Beginner's Guide to Bolt: Here's What to Do After Your First Prompt
Last updated
May 8, 2025
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Creating a website or app used to require extensive coding knowledge or hiring a professional developer.
But with AI-powered website/apps builders like Bolt, anyone can now design and launch a professional-looking site in minutes. This guide will walk you through how to use Bolt's innovative features to build your own custom website effortlessly.
Getting Started with Bolt Features
Bolt simplifies the website creation process by leveraging artificial intelligence. Here's how to get started:
1. Initial Prompt and AI-Generated Design
Begin by providing Bolt with a brief description of your desired website.
For example, you might request "a simple landing page for a lawn maintenance business with a modern design and focus on a call-to-action form." The AI will then generate an initial design based on your prompt.
Once your initial design is ready, you'll be presented with Bolt's user-friendly interface. The main components include:
A preview of your website
A chat interface for interacting with the AI
Various tools and options for customization
This is what you will see:
Here is what you see after your initial prompt in Bolt
3. Utilizing the Chat Functionality
The chat interface is your primary means of communication with Bolt. Use natural language to request changes, ask questions, or provide additional instructions. For instance, you could type "change the color scheme to blue and white" or "add a section for customer testimonials."
4. Discuss Mode for Planning Changes
Bolt offers a unique "discuss mode" that allows you to brainstorm ideas with the AI without making immediate changes to your design. This feature is perfect for planning more complex modifications or exploring different directions for your website.
Learn more about this here:
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5. File Upload Capabilities
You can easily incorporate your own images or files into your website design. Simply use the file upload feature in the chat interface to add custom elements to your site.
Customizing Your AI-Generated Landing Page
After getting familiar with the basic features, it's time to refine your website design:
1. Using the Enhance Prompt Feature
Bolt's "enhance prompt" feature allows you to expand on your initial request. This generates a more detailed prompt, similar to a product requirements document (PRD), which the AI uses to further refine your design.
In the bottom left, you can see the enhanced prompt.
2. Reviewing and Modifying the Enhanced Prompt
Always review the enhanced prompt before applying it. You can edit specific sections to better align with your vision for the website.
3. Inspecting and Modifying Specific Elements
Bolt provides an element inspector tool that allows you to select and modify individual components of your website. Here's how to use it:
Click the inspector button in the interface
Select the element you want to modify
Use the chat interface to request changes to the selected element
Select elements in Bolt to Change
4. Editing Code Directly
For those with coding experience, Bolt allows direct editing of your website's code. This feature provides granular control over your site's structure and functionality.
5. Previewing Changes in Responsive Design Mode
Ensure your website looks great on all devices by using the responsive design mode. This allows you to preview and adjust your site's appearance on various screen sizes.
Advanced Bolt Capabilities
Bolt offers several advanced features to enhance your website:
1. Integrating Third-Party Services
Bolt supports integration with popular services like Stripe for payments and Supabase for databases. These integrations can add powerful functionality to your website.
2. Exporting Your Bolt Project
Once you're satisfied with your design, you can export your project in two ways:
Open in StackBlitz for further editing
Download the code for use in other development environments
3. Deploying Your Bolt Website
Bolt makes deployment simple with one-click deployment to Netlify. After deployment, you can claim your Netlify URL to make the site officially yours.
To get the most out of Bolt, consider these best practices:
1. Leveraging the Chat Interface
Be specific and clear in your requests to the AI. The more precise your instructions, the better the results you'll achieve.
2. Utilizing Discuss Mode for Complex Changes
When planning significant modifications, use the discuss mode to explore options without committing to changes immediately.
3. Balancing AI-Generated Content with Manual Adjustments
While Bolt is powerful, don't be afraid to make manual adjustments. Combining AI suggestions with your own creative input often yields the best results.
4. Prioritizing Responsive Design
Always check how your website looks on different devices. A responsive design ensures a good user experience for all visitors.
Bolt is revolutionizing the way we build websites, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their technical background. By following this guide and experimenting with Bolt's features, you'll be well on your way to creating a professional, customized website that meets your specific needs.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Bolt?
Bolt is an AI-powered website builder that allows users to create professional websites quickly and easily, without extensive coding knowledge.
Do I need coding experience to use Bolt?
No, you don't need coding experience to use Bolt. The platform is designed to be user-friendly for people of all skill levels.
Can I customize the AI-generated designs in Bolt?
Yes, Bolt offers various customization options, including a chat interface for making changes, an element inspector for modifying specific components, and even direct code editing for those with coding experience.
How do I deploy my website created with Bolt?
Bolt offers one-click deployment to Netlify, making it easy to publish your website online.
Can I integrate third-party services with my Bolt website?
Yes, Bolt supports integrations with services like Stripe for payments and Supabase for databases, allowing you to add advanced functionality to your website.
Is it possible to export my Bolt project?
Yes, you can export your Bolt project by either opening it in StackBlitz for further editing or downloading the code for use in other development environments.