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Build Your First App

This guide walks you through creating and deploying a complete mobile app using Natively. By the end, you’ll have a working app you can preview on your phone.

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Prerequisites

  • A free Natively account (sign up here)
  • A mobile device or the preview in your browser

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Step 1: Create a New Project

1

Go to the Dashboard

Visit natively.dev and sign in to your account.
2

Start a New Project

Click the input box on the dashboard and describe what you want to build.
Be specific! The more details you provide, the better your app will be.

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Example Prompts

Here are some example prompts to get you started: 
Create a task manager app where users can:
- Add tasks with a title and due date
- Mark tasks as complete
- Filter between active and completed tasks
- Swipe to delete tasks
Use a clean, minimal design with a blue color scheme.

Build a recipe collection app where users can:
- Browse recipes in a grid layout with photos
- Search recipes by name or ingredient
- View detailed recipe with ingredients and steps
- Save favorite recipes
Make it look like a modern cooking magazine.

Create an expense tracker with:
- Add expenses with amount, category, and date
- View monthly spending summary with a chart
- Category breakdown (food, transport, entertainment, etc.)
- List of recent transactions
Use a finance-style dark theme.

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Step 2: Watch Your App Being Built

Once you submit your prompt, the AI will:
  1. Analyze your request - Understand what features you need
  2. Generate the code - Create all the screens and components
  3. Build and compile - Package everything into a working app
  4. Show the preview - Display your app in the live preview
The first build takes about 1-2 minutes. Subsequent changes are much faster.

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Step 3: Preview Your App

The preview panel on the right shows your running app. You can:
  • Interact with it - Tap buttons, navigate between screens
  • Test features - Add data, see how everything works
  • Check responsiveness - The preview matches a real device

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Preview on Your Phone

For the best experience, preview on your actual device:
  1. Click the QR Code icon in the preview header
  2. Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera
  3. Open the link in Expo Go app (download from App Store/Play Store)
Make sure your phone is on the same network as your computer for the preview to work.

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Step 4: Refine with AI Chat

Use the chat panel to make changes and add features: 
Add a settings screen where users can:
- Toggle dark mode
- Change notification preferences
- View app version

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Tips for Effective Prompts

Be Specific

Instead of “make it look better”, say “increase the font size to 18px and add more padding”

Reference Screens

Mention specific screens: “On the profile screen, add a logout button”

Describe Behavior

Explain what should happen: “When I tap the heart icon, it should save the item”

Include Examples

Give examples: “Show prices like ‘$29.99’ not ‘29.99 dollars‘“

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Step 5: Add Backend Features (Optional)

If your app needs to save data or have user accounts, the AI will automatically use Specular to create your backend. Example prompts that trigger backend creation: 
Add user authentication so people can create accounts and log in.
Their data should be saved to their account.

When a user saves a recipe, store it in the database so they
can access it on any device.
Learn more about backend features in our Backend Generation guide.

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Step 6: Deploy Your App

When you’re ready to share your app:
1

Open Deploy Menu

Click the More button in the header and select Deploy App.
2

Choose Platform

  • APK - Android installable file (for testing)
  • AAB - Android bundle (for Play Store)
  • iOS - App Store build
3

Configure & Build

Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your app icon, name, and build settings.

Deployment Guide

See the full deployment guide for App Store and Play Store submission

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Next Steps

Now that you’ve built your first app, explore more features:

AI Chat Deep Dive

Master the AI chat for faster development

Code Editor

Edit generated code directly

Connect Supabase

Use Supabase for advanced database features

Add Payments

Monetize with in-app purchases

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Getting Help

Stuck on something? Here’s how to get help:
  • Discord Community - Get real-time help from the community and team
  • Example Apps - See how others solved similar problems
  • AI Chat - Ask the AI to explain or fix issues

Join Discord

Join our active community of builders