovable
Lovable also excels on complex projects, thanks to its native management of databases, authentication and personalized workflows.
| 🔧 Platform Type | ⭐ Technical Level | ✨ Advanced Features | ⏱️ Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🤝 Mentorship Network | ⭐⭐⭐ |
• Intelligent AI matching • Secure messaging • Coordinated calendar • Automated payments |
6–8 h |
| 🏠 Rental Marketplace | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
• Real-time geolocation • Advanced dynamic filters • Rating & review system • Secure transactions |
8–12 h |
| 💰 Crowdfunding Platform | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
• Multiple campaign launches • Interactive progress bars • Real-time project updates • Advanced analytics (contributions, conversions) |
10–15 h |
| 🔨 Online Auctions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
• Real-time bidding • Instant push notifications • Bid history tracking • Secure escrow payment |
12–20 h |
example : Subscription platform
- Step 1: “Create a subscription-based learning platform with course catalog”
- Step 2: “Add user authentication with third party subscription (free, pro, premium)”
- Step 3: “Include video player, progress tracking, and completion certificates”
- Step 4: “Add instructor dashboard with earnings and student analytics”
Result : a complete platform like Udemy in 1 day ready to receive your first subscribers even for non-programmers
📈 Decision matrix by sector
| 📊 Sector | 🚀 Recommended Project | ⚙️ Priority Features | 📈 Average ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍕 Restaurant | App for ordering + reservations |
Digital menu, payment Table management, notifications |
3–6 months |
| 🏥 Healthcare | Online appointment booking |
Interactive calendar, reminders Teleconsultation, file management |
2–4 months |
| 🎓 Education | Custom LMS |
Course management, quizzes Certificates, learner tracking |
4–8 months |
| 🏢 Real Estate | Listing portal |
Map integration, 360° tours Contact forms |
2–3 months |
| 🎨 Creative | Portfolio + booking |
Image gallery, online quotes Scheduling & appointment booking |
1–2 months |
🚀 From idea to launch: Examples
- FitTracker Pro (startup): Fitness tracking app created in 2 days on Lovable: 10k users in 3 months, raised €200k
- MenuQR (profitable side-project): Interactive digital menu for restaurants, integrated ordering and payment: +30% average basket
- DonateEasy (association): Recurring donations platform, impact monitoring, automatic tax receipts: +200% monthly donations
How to choose your project with Lovable
Key questions to ask yourself:
- 🎯 Main objective: sell, inform, connect, automate?
- 👥 Target audience : B2C (mobile-first), B2B (dashboard/analytics), both?
- 💰 Business model: direct payment, subscriptions, commission, free?
- ⏰ Emergency: fast MVP, finished product, market test?
Remember that there are many options available to customize your project according to your needs, whether in terms of hosting, integration with services like Vercel or GitHub, or advanced features.
🛠️ Available resources by type of project
| 🛠️ Project Type | 📦 Templates | 🎓 Tutorials | 💬 Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-commerce | 50+ | 4 h video | #lovable-shops |
| SaaS | 30+ | Masterclass | #saas-builders |
| Portfolio | 100+ | Quick starts | #creatives |
| Marketplace | 20+ | Case studies | #platforms |
🎯 Get started!
- Choose a type of project that inspires you
- Write a 2-3 line prompt
- Create your MVP in 1 hour
- Share to get feedback
“Lovable allows you to test 10 ideas in the time it took to code one. That's the real no-code revolution!” — Marc, serial entrepreneur
Whatever your idea, Lovable can bring it to life. The question is no longer “Is it possible?” but “Where do I start?”
Lovable Highlights ✅
- Generation of web and SaaS applications in natural language (conversational AI)
- Supabase native integration (backend, database, authentication)
- Stripe payments, one-click deployment, installable PWAs
- GitHub sync for advanced customization
- Ultra-fast and iterative prototyping, even for non-techies
- Perfect for MVPs, side-projects, internal tools, marketplaces, and complex platforms
Final Review of Lovable
Lovable is an innovative software that represents a major advance in the field of no-code tools boosted by AI, by allowing anyone — entrepreneurs, start-ups or citizen developers — to transform ideas into functional applications without technical skills.
With its intuitive conversational interface, features like voice cloning or lip sync, and simple visual customization, Lovable democratizes app creation by dramatically reducing development time.
Lovable's promise is clear: to make creating applications accessible to everyone, by simplifying every step of the process. The revenue generated by Lovable is a testament to its growing success and rapid adoption by a large user community.
FAQ
Is Lovable better than competitors at making a web application?
It is distinguished by its conversational AI and its point-and-click editing, which is more intuitive than V0 or Replit, but less technical than Webflow. With a score of 4.6/5 on TechRadar, it excels for non-technicians, although it is more focused on MVPs than complex projects.
Do you need to know how to code to use Lovable?
No, Lovable is 100% no-code. Describe your idea in natural language, AI takes care of the rest.
What types of applications can I create?
Showcase sites, e-commerce, SaaS, complex platforms, internal tools and more.
Can I see and edit the generated code?
Yes, you can review the generated code, export it, or sync it to GitHub according to your plan.
Does Lovable have a free plan?
Yes, there is a free version to test the platform. Paid plans unlock more features.
Are my applications mobile?
Yes, all apps are responsive by default and can be adapted for mobile or published on stores.
What are the integrated payment methods?
Lovable integrates Stripe for online payments, ideal for shops, reservations or subscriptions.
What should I do if I encounter a problem?
You can contact support via the built-in chat, review documentation, or ask for help from the Discord community.
Can I use Lovable for client projects?
Absolutely, many freelancers and agencies use it to deliver faster to their customers
