> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.emobiq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.emobiq.com/emobiq-ai/readme/building-your-app.md).

# Building your App

It's time to begin building your first application! This section provides a structured guide to help you move from concept to a fully functional app—efficiently and effectively.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Two ways to get started:**

* **Create New Blank** — Follow the step-by-step workflow below to build your app from scratch.
* **Create New from Template** — Skip the setup entirely and launch from a fully built [Instant Ideas](/emobiq-ai/readme/building-your-app/instant-ideas.md) template. Free to use, no credits required.
  {% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfjvuff5y3s>" %}

***

### Step 1: Assign a Meaningful Name to Your App

Naming your application thoughtfully enhances usability and recognition. Choose a name that reflects the app's function or domain to improve clarity for both developers and end users.\
Start by giving your app a meaningful name and project icon.

<figure><img src="/files/fAxvu1MhDdQxIdlRwhYc" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
*Example: Instead of "App\_001", consider a descriptive name like "Inventory Tracker" or "Order Manager".*
{% endhint %}

***

### Step 2: Select Your AI Model

Choose the AI model that best fits your project's needs. This selection affects the depth of generation, available features, and credit consumption.

<figure><img src="/files/VBmO6cX6ffniuiHbfpWk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p>Lite</p><ul><li>Faster app generation, saving time and budget for rapid prototyping with essential details</li><li>Significantly lower credit cost compared to Standard</li><li>Does not support advanced modes for more complex projects</li></ul></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p>Standard</p><ul><li>Strikes a middle ground between speed and accuracy, delivering well-rounded outputs</li><li>Suitable for production-ready applications</li><li>Supports advanced generation modes for more complex project requirements</li></ul></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
*Not sure which to pick? Start with **Lite** to validate your idea quickly, then switch to **Standard** when you're ready to build a more complete application.*
{% endhint %}

***

### Step 3: Select Your Backend Service

Based on your objectives, select the appropriate application type. Each option is designed for a specific use case and technical architecture:

<figure><img src="/files/90LkG7pxD1Qf0WmQhgnG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% tabs fullWidth="false" %}
{% tab title="Stand-alone" %}

* Designed for UI-only prototypes or personal tools
* No backend database required
* Data is stored locally within the browser
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="External API" %}

* Integrates with external systems such as Microsoft Business Central, Acumatica, Sage and many more!
* Requires pre-defined and accessible API endpoints
* Enables seamless connectivity with existing business ecosystems
* Full guide on[ External API configuration](/emobiq-ai/readme/external-api.md)

{% hint style="info" %}
*📝 Note: Ensure all external API function calls are documented and tested before selecting this mode.*
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Supabase" %}

* Powered by an open-source PostgreSQL backend — no server setup required
* Built-in user authentication (login, signup, OAuth via Google, Apple, and more)
* Real-time data sync across all devices
* File storage for images, videos, and documents
* Row-level security for fine-grained data access control
* Full guide on [Supabase configuration](/emobiq-ai/readme/supabase.md)
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Plugin" %}

* Extends your app with native device capabilities — no additional coding required
* Access hardware such as camera, GPS, file system, Bluetooth, and microphone
* Works cross-platform on iOS, Android, and Web
* Full guide on [Plugin configuration](/emobiq-ai/readme/plugins.md)
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Summary" %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="149.76043701171875">App Type</th><th width="298.51806640625">Database Provisioning</th><th>Integration Capabilities</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Standalone</td><td>None - Local Storage</td><td>NA</td></tr><tr><td>External API</td><td>Leverages external databases via Function API</td><td>Custom integrations supported</td></tr><tr><td>Supabase</td><td>PostgreSQL via Supabase (cloud or self-hosted)</td><td>Auth, real-time sync, file storage</td></tr><tr><td>Plugin</td><td>None - extends frontend with device APIs</td><td>Camera, GPS, Bluetooth, and more</td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

***

### Step 4: Define Your App Idea

Before initiating any project, clearly articulate your application's purpose. The precision of your vision directly influences the quality of the output generated by eMOBIQ AI.

<details>

<summary>Lack of ideas?</summary>

*Click `Advanced Ideation` to help you clearly define what your app should do. The more specific you are, the better eMOBIQ AI can assist you to build your app*

<figure><img src="/files/QKNid1507FWwcYWGHC66" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

</details>

<details>

<summary>Themes</summary>

*Pre-select the visual style of your app — including project type, style, color palette, and fonts — giving you control over how your app looks before generation begins. For a full breakdown of available theme options, refer to the* [*Themes guide*](/emobiq-ai/readme/building-your-app/themes.md)*.*

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
*For more information on how to have a better App upon generation, refer to our* [*Advanced Prompting Guide*](/emobiq-ai/readme/building-your-app/advanced-prompting-for-app-creation.md)
{% endhint %}

***

### Step 5: Choose Between Autopilot or Manual Review Workflow

Decide how much oversight you want during the development lifecycle.

<figure><img src="/files/RAO5TC8pdQmdQuXsXsmK" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p>Autopilot</p><ul><li>Provides End-to-End Automation</li><li>No need for intermediate reviews</li><li>Best suited for trusted workflows or simple applications</li></ul></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p>Manual Review</p><ul><li>Allows for feedback and adjustments at each stage before proceeding to the next</li><li>Increases control and accuracy, particularly for complex logic or design</li><li>Slightly higher cost due to increased AI interaction</li></ul></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><p>Docs &#x26; UI only</p><ul><li>Describe your UI needs in natural language</li><li>eMOBIQ AI generates the frontend and documentation</li><li>Preview and review the output</li><li>Export or refine as needed before moving to full implementation</li></ul></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### Step 6: Allocate Budget

<figure><img src="/files/GiyZjnxEUfY8Lq0r9NMI" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
*💰 Budget Tip: For **Lite** mode, allocating 5 to 10 Credits is recommended for rapid prototyping. For **Standard** mode, it is recommended to allocate 20 to 60 Credits per project depending on your application size. This is to account for prompt-based costs, especially when using **manual review**. For more information regarding costs you may refer to our* [*Pricing Guide*](/emobiq-ai/readme/how-pricing-works-in-emobiq-ai.md)*.*
{% endhint %}

***

### You're Ready to Create!

With these steps completed, you now have a clear roadmap for developing your first eMOBIQ AI-powered app. Whether you're building a prototype or a full-scale enterprise solution, eMOBIQ AI empowers you to bring your vision to life quickly, intelligently, and with precision. Let's discover what your new app can do!
