How to build a web app with Claude

Claude can write an app, but on its own it can’t put one online, keep its data or let people sign in. Pilely adds that part. You describe the app to Claude in plain words; Claude builds it, and Pilely runs it at its own link, with sign-in, a database, email and payments built in.

You don’t need to code, rent a server or sign up for anything else. Building runs on the Claude plan you already pay for.

What you need

• A Claude plan that includes Claude Code, the part of Claude that can work in a folder on your computer.
• The Claude desktop app (its Code tab) on a Mac or Windows computer, or Claude Code in a terminal.
• An email address. Pilely signs you in with a code sent to it.

Step by step

1. Open Claude’s Code tab and pick a folder. Make a new, empty folder for your apps and choose it as the folder Claude works in.
2. Send the message at the end of this page. It tells Claude to bring in Pam, Pilely’s assistant.
3. Say yes to the setup. Claude first explains in plain words what will happen: a small Pilely helper goes into the folder, and you sign in with a code sent to your email. Nothing is installed until you agree. Your first sign-in creates your account; there is no password.
4. Choose “Bypass permissions”, if you like. Claude will ask for it so you aren’t asked to approve every single step. You can say no and approve the steps one by one instead.
5. Describe your app. Say who it is for and what it should do, in your own words. For example: “A chore chart for our family, where each of us signs in and ticks off our jobs, with a reminder email every Sunday.”
6. Open your app. Claude builds it, and Pilely puts it online at its own link. Send the link to anyone.
7. Keep going in the same chat. Ask for changes whenever you like: a new page, a new field, a payment button. Claude updates the app and Pilely puts the new version online.

What your app can do

Just ask for these in plain words; Pilely already runs them:

• Sign-in with an email and a one-time code. You decide who gets in: everyone, people you invite, or just you.
• Data and files, kept in a real database, still there next time anyone opens the app.
• Email such as welcome notes, receipts and reminders.
• Payments through your own Stripe account. The money goes straight to you; Pilely takes no cut.
• A server that keeps working on its own, for scheduled jobs, heavy processing or talking to other services.
• Your own domain, if you want one.

What it costs

Building uses the Claude plan you already have, so there is no builder fee. Running your app is paid for with prepaid Pilely credits, and you pay only for what it uses. New accounts get up to $5 of free credit to start.

Common questions

Do I need to know how to code? No. You talk to Claude in plain words, and it does the technical work.

Where does my code go? Claude writes it into the folder on your computer. It is yours to keep, change or take anywhere.

Can I switch to ChatGPT later? Yes. Your apps, data and users live on Pilely, not inside a chat. Send the same message to ChatGPT and carry on where you left off. See how to build an app with ChatGPT.

How is this different from an AI app builder? App builders such as Lovable or Base44 bring their own AI and charge for building with it. Pilely lets the AI you already pay for do the building. See how Pilely compares.