Building Apps FAQs
Questions about using the AI to build your apps.How do I tell the AI what I want?
How do I tell the AI what I want?
Just type in plain English! Be specific about:
- What the feature should do
- What it should look like
- How users should interact with it
How specific do I need to be?
How specific do I need to be?
The more specific, the better. Instead of:
- ❌ “Add a list”
- ✅ “Add a scrolling list of recipes with an image, title, and cooking time for each”
- What you want
- Where it should appear
- How it should behave
- Any specific styling
Can I share images or screenshots with the AI?
Can I share images or screenshots with the AI?
Why did the AI misunderstand me?
Why did the AI misunderstand me?
Common reasons:
- Prompt was too vague
- Request conflicted with existing code
- Technical limitation the AI didn’t explain
How do I undo what the AI did?
How do I undo what the AI did?
Several options:
- Tell the AI: “Undo that last change”
- Be specific: “Remove the feature you just added”
- Describe what you want instead
What is a 'plan' and why does the AI make one?
What is a 'plan' and why does the AI make one?
For complex requests, the AI creates an internal plan to organize its work. The AI works automatically without showing visible plan steps — you’ll see code previews and tool cards as it builds.If the AI seems stuck or going in the wrong direction, you can use
/planclear to clear the current plan and start fresh. Use /plan to check the current plan status.What does /planclear do?
What does /planclear do?
The
/planclear command clears the AI’s current plan, allowing you to:- Start fresh if the AI is going in the wrong direction
- Reset after a complex feature is complete
- Clear outdated context
/planclear in the chat and press Enter.How do I continue where I left off?
How do I continue where I left off?
The AI remembers your project context. Just say:
- “Continue” — Resumes the last plan
- “What were we working on?” — Gets a summary
- Start a new request — Begins fresh
Why is the Simulator showing an old version?
Why is the Simulator showing an old version?
The Simulator might have cached data. Try:
- In Simulator: Device → Erase All Content and Settings
- Rebuild by clicking “Run App”
- Wait for the fresh build to install
Why is my app not updating when I make changes?
Why is my app not updating when I make changes?
Changes don’t appear until you rebuild. After the AI makes changes:
- Wait for it to finish
- Click “Run App” or wait for auto-run
- Check the Simulator for updates
Can the AI make my app faster?
Can the AI make my app faster?
Yes! Ask it to:
- “Optimize the performance of [feature]”
- “The app feels slow when [action]. Make it faster.”
- “Reduce the loading time for [screen]”
Can the AI fix bugs?
Can the AI fix bugs?
Yes. The AI can:
- Analyze errors automatically
- Attempt to fix bugs (up to 3 automatic attempts)
- Accept your description of issues
- What happens
- What should happen
- Steps to reproduce
What happens when the AI can't fix a bug?
What happens when the AI can't fix a bug?
After 3 automatic fix attempts:
- Press “Run App”
- A popup appears
- Click “Apply Fix” — the AI automatically analyzes and attempts a new fix
- Message the AI describing the problem in your own words
- Try a different approach
- Ask the AI to revert and try something else
How do I add a backend to my app?
How do I add a backend to my app?
For data that needs to sync across devices or persist in the cloud, use Supabase:
- Create a Supabase account
- Connect it in Settings
- Ask the AI to add features using Supabase
Can I integrate external APIs?
Can I integrate external APIs?
Yes! You can integrate:
- OpenAI for AI features
- Stripe for payments
- Weather APIs
- Any REST API
How do I use the Toolkit / # commands?
How do I use the Toolkit / # commands?
Type # in the chat input to open the Toolkit popover. Choose a command like #font, #image, #color, #sound, #data, #video, #lottie, or #3d. A file picker opens, you select your file, it attaches as an orange chip, and you describe how the AI should use it.See Toolkit for the full guide.
Which AI mode should I use?
Which AI mode should I use?
Enhanced is the default and best for most projects. It produces the best designs at low cost.Use Quick for fast iteration and Max for complex logic.See AI Modes for details.
Can I build for iPad or Mac?
Can I build for iPad or Mac?
Yes! Select your platform on the Home Page before creating a project:
- iPhone — Standard mobile apps
- iPad — Larger canvas with sidebars
- Mac — Desktop apps with menu bars
What's the best way to build a complex feature?
What's the best way to build a complex feature?
Break it into smaller pieces:
- Describe the overall goal
- Let the AI create a plan
- Review the plan before proceeding
- Build incrementally
- Test each piece before moving on
Related FAQs
Troubleshooting
Fixing common issues
Technical
Code and Swift questions
Integrations
APIs and services
Billing
Bits and plans