Build Your First App
From idea to published product. Let's go.
Step 1: Sign In and Start Your First Jam
Head over to nullshot.ai and sign in with the purple Sign In button in the top right. Once you're in, click "Start Jam" to begin — that's how you turn your idea into an app.
Step 2: Choose What to Create
A dialog opened asking "What do you want to create?" At the top you'll see tabs for different project types — make sure Web App is selected (it should be by default).
Now choose how to kick off the build. Select "Start With a Prompt" — it's the fastest way. The AI will build your app right away based on what you describe. Click that first card, then hit "Next".
Step 3: Write Your Prompt
You'll now see a text area where you can describe what you want to build. This is where you tell the AI your idea.
Write a clear description. Here's a good example:
Why this works? It's specific about what you want, lists technical requirements, and it's easy to test. The more specific you are, the better your app will turn out!
Not sure what to build? Pick one of the example templates — Activity Monitor, Focus Timer, Pac-Man Game, and more.
Step 4: Choose a Model
Pick the AI model that will power your Jam Room. All models are free during beta.
The default Claude Sonnet works great for most projects. Once you're happy with your prompt and model, click the purple "Create" button.
Step 5: Plan Mode — AI Asks Questions
Your Jam Room just opened in Plan Mode. This is where the AI chats with you about your idea before writing any code.
The AI may ask clarifying questions to understand exactly what you want. For example:
- AI: "Should the QR code be generated client-side or server-side?"
- You: "Client-side, zero dependencies"
- AI: "Got it. What output format — PNG, SVG, or both?"
- You: "Both options, let user choose"
Just answer naturally in the chat. Once you're both on the same page, click the purple "Start Build" button.
The AI will switch to Build Mode and start creating your app.
Step 6: Your App is Running
Your app is built and running. Look at the preview panel on the right — that's your working app.
Let's test it out. Try entering a URL in the input field and clicking "Generate QR Code". Try switching between SVG and PNG formats.
This is your app. It's real. It works. And you just built it.
Important: Look at the bottom of the chat panel. There's a Prompt / Chat toggle.
Prompt Mode (Talk to AI):
AI listens to everything you type. Just type naturally: add a search bar.
Chat Mode (Talk to Humans):
This is for team discussions only. AI ignores these messages. Switch to Prompt to build.
Step 7: Create V1 — Publish Your First Version
Happy with what you've built? Click the "Create V1" button in the toolbar (top right of the room).
This deploys your app and locks in the first version. A confirmation dialog shows the deployment URL and commit hash — your app is now live.
After the first version is created the button changes to "Push Changes" for future updates.
Step 8: Publish App to the Catalog
Now let's make your app discoverable. After creating V1, a "Publish App" button appears in the toolbar. Click it.
Fill in the publishing form:
What we need:
- Product title — Defaults to your room name. Change it if you want.
- Description — A quick description of what your app does.
- Tags — Pick up to 5 tags to help people find it.
- Status — Choose "Released" to list it publicly (you can change this later).
- Public URL — A custom subdomain, e.g.
myqr.nullshot.ai.
Once you've filled in the basics, click the purple "Publish App" button at the bottom.
Your app is now live at [yourname].nullshot.ai. Click "View App" to open it.
What Just Happened?
Let's take a moment to appreciate what we just did together:
- You described what you wanted in plain English
- AI asked some questions to make sure it understood
- AI built your app automatically
- We created V1 and published it to the catalog
- Now it's live on the internet for anyone to use
No code. No servers. No deployment commands.
Just you, your idea, and a conversation that turned into a real app.
This is what Nullshot does — ideas become reality.
What's Next?
You've got a working app. Now what? Drop it in our showcase channel on Discord and grab first users: Showcase Channel
Want to make it better? Go back to your Jam Room, and tell AI what you want to add. Every request makes it better.
Something not working? Just tell AI what's wrong and it'll fix it.
Ready to build something new? Click "Start Jam" and build another app. Try a todo list, a calculator, or anything else you can imagine.
Want to share it? Your app has a public URL — share it on X, add it to your portfolio, or send it to friends.
The best way to learn is to build in public!
Quick Tips
Start simple — Build one thing at a time. Add features later.
Be specific — "Add a blue download button" works better than "make it better."
Test as you go — Try each feature right away. Don't wait until the end.
Save often — Hit Create V1 / Push Changes frequently. You can always add more later.
Publish early — Get it out there and get feedback. Perfection can wait.