KBAISE/ for lovable
Library
Docs

Implement changes in Build mode

about 5 minBuildingchecked 2h agoOfficial page
The short version

Build mode lets Lovable make and check changes directly in your project without much help from you. It's for when you know what you want and need it built.

Anyone who wants Lovable to directly implement features, fix bugs, or refactor code in their project.

Do this, in order

  1. 1

    Make sure you are in Build mode (it's the default unless you switch to Plan mode).

    Build mode is where Lovable takes action and makes changes to your project.

  2. 2

    Describe what you want Lovable to do in the chat.

    This tells Lovable your goal, like adding a feature or fixing a bug.

  3. 3

    Be specific about your requirements, expected behavior, and any areas Lovable should or shouldn't touch.

    Clear instructions help Lovable understand exactly what to build and avoid mistakes, potentially saving you money.

  4. 4

    Watch the 'Details view' to see Lovable's progress, including which files are being changed and what tools it's using.

    This helps you follow along, understand the steps, and stop the process early if something looks wrong or is costing too much.

Paste this into your project

Implement a contact form with fields for name, email, and message. Ensure email format validation and display error messages directly next to the input fields. Add this to the `@src/pages/contact.tsx` file.

Words decoded

Build mode
A setting where Lovable directly makes changes to your project's files and code, then checks if they work.
Plan mode
A setting where Lovable helps you think through problems, explore different ways to solve them, and decide on a plan, without actually changing any code yet.
File diffs
A comparison that shows exactly what lines of code were added, removed, or changed in a file.
Refactor code
To reorganize and clean up existing code without changing how it works, making it easier to understand and maintain.
Guardrails
Specific instructions that tell Lovable what parts of your project it should not touch or modify.
Prompt queue
A list of messages or tasks you've given Lovable that it will work on one after another.

Where people get stuck

  • Using broad or vague prompts can lead to Lovable exploring too much of your codebase, potentially increasing costs and making unintended changes.
  • Not monitoring the 'Details view' can result in unexpected changes or higher costs if Lovable's work expands beyond your initial intent.
  • Forgetting to switch to Plan mode for complex changes means Lovable might start implementing before you've fully thought through the approach, which can be more expensive to correct later.

The short version, steps, decoder and prompt on this page are written automatically from Lovable's own documentation and can lag or misread it. The official page is always the authority.