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Every app and website on Base44 starts with your first prompt. Go to Base44 and describe what you want to build in your own words. There are a few ways to begin, depending on what you already have.
When you begin, you are asked to sign up so your work is saved and you can return to your project anytime.

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Using a prompt

Writing what you want in plain language is the simplest way to start. Share as much detail as you like, and refine the design, copy, and structure later. Describe your idea in your own words. For example, “a simple to-do list,” “a client portal where users can log in,” or “a clean one-page site for my photography business with a gallery and a contact form.” This first prompt gets things started, and you can add features or make changes at any time.
You can dictate instead of typing. Click the Speech to text icon in the prompt box to speak your prompt.
Typing your first prompt in Base44
Not sure where to start? Browse the Prompt library for ready-made prompts you can copy and adapt, then use the Prompt guide to shape your own.

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Using plan mode

Use plan mode when you want help shaping your app or website before you start building. It turns a short conversation into a structured plan you can adjust before Base44 builds anything. In the prompt box, open the Mode dropdown (it shows Build by default) and choose Plan. The AI asks questions about what you want to build, such as who it is for, what it should do, and what you want to include. As you answer, it turns your ideas into a structured plan you can adjust as you go.
Using plan mode from the first prompt
Plan mode helps you:
  • Get a higher-quality first build by aligning it with your intent
  • Reduce back-and-forth later by adding key details up front
  • Think through your idea without needing to know what to specify in advance
  • Capture more complete requirements, including flows, roles, and constraints
  • Move faster from idea to execution while staying in a focused flow
When the plan appears, review sections like the problem, audience, core flows, and design preferences. If something is missing or needs to change, keep typing in the same conversation to add more details or update what is there.
Answering questions in plan mode to shape your plan
When you are ready, click Start building. Your final plan is sent into the AI chat in the app editor, so you can always scroll back to it later. Base44 opens the app editor and starts building from your plan.
Important:
  • Plan mode costs only a fraction of a credit per message. Once you click Start building, your first build uses about 1 credit, and further changes cost credits based on the work involved and the model you use.
  • You can keep editing in the app editor after the build using prompts and manual changes.
  • To use plan mode again, start a new build from the home screen and choose Plan in the prompt box’s Mode dropdown.
To start a new build using plan mode:
  1. Go to Base44.
  2. Enter your first prompt, then click the dropdown arrow next to Build in the prompt box and choose Plan.
  3. Answer the questions and add more details as needed.
  4. Click Start building on the plan when you are ready.

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Starting from an existing URL

Use Start from URL to begin from a website you already own. Base44 recreates the visible front end, including the page structure, key content sections, visual hierarchy, and familiar UI patterns such as hero sections, cards, and lists. This gives you a recognizable starting point in the app editor to refine with AI instead of rebuilding from scratch. You can choose how Base44 uses the site:
  • Content & Design: Recreates the site’s content and layout to build a similar site.
  • Design only: Uses the site’s visual style to create a new site with the same look and feel.
If you are moving a whole existing site or project onto Base44, see Migrating a project to Base44.
Starting a new build from an existing URL
Starting from a URL helps you:
  • Recreate sites you own without redesigning from scratch
  • Preserve your brand, layout, and visual hierarchy
  • Start migrations with a solid page structure instead of guesswork
  • Create high-fidelity prototypes that look and feel real
For example, you can recreate a personal website, upgrade a small-business site into a smarter app with entities like Orders and Customers, turn a landing page into a product with authentication and dashboards, or convert a public concept page into an internal tool. After the build finishes, refine it with prompts to adjust the structure, connect entities and APIs, and add flows and logic.
Important:
  • This feature is available on Starter plans and higher.
  • Starting from a URL uses credits during generation.
  • You must be the rightful owner of the website you start from, or have full rights to its content, design, and images. Do not use third-party or copyrighted sites without permission.
  • Starting from a URL does not copy private backend code, hidden data, or third-party integrations, so you still need to set up those parts manually.
To start from an existing URL:
  1. Go to Base44.
  2. Click the + icon in the prompt box.
  3. Click Start from URL.
  4. Paste the URL of the website you want to use. Make sure you have the rights to use its content.
  5. Select Content & Design or Design only, depending on what you want to reuse.
    Choosing content and design, or just the design
  6. Click Add.

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Starting from a Figma design

Use Import from Figma to turn an existing Figma design into a working app or website. Base44 recreates the layout, structure, and visual style from your frame, so you continue from a familiar starting point instead of rebuilding from scratch.
Importing a design from Figma
For steps, requirements, and guidelines, see Importing from Figma.
You can also add a page from Figma later on, from inside the app editor, not just at your first prompt.

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Attaching files

Attach files to your first prompt so Base44 can build from your own content, data, or reference material instead of starting from a blank page. You can attach images, PDFs, documents, and spreadsheets, among other file types. Base44 uses what you attach as context for your build:
  • Images and PDFs become visual reference, so Base44 can match a design, a screenshot, or a document.
  • Spreadsheets and CSV files are read for their columns and sample data, so Base44 can build around your data.
  • Word documents, text, and Markdown files are read to inform your content and structure.
Click the + menu in the prompt box, choose Attach files, then upload from your computer or from Google Drive. The first time you use Google Drive, you are asked to connect your Google account.
Attaching files to your first prompt

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Connecting your tools

You can connect your app or website to tools you already use, like Google Workspace, Slack, and GitHub, so Base44 builds with your data and services in mind from your very first prompt. For example, connect Google Calendar so your app can read and create events, or Slack so it can post updates to your team. Click the + menu in the prompt box, choose Connectors, select the tools you want, then send your prompt. Learn more in Setting up shared connectors.
Adding connectors to your first prompt

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FAQs

Click a question below to learn more.
Yes. Your first prompt is only the starting point. Once you are inside the app editor, you can keep building and change everything using the AI chat or manual edits. Learn how to work with the AI chat.
Yes, on a Builder plan or higher. Click the Tools icon in the prompt box to choose which AI model powers your build. Learn more about the AI chat and its controls.