> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.replit.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Updating older projects for multiple artifact support

> Add a second artifact to an older Replit project with a one-time structural update that preserves your URL, data, and deployment.

If your project was created before March 11, 2026, Agent may need to run a one-time structural update before it can add a second artifact to it. This page explains why, what changes, and which projects are eligible.

## Background

On **March 11, 2026**, Replit released [Agent 4](/updates/2026/03/13/changelog). One of the biggest changes in that release was **multi-artifact support**: a single [project](/replitai/projects) can now hold several [artifacts](/replitai/artifacts) (for example, a web app, a mobile app, and a pitch deck) that share the same database, backend, secrets, and deployment.

Before March 11, 2026, each project was built around a single app with a different file layout. That older structure doesn't have the separation the backend needs to host more than one artifact. Because of those differences, projects created before March 11, 2026, need a **one-time structural update** before Agent can add a second artifact to them. Projects created on or after that date already use the new layout and don't need this step.

## What the update does

When you ask Agent to add a second artifact to an older project (for example, adding a mobile app to an existing web app), Agent reorganizes your project into the new multi-artifact layout first. Your URL, collaborators, secrets, database, and domains are all preserved. Only the internal structure changes.

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Request a new artifact in an older project">
    Ask Agent for something like, "Create a pitch slide deck for my website."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and approve">
    Agent pauses before making any changes and shows you a proposal in chat. For up to two eligible projects, you'll also see a one-time **\$5 credit** offer to get you started with the project update. Click **Update project** to continue, or **Not now** to skip.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/replit/PUjTWRdx_TNp0SaN/images/replitai/multi-artifact-update-approval.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=PUjTWRdx_TNp0SaN&q=85&s=952936728a532ab0241de383ddcd0172" alt="Agent chat panel showing the 'Update project to create mobile app' approval card with a $5 credit offer and Not now / Update project buttons." width="991" height="589" data-path="images/replitai/multi-artifact-update-approval.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for the restructure">
    Agent reorganizes your project into the new structure in a task — you can follow along in the task list. Your original app is backed up before anything changes, so you won't lose any previous work if something goes wrong.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/replit/PUjTWRdx_TNp0SaN/images/replitai/multi-artifact-update-task-progress.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=PUjTWRdx_TNp0SaN&q=85&s=1550c9c6b80b93ef9cb002f9aa73ba51" alt="Agent chat panel showing the 'Updating your project' task in progress, with the 'Port existing coffee website' subtask active." width="989" height="587" data-path="images/replitai/multi-artifact-update-task-progress.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get the new artifact you asked for">
    Once your original app is running in the new structure, Agent builds the artifact you originally requested.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Eligibility

Not every project can be updated at this time. Your project must be one of these types:

* **Web App** (fullstack JavaScript)
* **Design-to-app mockups**
* **Mobile App** (Expo)

Other project types created before March 11, 2026, including Python, Flask, Streamlit, game stacks, video projects, and agent stacks, aren't supported. If you need multiple artifacts in those cases, [create a new project](/replitai/projects) instead.

Your project's ports and workflows must also match the default configuration for its type. If you've manually edited `.replit`, you'll see this message:

> *This project cannot be migrated automatically: workflow config does not match expected.*

To fix it, revert your port or workflow customizations to the defaults and try again.

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Why does my project need an update at all?">
    Projects created before March 11, 2026 (when Agent 4 launched) used a single-app layout. The newer shared workspace layout is what lets a web app, mobile app, and admin dashboard live together and share the same database and backend. The update is a one-time step to get onto that layout.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I don't want to update?">
    Click **Not now**. Agent keeps building in the existing single-artifact layout. You can revisit the offer later if your needs change.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I update more than once?">
    No. Once your project is on the new structure, no further updates are needed. Future artifacts are added directly without another update step.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My project isn't eligible. What are my options?">
    Create a separate project for the new artifact, or start a fresh project that supports multiple artifacts from day one.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## See also

* [What's an Artifact?](/replitai/artifacts)
* [What's a Project?](/replitai/projects)
* [Multiple Artifacts vs. Separate Projects](/replitai/multiple-artifacts-vs-projects)