Skip to main content

Generate apps with AI

Written by Sofia Maconi

You can generate a new app with AI by describing what you want to build. The Agent creates a first version that you can preview and refine directly in the editor. This page covers how to write an effective prompt to get the best possible initial generation. After the app is created, see Edit apps with AI for details on making changes.

Prompt guide

Acceptable use: Don’t submit prompts that violate our Acceptable Use Policy. Prompts that are malicious, contain injections, or are too vague will be automatically rejected.

Creating mobile apps with the AI Agent is currently in beta.

Bring your app idea to life with a well-written prompt. Here’s how to craft a clear, detailed prompt that helps Bubble AI build what you have in mind. These guidelines apply whether you’re building a web app or a native mobile app.

The AI app building process

Building an app with Bubble AI starts with a prompt: a plain-language description of the app you want to build. From there, Bubble AI may ask you a few questions to make sure it understands what you're after before it puts together a plan. You review that plan, adjust anything you'd like, and then generate the app.

1. Create a new app with Create with AI

From your dashboard, choose Create with AI to start a new app from a prompt.

2. Write your prompt

Describe the app you want to build in your own words. A good prompt covers what the app does and who it's for. You don't need to get every detail right up front, since you'll have chances to refine things as you go. There's more on writing effective prompts later in this article.

Type or paste your prompt into the input field and submit it.

3. Answer the AI's questions

Bubble AI may ask a few questions to clarify what you're building. Each one offers a set of multiple-choice options, so you can answer with a tap. If none of them fit, you can type your own answer instead.

4. The AI builds a plan

Once it has what it needs, Bubble AI puts together an initial plan for your app.

5. Review the plan

Bubble AI presents the plan for you to review, along with a live preview of your app on the right.

6. Review features

The Features view lists the things your app will be able to do, with each feature as its own card describing a specific capability, like recipe creation, collections, or a shopping list generator. Review the list to check that nothing's missing, and click Add feature to describe anything you'd like to include that isn't there yet.

7. Review scenarios

The Scenarios view describes the same plan from the user's point of view, with each scenario written as something a specific type of user can do, such as "As a home cook, I can save my own recipes." These help you see how the app works in practice for the people using it. Click Add scenario to describe another situation you want the app to handle.

When the plan looks right, click Generate to build the app. You can keep refining the plan first, there's no need to get everything perfect before generating, since you can continue adjusting your app afterward.

Writing the prompt

What to include

  • App type and purpose – What kind of app is it, and what problem does it solve?

  • Target users – Who is this app for?

  • Core features – What should users be able to do?

  • Visual style – Any colors, mood, or design references to guide the look and feel

Example structure

"A [app type] for [target users] to [main purpose]. Users can [key features]. Style should be [visual preferences]."

Effective Prompt Examples

Web - Good Examples

Task Management App

A productivity app for small teams to track project tasks and deadlines. Team members can create tasks, assign them to colleagues, set due dates, and mark completion. Clean, minimalist design with blue and white colors.

Local Restaurant Finder

A discovery app for food lovers to find nearby restaurants and read reviews. Users can search by cuisine type, view restaurant details, see ratings, and save favorites. Modern design with warm colors and food photography.

Fitness tracker

A wellness app for fitness enthusiasts to log workouts and track progress. Users can record exercises, set goals, view workout history, and share achievements. Energetic design with bright green accents and dark mode support.

Mobile - Good Examples

Lifestyle app

A meal planning app for busy families to organize weekly menus and discover recipes. Warm design with sage green and cream, food photography emphasis.

Productivity tracker

A time-blocking app for knowledge workers to schedule focused work sessions. Users can create time blocks, set focus timers with breaks, and track daily productivity patterns. Minimalist design with forest green and cream, calm aesthetic.

Social Media scheduler

A content scheduling app for creators and small businesses to plan posts across platforms. Modern design with coral and navy blue, influencer-focused style.

✅ Tips for better results

1. Be specific about purpose

Instead of: "A business app"
Try: "An invoice management app for freelancers"

2. Define your users clearly

Instead of: "For everyone"
Try: "For college students planning events"

3. Give visual directions

Instead of: "Make it look good"
Try: "Professional design with navy blue and gold, inspired by financial apps"

4. Focus on core features first

Instead of: "Users can do everything they need"
Try: "Users can create events, invite friends, and track RSVPs"

❌ What to avoid

1. Being too vague

"Make me a social app that's really cool and modern."

2. Too detailed on layout

"Put the login button in the top right corner, make the sidebar exactly 250px wide, and use Helvetica font for all headers."

3. Technical specifications

"Integrate with Stripe API, use PostgreSQL database, and implement OAuth authentication with Google and Facebook."

Style and design guidelines

There is some overlap between color and mood, but make sure you include both in your prompt.

Color Preferences

  • Be specific: "forest green and cream" vs. "green"

  • Mention themes: "dark mode," "minimalist," "vibrant"

  • Reference styles: "corporate professional," "playful startup"

Mood and feel

  • Professional and corporate

  • Fun and playful

  • Clean and minimalist

  • Bold and modern

  • Warm and friendly

FAQ

What is sample data?

Sample data refers to placeholder information that mimics real data and is used during the app-building process. Bubble AI generates sample data to help you visualize how your app will look and function once it’s populated with actual user information. For example, if your app includes a list of users or a gallery of products, Bubble AI might fill those areas with sample names or descriptions.

This temporary data is particularly useful for making sure your app works: testing and refining the design, workflows, and overall user experience before launching your app. Once you’re satisfied with the app’s structure, you can replace the sample data with live information or accept real data coming from your users. By including realistic sample data, Bubble ensures you can clearly see how your app will behave in a real-world scenario.

Did this answer your question?