Step-by-Step Process
1
Start with the UI
Why: Begin with the structure and layout of your app to minimize errors and plan ahead.How:
- Write a prompt that outlines pages and user flow.
- Optionally add screenshots (Figma, Excalidraw).
- Focus only on front-end initially.
2
Connect the Backend (Supabase)
Why: Store and retrieve user data securely.How:
- Press the Supabase button in the Lovable editor
- Create a Supabase project and connect it
- Disable email verification in dev mode for speed
- Define database schema for logs, users, meals, etc.
You own your data and schema. Lovable just simplifies setup.
3
Add Authentication
Lovable adds email/password login by default. You can:
- Redirect to sign-up when users click CTA
- Link entries/meals to authenticated users
4
Build Core Features
Each app feature is built incrementally:
Journaling App:
- Rate mood/energy/productivity
- Save & update entries
- View past logs in sidebar
Calorie Tracker:
- Input or upload meal
- GPT-4 estimates nutrition (protein, fat, carbs, kcal)
- Visual stats with icons + circular progress bars
- Use the select tool to target specific sections
- Upload screenshots to guide layout or logic
5
Integrate AI (OpenAI)
Use GPT-4 for:
- Journaling analysis
- Meal breakdowns
- Conversational insights
- Set up Edge Functions in Supabase
- Add OpenAI API Key via Lovable’s secure backend prompt
- Confirm AI has access to dynamic user data (entries/meals)
6
Add Payments with Stripe (Optional)
Lovable supports Stripe subscription payments with edge functions.How:
- Create a Stripe product + price ID
- Add Stripe API Key to Lovable
- Define logic: only paying users can access main app
- Add a customer portal to manage billing
Stripe setup requires a Stripe account. Use test mode while developing.
7
Deployment & Publishing
- Connect GitHub repo from Lovable
- Click “Publish” to launch on
.lovable.app
domain - Use custom domain
8
Launch & Share
Submit to Lovable Launch for visibility.Users can:
- Remix your project
- View your prompts
- Test your SaaS product instantly
Tips for SaaS Builders
Be Explicit
- Always describe what you want and what you see.
- Use screenshots to clarify bugs or layouts.
Work Step-by-Step
- UI first → database → auth → core features → AI → payments
Debug Like a Pro
- Use chat mode to fix build errors or broken logic
- Revert changes if necessary (does not revert database schema)
Save Tokens
- Use custom knowledge to store consistent instructions (theme, mobile responsiveness)
Advanced features
Authentication
Authentication
- Email/password auth via Supabase
- Toggle verification off in dev
Chat with AI
Chat with AI
- GPT-4 powered chats
- Journaling context or meal context
- Markdown formatting for cleaner outputs
Visual Dashboards
Visual Dashboards
- Use icons and progress bars (e.g. 21st.dev components)
- Weekly and daily charts
Component Refactoring
Component Refactoring
- Lovable warns when files/components get too long
- Accept “Yes” to auto-refactor into clean blocks
Manual Code Edits (Optional)
Manual Code Edits (Optional)
- Connect GitHub repo
- Use Lovable’s built-in VS Code editor
- Make small changes to optimize without using credits
Deployment & Hosting
Deployment & Hosting
1. Lovable Publish
- Click “Publish” to launch on
.lovable.app
domain
2. Netlify + GitHub
- Connect GitHub repo from Lovable
- Deploy with Netlify
- Use custom domain
Other tutorials
- AI Journaling App: Users write daily logs and chat with an AI that gives feedback based on their mood and activity.
- AI Calorie Tracker: Users describe or upload meals, and GPT-4 estimates nutritional info and tracks weekly stats.
- Luma Copycat: Luma-style event platform using Lovable and Supabase.
- Simple CRM**: **Create a simple yet powerful CRM using Lovable for development, Supabase for data storage, and Resend for email automation.
- Custom CRM: Create a custom CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) using Lovable and Make.
- Custom CRM: Create a custom CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) using Lovable and Clerk.
- Feedback tool: Create a fully functional AI-powered feedback app.
- DesignJoy copycat: Create a productized agency platform from scratch!
- You can also watch our 4-part video series where the team builds a full-stack Duolingo clone—step by step, from prompt to production.