Bolt.new is a browser-based development environment powered by AI. Describe what you want to build in plain English, and Bolt generates a complete, working application. No local setup, no configuration, no command line. You can go from idea to deployed app in minutes. For designers, this means rapid prototyping of real, functional interfaces and the ability to bring your designs to life independently.
1. Understanding Bolt's Browser-Based Development Environment
Bolt runs entirely in your browser, making development accessible to everyone:
No Setup Required
Go to bolt.new and start building. No installing Node.js, no terminal commands, no configuration files. Your browser becomes a complete development environment. Works on any computer.
The Interface
Left side: file explorer and code editor. Right side: live preview of your application. Bottom: AI chat for giving instructions. Everything you need in one view.
Real Development Environment
Bolt runs a real Node.js environment in your browser using WebContainers. Install npm packages, run build tools, use any framework. It's not a simulation - it's actual development.
Project Persistence
Your projects are saved to your account. Return anytime to continue working. Export to GitHub when ready for production or team collaboration.
2. Generating Applications from Natural Language Prompts
The magic of Bolt is describing what you want and getting working code:
Starting from a Description
Try: 'Create a personal portfolio website with a hero section, project gallery, about page, and contact form. Use a dark theme with cyan accents.' Bolt scaffolds the entire application.
Being Specific About Design
Include design details: 'The navigation should be fixed at the top with a blur background. Cards should have subtle shadows and rounded corners. Use Inter font for headings and system fonts for body.'
Requesting Features
Add functionality: 'Include a light/dark mode toggle', 'Add smooth scroll to section links', 'The contact form should validate email and show success/error states'. Bolt implements working features.
Framework Preferences
Specify technology: 'Build this with Next.js and Tailwind CSS' or 'Use React with styled-components'. Bolt adapts to your preferred stack.
3. Customizing and Iterating on Generated Code
Bolt generates a starting point - then you refine it:
Iterating with Chat
After initial generation, continue the conversation: 'Make the hero section taller', 'Change the accent color to purple', 'Add a subtle gradient to the background'. Each request updates the code.
Direct Code Editing
Click any file to edit directly. You have full access to the code. Make manual adjustments when you know exactly what to change. Your edits persist alongside AI changes.
Combining AI and Manual Work
Use AI for the heavy lifting, then fine-tune manually. 'Generate the basic layout' → manually adjust specific padding → 'Add animations to these elements'. Hybrid approach works well.
Fixing Issues
If something doesn't look right, describe the problem: 'The mobile menu isn't closing when I click a link' or 'The images are stretched on mobile'. Bolt debugs and fixes.
4. Deploying Directly from Bolt to Production
Take your creation live without leaving the browser:
One-Click Deployment
Click the Deploy button. Bolt builds your project and deploys to a live URL. Share immediately with stakeholders, clients, or users. No server configuration needed.
Deployment Options
Deploy to Bolt's hosting for quick sharing, or connect to Netlify or Vercel for production. Export to GitHub first if you want more deployment control.
Updating Deployments
Make changes and redeploy. Each deployment gets a unique URL. Roll back if needed. Your deployment history is preserved for reference.
Sharing Previews
Use deployed URLs for stakeholder reviews, usability testing, or portfolio pieces. These are real, working applications - not mockups. Show functionality, not just visuals.
Key Takeaways
- Bolt runs a full development environment in your browser - no setup needed
- Describe applications in natural language and get working code
- Iterate through conversation or direct code editing
- Deploy to production with one click for instant sharing
- Perfect for rapid prototyping and validating design ideas with real functionality