What is Design Mode?
Design Mode lets you create beautiful, interactive websites and app designs in just a few minutes. Think of it as a smart design tool that understands what you want. Just describe your idea and Replit will build a beautiful design for you. Design Mode is perfect for:- Testing your ideas quickly: See what your app could look like before committing to building it
- Creating simple websites: Landing pages, portfolios, restaurant menus, event pages
- Refining the look and feel: Adjust colors, layouts, and content instantly
Designs created in Design Mode look and feel like real apps, but they don’t store data or connect to external services yet. When you’re happy with how everything looks, you can convert your design into a full app with one click.
What is Build Mode?
Build Mode creates complete, working applications—the kind that can save information, recognize users, and connect to other services. Use Build Mode when your app needs to:- Remember users: Let people create accounts and log in
- Save information: Store data like orders, messages, or user preferences
- Connect to other services: Process payments, send emails, or pull in data from other apps
- Handle complex tasks: Run an online store, manage bookings, or power a dashboard
Using both modes together
Design Mode and Build Mode are built to work together. You don’t have to choose one or the other. You can start with design and evolve into a full app.1
Design first
Start in Design Mode to quickly visualize your idea. Focus on how your app looks and feels—the layout, colors, buttons, and user experience. Make changes instantly until it looks exactly right.
2
Refine and iterate
Use the Visual Editor to click directly on elements and adjust them, or chat with Agent to describe changes you want. There’s no waiting—changes appear immediately.
3
Convert to a full app
When you’re happy with your design and ready to add real functionality, click “Convert to App”. Your design becomes the foundation for a complete application. Agent will add the ability to save data, handle user accounts, and connect to services—all while keeping your design intact.
4
Deploy and share
Once your app is built, deploy it so anyone can access it online. Replit handles all the technical infrastructure—servers, security, and scaling—so your app works reliably for your users.
When to use each mode
Start with Design Mode
- You want to see your idea quickly
- You’re creating a simple website
- You want to test different looks
- Speed is your priority
Go straight to Build Mode
- You know exactly what you need
- Your app must save data from day one
- Users need to log in
- You’re connecting to other services
Key differences
| Feature | Design Mode | Build Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | A few minutes | About 10 minutes for complete apps |
| Data storage | Visual only (no saving) | Saves and retrieves real data |
| User accounts | Shows what login looks like | Actual login functionality |
| Connecting to services | Not available | Payments, emails, external data |
| Hosting | Simple static hosting | Scales with your users |