Bolt.new

Bolt.new is an AI-powered full-stack development platform that enables users to build, run, edit, and deploy complete web applications entirely within the browser. Created by StackBlitz, the company behind the popular web-based IDE, Bolt.new represents a breakthrough in AI-assisted development by not just generating code, but actually running it in a fully functional development environment with live preview, package management, and one-click deployment.

What sets Bolt.new apart from code generation tools is its integrated approach to development. When you describe an application you want to build, Bolt doesn't just give you code—it scaffolds the entire project, installs dependencies, runs a development server, and shows you the working application in real-time. You can see your app running while simultaneously viewing and editing the source code, all within the same browser tab. This seamless integration of AI generation, code editing, and live preview creates a development experience that feels magical, especially for rapid prototyping and learning.

The platform excels at building modern web applications using popular frameworks like React, Vue, Next.js, and Astro. Bolt understands full-stack development patterns, can integrate with APIs, set up routing, manage state, style interfaces with Tailwind CSS, and even configure deployment settings. The AI can make complex multi-file changes, refactor entire features, add new functionality, and debug issues—all while maintaining a working development environment. This makes it possible to go from idea to deployed application in minutes rather than hours or days.

Bolt.new is particularly powerful for founders, designers, and non-technical builders who have application ideas but limited coding experience. By describing what you want in natural language and iterating through conversation, you can build functional web applications without manually writing code. For experienced developers, Bolt serves as a rapid prototyping tool that generates boilerplate, scaffolds projects, and handles repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on custom logic and refinement. The platform has gained significant attention for enabling complete applications—from simple landing pages to complex SaaS interfaces—to be built in single sessions through conversational AI.

As an evolution of the StackBlitz WebContainers technology, Bolt.new runs a complete Node.js environment directly in your browser, including npm package installation and terminal access. This means there's no server-side execution delay and no complex setup—everything runs locally in the browser with near-instant responsiveness. The one-click deployment to platforms like Netlify and Vercel makes shipping your creation to production frictionless, completing the cycle from idea to live application entirely within the platform.

Step 1: Visit Bolt.new

Navigate to https://bolt.new in your web browser. No installation or setup required—the entire development environment runs in your browser.

Step 2: Sign In

Create an account or sign in using GitHub, Google, or email. Some features are available without sign-in, but an account enables saving projects and deployment.

Step 3: Describe Your Application

In the chat interface, describe the web application you want to build: "Build a task manager app with the ability to add, complete, and delete tasks, styled with Tailwind CSS."

Step 4: Watch Bolt Build Your App

Bolt will scaffold the project, install dependencies, generate code across multiple files, and start a development server. Watch the progress in real-time.

Step 5: Preview Your Running Application

Once generated, your application runs live in the preview pane. Interact with it to test functionality and identify improvements.

Step 6: Iterate with Natural Language

Refine your application through conversation: "Add local storage so tasks persist," "Add a filter to show only incomplete tasks," or "Make the design more modern."

Step 7: Explore the Code

Switch to the code view to see the generated files. You can manually edit any file, and changes reflect immediately in the preview.

Step 8: Use the Terminal

Access the built-in terminal to run commands, install additional packages, or troubleshoot issues. Full Node.js environment available.

Step 9: Deploy Your Application

Click "Deploy" to push your application to Netlify, Vercel, or other platforms with one click. Bolt handles the build configuration automatically.

Step 10: Download or Fork

Download the project to continue development locally, or fork it within StackBlitz to keep iterating in the browser.