> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.base44.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
> ## Agent Instructions
> Internal links on these pages omit the .md extension. Append .md to a docs page URL, or send an Accept: text/markdown header, to get that page as markdown.
# Using the AI Chat in Base44
> Describe your idea and the AI builds it for you. Switch between chat modes, choose the model that powers your app, and set the controls that shape each build.
## About the AI chat
The Base44 AI chat is more than just a code generator. It works as your intelligent assistant, understands your goal, and uses the right tools to get you there. Your apps become more accurate, context-aware, and flexible, so you can focus on building complex features quickly, with smart automation working in the background.
Unlike traditional AI that only responds with text, the agentic AI knows when to search the web, check your files, or pull in data from other sources. It also uses automatic model selection to choose state-of-the-art models based on what your prompt needs, so you get real solutions without needing to manage models or technical details yourself.
The AI chat is how you build your app. To give the people using your app an assistant of their own to talk to, see the [AI agent builder](https://base44.com/ai-agent-builder).
* Share a public website link with the chat to instantly copy the design, layout, and visible content into your app. For example: "Copy the layout from `https://example.com`."
* Ask the agent to help you follow best practices by searching for ready-made code or common solutions. For example: "Show me the standard pattern for user authentication."
* Pull lists or content from other websites and use it in your app, such as importing product catalogs or gathering site text and images. For example: "Import the product list from `https://example.com`."
* Directly update your app's database with simple, clear instructions. For example: "Give Emily a point for doing her homework."
After the AI applies your changes, it automatically checks the output in the background and fixes any errors it finds, without interrupting your workflow or requiring any input from you.
The AI chat also suggests useful next steps as you build. These suggestions appear below the chat and are tailored to your current workflow, helping you discover new features and make the most of your app.
***
## Using the AI chat modes
Base44's [AI app builder](https://base44.com/ai-app-builder) includes 3 chat modes for building your app:
* **Build:** Acts instantly on your prompts.
* **Discuss:** Lets you ask questions or plan your next change, with no code changes until you approve them.
* **Edit:** Lets you click elements in your preview to adjust visuals directly.
Press **Cmd + .** on macOS or **Ctrl + .** on Windows and Linux to switch modes, even while you're typing a prompt.
### Using Build mode
Type what you need, and the AI acts right away. This mode is perfect for quick edits and feature requests. To get the best results, be as specific as possible. The more detail you give, the more precisely the AI builds your app. Build mode is selected by default, so you only need the steps below when you are coming back from another mode.
**To switch to Build mode:**
1. Go to the AI chat in your app editor.
2. Click the mode drop-down at the bottom of the chat.
3. Select **Build**.
**Example prompt**
```text theme={null}
Add a new page that shows a map of the world where I can mark off the places I have visited.
```
For more examples and prompt frameworks, check out the [Prompt Guide](/Getting-Started/Prompt-guide).
### Using Discuss mode
Brainstorm, clarify, or explore ideas before changing your app. It is a safe space to ask questions, get suggestions, or talk through options. Depending on what you ask, the AI answers you directly or proposes a change for you to review, and nothing is built until you approve it. Each message in Discuss mode uses 0.3 credits. When you are ready for the AI to implement your changes, switch back to Build mode and ask it to make them.
**Good to know about Discuss mode:**
* It saves credits by avoiding unnecessary trial and error before you finalize changes.
* It uses its own AI model regardless of the model selected in your app, which is what keeps its cost low.
**To switch to Discuss mode:**
1. Go to the AI chat in your app editor.
2. Click the mode drop-down at the bottom of the chat.
3. Select **Discuss**.
**Example prompt**
```text theme={null}
What is the best way for users to invite their friends to my app?
```
### Using Edit mode
Make changes to the design of your app, either manually or by asking the AI to do it for you. Edit mode has its own button at the top of the editor rather than sitting in the chat mode drop-down.
Your edits save automatically as you work. You can undo and redo up to 50 steps within the same visual edit session using the undo/redo buttons at the top of the editor, and your edits remain through preview reloads.
If you try to leave with unsaved changes, your browser warns you before you go. Your edits also appear in [**Version History**](#restoring-or-publishing-a-previous-version), so you can restore a previous set of manual edits at any time.
**To make changes to the design of your app:**
1. Go to your app editor.
2. Click **Edit** at the top of the editor.
3. In your app preview, select what you want to change:
* **One element:** Click it.
* **A group of elements:** Click an element that repeats elsewhere on the page. Every repeat highlights, and your change applies to all of them at once.
4. Make your change:
* **Manually:** Edit the element directly. For example, you can change background colors, text colors, or spacing. You can also open the element's code, adjust its tailwind classes to fine-tune spacing, typography, layout, and responsiveness, or remove it with the **Delete** icon in the Edit toolbar. This does not use credits.
* **Using the AI chat:** Click **Edit Element**, then write what you want changed and the AI takes care of it. This uses message credits, and how many depends on the size and complexity of the change.
***
## Customizing your AI chat
How the AI chat behaves on your app is up to you. Pick the model that powers it, decide how often it stops to ask your permission, lock the files it must not touch, and give it rules to follow on every prompt.
You pick the model from the model icon at the bottom of the AI chat in your app editor. The other settings are under the **More options** icon next to **Build**. **Freeze Files** and **Custom Instructions** apply to your main app, so they do not appear while you are working on a branch.
### Choosing your model
Choose a model manually when you want more control. Each model brings unique strengths, so you can pick the best fit for your prompt. You can pick one when you write your first prompt, or change it at any time while you are working in your app editor.
**Before you choose a model:**
* You need a [**Builder plan**](https://base44.com/pricing) or higher to choose an AI model.
* When you choose a model manually, credit usage varies by model and may use more credits than **Auto mode**. Check the exact cost under **Credits Used** for each message.
* Some models are rolling out gradually and may not be available to all accounts yet.
* **Auto mode:** Matched with the best AI model for each request.
* **Base 1:** Base44's first in-house model, trained on real building patterns from across the platform. A well-rounded, general-purpose choice for both everyday building and conversation.
* **Sonnet 5.5:** A well-balanced choice for day-to-day building, writing, refactoring, and troubleshooting, with a strong mix of quality and speed.
* **Opus 5.5:** The most advanced reasoning model, built for the hardest problems. Use it for complex multi-step logic, intricate architecture decisions, and edge cases where you need the highest level of accuracy.
* **Gemini 3.8 Flash:** A fast option for everyday tasks and quick changes, when you want a response back straight away.
* **GPT-5.6 Terra:** A cost-efficient GPT-5.6 option for complex reasoning and multi-step planning, at a lower credit cost.
* **GPT-6.1 Sol:** A strong GPT-6.1 option for hard reasoning and large, evolving projects.
* **GPT 6 Astra:** The newest and most capable GPT model, for the hardest reasoning and the most demanding builds. Uses more credits for each request.
* **Fable 5.1:** Great for complex, multi-step builds and detailed debugging, when you want thorough, high-quality results. Uses more credits for each request.
Expand an option below to see how.
Set your model before you send your first prompt, so your first build uses the one you want.
1. On the Base44 homepage, below the prompt box, click the model button. It shows **Auto** until you choose a model.
2. Select the model you want, or keep **Auto mode**.
Switch models at any time while building your app from the app editor.
1. Go to your app editor.
2. In the AI chat, click the model icon at the bottom of the panel.
3. Select the model you want to use, or keep **Auto mode** to let Base44 pick the best model for each request.
Not sure which model to choose? Keep **Auto mode** and Base44 selects the best model for each request.
### Using Auto approve
Auto approve reduces interruptions while you build. With it on, most steps that would pause for your approval run on their own, and the steps that need something from you still ask. Changes that widen access to your data always ask first, even if you requested them in the chat, such as giving someone write access or loosening who can see or change a table. It covers your whole app rather than individual steps, so everyone building in it gets the same behavior, and your choice stays as you set it even if the default changes later.
Anything that ran without asking is labeled **auto-approved** in the chat, so you can still see what happened. Click the label to manage the setting, or turn **Auto approve** off to review steps before they run.
**To turn Auto approve on or off:**
1. Click the **More options** icon next to **Build** at the bottom of the AI chat in your app editor.
2. Turn **Auto approve** on or off. Your choice applies immediately, so there is nothing to save.
### Freezing files
Lock files so the AI does not modify them, to protect work you want left alone. Files are grouped by type, such as pages, components, functions, entities, agents, and workflows.
**To freeze files:**
1. Click the **More options** icon next to **Build** at the bottom of the AI chat in your app editor.
2. Click **Freeze Files**.
3. Select the checkbox next to each file you want to protect.
4. (Optional) Next to a group, select **Freeze folder** to lock everything in that folder, or select **Select all files** to lock every file in your app.
5. Click **Save changes**.
Everything you lock appears under **Frozen folders & patterns**, where you can click **Remove** to unlock it again.
### Adding custom instructions
Add guidance the AI follows on every prompt, such as tone, design standards, or preferred behavior. You write it once, and it applies to every interaction in this app.
**To add custom instructions:**
1. Click the **More options** icon next to **Build** at the bottom of the AI chat in your app editor.
2. Click **Custom Instructions**.
3. Enter your instructions in the text box, one per line.
4. Click **Save changes**.
***
## Adding a skill or connector to your prompt
Type `/` in the AI chat to pull a workspace skill or a connector into what you are asking for, instead of describing it in words. Keep typing to filter the list, and press Enter or click to add it to your prompt.
The menu has 2 groups:
* **Skills:** The [workspace skills](/documentation/using-your-workspaces/adding-workspace-skills) available to you, so the AI chat follows those instructions for this prompt. You can add one skill to a prompt.
* **Connectors:** The connectors your app can use. Ones your app is already connected to show a **Connected** badge, and you can add more than one.
If you pick a connector your app is not connected to yet, the AI chat sets up the connection as part of building your request.
Use **Manage skills** or **Manage connectors** at the bottom of the menu to add something that isn't in the list yet.
***
## Queuing messages in the chat
When the AI chat is already working on a prompt, you do not need to wait before asking something else. You can keep typing, add more prompts, and attach files. The AI chat adds them to a message queue and sends them one by one as each response finishes.
**Notes:**
* The queue appears above the chat input and shows all pending prompts in the order they run.
* You can queue up to 7 messages at once.
* Queued messages do not send if you close the app editor. When you reopen the editor, any queued messages resume.
You can edit your queue at any time. Drag and drop messages to change their order, edit a queued message inline before it is sent, remove individual messages or clear the entire queue if you change your mind. You can also pause or resume the queue whenever you need.
***
## Comparing models
Every AI model has its own strengths and weaknesses: one might be better at design and visual polish, while another is stronger at logic and working with data. Instead of guessing which model fits your request, Compare models runs your next message on 2 models at once, so you can preview both results and keep the one you prefer. Your main app is not touched until you choose.
### Starting a comparison
Choose which 2 models you want to compare from the model picker, then send the message you want built both ways.
**Before you send:**
* Comparing requires a [**Builder plan**](https://base44.com/pricing) or higher, the same as choosing a model manually.
* Comparing builds your message twice, so it uses 2× credits.
* Messages with attachments are not supported yet. If your message includes one, the comparison is removed and the message is sent normally.
* To cancel before sending, click the **X** on the model chip in the chat input.
**To compare 2 models:**
1. Open your app in the app editor.
2. Click the model picker in the chat input.
3. Click **Compare**.
4. Choose **Model A** and **Model B**. They must be 2 different models.
5. Click **Select**.
6. Send your message. Base44 builds it twice, once with each model.
### Choosing a version
While the 2 versions are being built, the chat shows a **Comparing two versions** card with each version's status. When both are ready, the card asks **Which option do you prefer?** and lists the versions as **Option A** and **Option B**.
Behind the scenes, each compared version is a [branch](/Building-your-app/working-with-branches) of your app, so you can also find both versions in your branches list while you decide.
**To finish a comparison:**
1. Click **Open** on an option to preview it. Use the model tabs at the top of the preview to switch between the 2 versions, and keep chatting in a version if you want to refine it before deciding.
2. Do one of the following:
* **Select the version you prefer:** On the card, choose **Option A** or **Option B** and click **Select**. The version you keep is merged into your main app, and the version you did not keep stays in your version list until you delete it.
* **Reject both:** Click **Reject**, then click **Delete both** to confirm. This removes both versions and their chats for good. Your main app is untouched.
***
## Reverting changes
Experiment freely and try new ideas, knowing you can always undo your changes at any time. You can roll your app back to a specific prompt, restore a previous version into the editor, or publish a previous version directly from Version History without changing what you are currently working on.
### Reverting a specific prompt
Hover over the relevant message in your chat history and click the **Revert** icon under it to roll your app back to the state it was in just before that change. Any changes made after that point are also undone, so you can quickly return to an earlier version of your app.
If you want to change what you asked instead of just undoing it, click the **Edit** icon on that earlier message. The chat opens an **Edit this message and resend** panel. When you resend, Base44 reverts any changes made after that message and then applies your updated request.
### Restoring or publishing a previous version
Click the **Version History** icon at the top of the chat to open your version list. From there you can preview versions, publish a previous version without changing your current draft, revert your editor to an older version, view or compare the code, or jump back to the chat message that created that version.
Click a version in the list to load it in the preview. For each version, click the **More actions** icon and choose:
* **Publish this version:** Publish this version to your live app while keeping your current draft open in the editor so you can keep working.
* **Revert to this version:** Replace your current draft in the app editor with this version.
* **Code changes:** See which files this version changed compared with the version before it, and what changed in each one.
* **Compare code vs main:** On a [branch](/Building-your-app/working-with-branches), see how this version's code differs from main.
* **View code:** Open the code for this version.
* **Go to message in chat:** Jump to the chat message that created this version. This appears on versions created from the chat.
### Checking unpublished changes
Before you publish, you can check exactly what has changed since your last publish. Base44 opens an **Unpublished changes** window that lists every file that differs from your live app and what changed in each one. This option appears when your app is published and you are working on main.
**To compare your draft with your live app:**
1. Click the **More actions** icon at the top right of your app editor.
2. Click **Compare with live code**.
***
## FAQs
Click a question below to learn more about AI chat modes and controls.
A few conditions have to be true first:
* Your app needs at least one build. Build something first, then compare.
* Comparisons start from your main version. If you are on a branch, switch back to main.
* Model A and Model B must be 2 different models, and both must be available for comparison.
* Imported apps are not supported yet.
When Base44 detects a JavaScript error in your app preview, an **Issues Found** notification appears in the editor with a description of the error and where it occurred.
Click **Resolve with AI** to send the error details to the AI chat. The AI reviews the error and applies a fix. This does not count toward your message credits.
To dismiss the notification without fixing it, click **X** to close it.
If your app freezes, the chat is unresponsive, or a change does not undo as expected, try these steps to get back on track:
* **Refresh the page** to reload your latest working version.
* **Clear your browser cache** and reload your app to remove any stored conflicts.
* **Try a private window** or another browser to rule out extension conflicts.
* **Disable browser extensions** temporarily if the issue persists.
* **Check your credits and plan limits**, since running out of credits can interrupt AI actions.
* **Revert the last AI action** in the chat by clicking the **Revert** icon under that message, or use **Version History** to roll back to a stable version.
For step-by-step solutions, including how to unstick a frozen prompt or stop button, see the [Troubleshooting guide](/Community-and-support/Troubleshooting).
Base44 does not offer refunds or credit reversals for AI actions. You can use [**Version History**](#reverting-changes) to undo changes and restore your app.
The agentic AI uses a wide range of tools to help you build and manage your app, including:
**Database tools:**
* Read, create, update, and delete records in your app's database. It can filter, sort, paginate, or update or delete in bulk. For example, add test people, mark old messages as read, or remove expired records.
**Web tools:**
* Perform web searches to find relevant documentation or features. This works like a search engine with relevant pages, titles, and descriptions.
* Fetch website data from any URL. Retrieve markdown or HTML, for example to scrape documentation or get live page content.
**Code and file tools:**
* Smart file search. Quickly find files or code snippets needed for your workflow.
* Read the contents of any project file before editing. This is useful for reviewing your app's code structure.
* Modify files in your project. Edit pages, components, entities, functions, or layouts, and support targeted partial edits. For example, fix bugs, add features, or update styling.
* Inspect logs and console output to help with debugging or understanding errors.
**Configuration tools:**
* Set or update environment variables and secrets as needed. For example, add or update API keys like `OPENAI_API_KEY` or `STRIPE_SECRET_KEY`.
The agent automatically chooses and combines these tools based on what you need, so you can focus on describing your goals instead of the technical steps.
The agentic AI can fetch and interpret content from public website pages and other static data, but it cannot automatically access or migrate complex backend logic, databases, or private integrations. If your project requires backend features, connections to other services, or secure data, you still need to set these up manually.
For example, if you ask the agent to copy content or features from another app, it can match layouts, text, and the overall look based on what is visible on the public site, but it does not copy any backend logic, migrate private integrations, or access protected database content.
For any work that goes beyond the public front end, manual setup is required to complete your app.
All times in the Base44 builder are managed and displayed using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This keeps everything consistent across different regions and makes it easier to coordinate actions or schedules, no matter where you or the people using your app are located. There is no option to change the time zone within the builder at this time.
Yes, you can use your voice to interact with the AI chat in Base44. Click the microphone icon in the chat box to turn on speech-to-text, then speak your question or request. The AI transcribes your speech and responds as usual, so you can get help hands-free.
Base44 uses automatic model selection to match each request with the engine best suited for the job. Design tweaks, layout changes, and deep logic updates may all use different AI models. The chat handles this in the background, so you can stay focused on describing what you want to build.
* For small visual or copy tweaks, it chooses fast, efficient models that optimize for speed and responsiveness.
* For larger architectural changes or data flows, it uses deeper reasoning models that can plan across files, entities, and logic.
* When something fails or runs into an error, it can switch strategies or models to recover and try again.
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