Bolt Setup Guide
Free
Create a small interactive web prototype using the browser workspace.
BEGINNER / BROWSER DEVELOPMENT
1. Set the stage
Start with bolt.new and a supported desktop browser. Give the builder one clear outcome rather than a full business system on the first prompt.
1. Open & sign in
Visit bolt.new and sign in. Review the account's current usage allowance and supported project options.
2. Define the first version
Describe the screen, required interactions, sample content, and finish criteria. Keep database, authentication, and payment work outside the first pass.
3. Run the preview
Exercise the interface and inspect any reported errors. Ask for a single correction, then recheck the original behavior.
4. Save & share carefully
Use the project's supported version/export or Git options. Publish only after checking required settings and verifying the resulting URL.
2. Lean working stack
| Stage | Role | | --- | --- | | Prompt | Describe the behavior | | Bolt | Build the app | | Preview | Verify the flow | | Human review | Approve sharing |
Arrows in the visual sheet show the order of work. External connections require separate setup. Optional tools may be replaced with ones you already use. This is a suggested stack for this task, not a universal optimum.
Use a small acceptance list
List the actual actions that must work: add, edit, select, return, or reset. Visual similarity alone does not verify the application.
Avoid a large first stack
Begin with client-side sample state. Add persistent storage or an external API only when the useful core is working.
3. First practice task
Build a three-step onboarding demo with editable fields and Back/Next controls. Preserve answers within the current session, validate required fields, and show a summary. Do not connect email or a database.
Your setup is working when
Every step works, answers remain while moving backward, and required-field errors are visible and understandable before you share the prototype.
Troubleshooting
Preview fails? Read the first error. Lost answers? Check state handling. Unexpected cost? Review the current usage and hosting settings.
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