If you're using Bolt, you're probably overlooking a hack that's going to save you a lot of time.

Bolt has become one of the most popular AI app builders because of how much time it saves you. But with this hack, you're going to be able to save even more time and build even faster.

In this post, we'll explore how to leverage Bolt Starter templates and discuss two specific use cases that will help you build more quickly in Bolt. Plus, we'll share a bonus tip that we've learned after building dozens of Bolt projects.

Leveraging Bolt Starter Templates for Rapid Development

Creating projects in Bolt typically means starting with a blank canvas. You'd spend time setting up basic structures, writing foundational code, and solving common problems before even getting to your actual idea.

There's a better way for a lot of people depending on the project. Its this: Bolt Starter.​

Bolt Starter offers free pre-built templates to use on the Bolt.new platform. Instead of that slow start from zero, you can begin with a working foundation.

Benefits of Using Pre-built Templates

• Save time by starting with a functional base
• Reduce the initial development effort
• Learn from well-structured code examples
• Quickly prototype and iterate on ideas

How to Access and Import Templates into Bolt

To use a Bolt Starter template:

1. Visit the Bolt Starter page
2. Browse available templates
3. Click "Launch in Bolt new" on your chosen template
4. The template will be imported into your Bolt account

You can start building on top of the template immediately without using any tokens until you begin making changes.

Here is what Bolt Starter looks like:

Customizing Bolt Starter Templates: AI Chat Interface Example

Let's walk through a practical example of how to customize a Bolt Starter template. We'll use the AI chat interface template and add real AI functionality using the Perplexity API.

Step 1: Import the AI Chat Interface Template

Start by importing the AI chat interface template into your Bolt account. This template provides a great starting point with a sleek UI design.

Step 2: Add Real AI Functionality with Perplexity API

To make this template functional, we need to integrate the Perplexity API. Here's how:

1. Obtain a Perplexity API key
2. Add your API key to the env file in your Bolt project
3. Implement chat functionality using the Perplexity API

After a bit of back-and-forth with Bolt, you'll have a working AI chat interface. This process typically takes about 5 minutes to complete.

Demonstrating the Working Prototype

Once implemented, you can test your AI chat interface by asking questions. The responses will include citations, answers, and related questions, all powered by the Perplexity API.

Enhancing Templates: Habit Tracker Case Study

Let's look at another example using the habit tracker template from Bolt Starter.

Overview of the Habit Tracker Template

The habit tracker template comes with a clean design and basic functionality out of the box. You can add habits, check them off, and view a daily inspirational quote.

Adding New Features to the Existing Template

To demonstrate how easy it is to modify templates, let's add a new feature: a random quote generator.

Step 1: Add Multiple Inspirational Quotes

Start by adding a collection of inspirational quotes to your project.

Step 2: Implement a Random Quote Generator

Create a function that selects a random quote from your collection when a button is pressed.

Step 3: Add a Button to Trigger the Quote Change

Place a button near the daily inspiration section that, when clicked, displays a new random quote.

With these simple modifications, you've added a new interactive feature to the habit tracker template, enhancing its functionality and user engagement.

Maximizing Efficiency with Bolt's Discuss Mode

Now, let's dive into a powerful Bolt feature that many users overlook: Discuss Mode.

Introduction to Discuss Mode

Discuss Mode is a feature in Bolt that allows you to plan and strategize with the AI before jumping into the build process.

Benefits of Using Discuss Mode

• Conserves tokens by planning before building
• Improves planning and results
• Allows for more thoughtful project development

How to Use Discuss Mode Effectively

1. Activate Discuss Mode by clicking the button at the bottom of the Bolt interface
2. Ask questions or describe your project goals
3. Review the AI's suggestions and plans
4. Refine your approach based on the discussion
5. When ready, click "Implement this plan" to start building

Example: Planning Supabase Integration for User Authentication

Let's say you want to add Supabase integration to your habit tracker for user authentication and team features. You can use Discuss Mode to plan this implementation:

1. Activate Discuss Mode
2. Ask: "How do I add a Supabase integration to add user authentication with teams so that multiple people can see the same streaks together?"
3. Review the AI's suggested plan
4. Refine the plan through further discussion if needed
5. Implement the plan when you're satisfied with the approach

By using Discuss Mode, you can save tokens, get better results, and have a clear roadmap for implementing complex features.

Here's more on this discuss mode:

Building with AI tools like Bolt can significantly speed up your development process. By leveraging Bolt Starter templates, customizing them to fit your needs, and using features like Discuss Mode, you can create powerful applications in a fraction of the time it would take to build from scratch.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Bolt AI app builder?

Bolt is a popular AI-powered app builder that allows users to create applications quickly and efficiently using artificial intelligence and pre-built templates.

How do Bolt Starter templates save time?

Bolt Starter templates provide pre-built, functional foundations for various types of applications. This allows developers to start with a working base instead of building everything from scratch, significantly reducing development time.

What is Discuss Mode in Bolt?

Discuss Mode is a feature in Bolt that allows users to plan and strategize with the AI before starting the build process. It helps conserve tokens, improves planning, and leads to better overall results.

Can I integrate third-party APIs with Bolt templates?

Yes, you can integrate third-party APIs with Bolt templates. As demonstrated in the blog post, we integrated the Perplexity API with the AI chat interface template to add real AI functionality.

How can I optimize my Bolt projects?

To optimize your Bolt projects, use Bolt Starter templates as a foundation, leverage Discuss Mode for planning, integrate necessary APIs, and continuously iterate on your designs based on user feedback and performance metrics.