Welcome to the ultimate guide for building SaaS applications using Lovable.dev.

This documentation will walk you through building, scaling, and deploying fully working SaaS products without writing a single line of code—unless you want to.

​
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.

Prompt Example:

Create an AI journaling app with:
- Landing page with Get Started CTA
- Main app with sidebar to view/edit logs
- Chat page to ask questions based on past entries
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

Prompt Example:

Add sign up and login. Redirect to sign-up on 'Get Started'.
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

How:

  • 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)

Prompt Example:

Create chat page using GPT-4.
Include journal entries in the prompt dynamically.
Use function calling to return structured nutrition data.
6

Add Payments with Stripe (Optional)

Lovable supports Stripe subscription payments with edge functions.

How:

  1. Create a Stripe product + price ID
  2. Add Stripe API Key to Lovable
  3. Define logic: only paying users can access main app
  4. Add a customer portal to manage billing

Prompt Example:

Add recurring payments via Stripe.
If not subscribed, redirect user to checkout.

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

📌 Refer to Lovable Docs → Custom Domains for full walkthrough.

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

​
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.

Was this page helpful?