What is Bolt.new?
Bolt.new is an AI-powered app builder made by StackBlitz. It runs entirely in your browser and lets you describe a website, web app, or mobile app in plain language, then generates a working project you can preview, edit, and deploy.
What makes Bolt different from a simple code generator is that it runs a full development environment in your browser using WebContainers. That means the generated code actually executes — you can see the app running, test it, and make changes without setting up a local development environment.
How Bolt.new works
You start with a prompt describing what you want to build. Bolt generates the project structure and code, and shows you a live preview. You can then iterate: ask for changes, fix bugs, or add features by typing more prompts.
Bolt also includes Bolt Cloud, which handles databases, hosting, and custom domains. This means you can go from an idea to a deployed app without leaving the browser.
Bolt measures its work in tokens. Tokens are consumed while the system reads, reasons about, and builds your project. Larger projects and longer conversations use more tokens, so your plan's token allowance matters.
Pricing and plans
Bolt offers a free tier with limited usage — typically a daily token cap and a monthly limit. Paid plans add more tokens and features:
- Free — limited usage with a daily token cap and a monthly limit.
- Lite — a low monthly price for hobbyists who need more tokens.
- Pro and higher tiers — more tokens, faster builds, and additional features for serious builders.
Check the current pricing page, because plans and token allowances change over time.
Who should use Bolt.new?
Bolt is a good fit for people who want to prototype an idea quickly — a landing page, a small web app, or a product concept — without writing all the code by hand. Developers can use the code view and source-control connections to review and continue the work themselves.
It is less suitable for large, complex production systems. AI-generated code can be incomplete or incorrect, and a working preview is not proof that the app is secure or production-ready.
What to check before publishing
- Token usage — understand your plan's token allowance, reset rules, and any extra costs before starting a large project.
- Code quality — inspect the generated code, especially authentication, payments, and database access.
- Security — never paste real credentials into a prompt or commit them in source files. Use the platform's secrets mechanism.
- Hosting — check the hosting URL, custom-domain requirements, and backup or export options.
- Terms — read the terms and privacy information before connecting business or personal accounts.
Trade-offs and realistic expectations
Bolt can dramatically speed up prototyping, but it is not a substitute for a developer on complex projects. Generated code needs review, testing, and often refactoring. Budget time for that, and keep a version-controlled copy of important work.
Token costs can add up on long projects. Plan your prompts to be focused, and check your balance regularly to avoid running out mid-build.
Frequently asked questions
Can Bolt make mobile apps?
Bolt's official introduction describes web and mobile app workflows, including an Expo integration. Check the current documentation for the particular build and publishing route you intend to use.
Does a generated app need a developer review?
For anything beyond a throwaway experiment, yes. AI-generated code can be incomplete or incorrect, and a successful preview is not proof of security or production readiness.
What happens when I run out of tokens?
You will need to wait for your allowance to reset or upgrade your plan. Check the current token rules on the pricing page.
Can I export my code and host it elsewhere?
Bolt projects can be connected to source control and exported. Check the current export and hosting options in the documentation.