- Rebecca Tomasis
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Launch your app faster with Base44. Start now →
Got a great idea for an app but the thought of coding makes your head spin? You're not alone. Many great app ideas never see the light of day because creating an app from scratch seems like a massive, complicated and inherently technical task.
But what if you could build a professional app without writing a single line of code? That’s where AI app builders come in and as a result they're changing app development for everyone from beginners to developers.
App builders are platforms that give you the tools to design, build and launch an app through a simple visual interface. Think of it like building with digital LEGOs—you pick the pieces you want, arrange them how you like and create something amazing. They empower you to turn your vision into a reality, fast.
In this guide we'll work you through how to use an AI app builder regardless of your coding or technical knowledge and skills.
Why use an AI app builder?
Before the advent of AI app builders, building an app was a long and expensive process. You either had to learn complex programming languages or hire a team of developers. This created a huge barrier for small business owners, artists, community organizers and anyone with a great idea for an app or product but a limited budget.
App builders remove that barrier. They handle all the complicated technical background work so you can focus on what matters most — the look, feel and function of your app. It makes app development accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. Anyone can now easily build an app with AI.
Learn more: What is an AI app builder?
How to use an AI app builder
Using an AI app builder doesn't have to be difficult but it can be made even easier with thorough planning.
01. Plan out what you want to build
Before you jump straight into using an app builder, take a moment (or a few hours) to think about why you're building your app. This planning will not only determine how you use an AI app builder but which one you choose to create with too.
What's the main purpose of your app? Is it to sell products, schedule appointments, share information or build a community?
Who's my audience? What are they looking for, what they need and what features will make their task, job or life easier as a result?
What are the must-have features? List the top 3-4 things your app must do or have. Is it a shopping cart? A product gallery?
Before you even starting using an AI app builder, its worth creating an outline of your app.
02. Choose an app template if relevant
If you're new to using an AI app builder, so generally, using an app template is a good way to start. Most AI app builders have multiple templates organized by use case:
You don't necessarily need to find a template that fits your app perfectly, most are customizable. You can start with the one that feels closer to what you want to build and then use your AI app builder to personalize it.
03. Design your app
Using an AI app builder you can design an app your way by:
Changing your app's colors and fonts: Adjust the color scheme to match your brand's palette and choose fonts that reflect your style. All you have to do is enter the right AI prompts. Be as clear and as detailed as you can.
Adding your own logo and images: Upload your logo and high-quality images that you need to include.
Talking and rearranging: Move sections around, delete ones you don't need and add new ones from the features panel. Want your contact form at the bottom? Just prompt your AI app builder to move it there. Need to add a video gallery? Prompt your app builder to include one.
Editing your content: Prompt your AI app builder to create, add and edit any relevant text.
04. Use your AI app builder's features to build
Here are some features your AI app builder should provide:
Database management
Email systems
Storage
Payment processing
Auto-generated API points
User authentication and management
Builder chat and discussion mode
Intelligent add-ons, like a chatbot
Analytics dashboard
Core integrations built-in, like Google, Zapier and Salesforce
Workflow management
Real-time collaboration
Not sure what features your own app needs?
Lets say you're creating an app for your restaurant or catering business, chances are your app will need your menu, prices and payment options.
If you're running a fitness business, your app might need a bookings feature, class schedules and some way for users to check if a class has spaces available or not.
Essentially using an AI app builder helps you build an app faster, with much less resources and potentially with more effective functionality. You just need to learn how to prompt it effectively.
Explore:
You can also use an AI app builder to first build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), then iterate and improve it based on real user feedback.
05. Improve your prompting skills
Most AI app builders, like Base44, use chat functions and natural language to build. This means the better you get at prompting it, the better you get at using it. Want to know how to use an AI app builder more effectively? Improve your prompt engineering.
Be clear, direct and succinct
Be specific, not long winded
Be detailed and to the point
For example, here's a 'bad prompt,' — Make a fitness app.
Here's a better one — Build a personal training app for coaches to manage remote clients.
And then even better, follow this prompt up with this detail:
User roles for the app
Coach (Admin): Can create workout plans, view client progress dashboards and handle billing.
Client: Can view their daily workout, log sets/reps, and upload progress photos.
Core app features
Workout builder: A database of exercises that coaches can add to a weekly schedule.
Progress tracker: A line graph showing the client's weight lifted over time.
Chat: A simple messaging system for fitness clients to ask coaches.
Design vibe:
Dark mode
High contrast
Sleek and professional
Use neon green for primary buttons
Learn more: How to write better AI prompts