App import

Import lets you bring an existing codebase into Bubble. If you have a project sitting in a code repository, you can import that code rather than rebuilding it from scratch, then work on your app in Bubble's familiar visual editor and continue development with Bubble AI. Import is designed to work with exports from:

• Lovable

• v0

• Base44

• Replit

• Claude

In practice, Import works with a standard codebase, so it isn't strictly limited to these platforms. As long as you can export your project as a ZIP file (or download it from a repository, as covered below), you can import it into Bubble. The platforms listed here are the ones Bubble has confirmed work well, so if you're exporting from one of them, you can expect a smooth import.

This article covers what you need before importing, how to get your code out of the most common platforms, and how to import it into Bubble.

What is a codebase?

A codebase is simply all the files that make up an app: the code, the styles, the images, and the configuration that tells everything how to fit together. When people talk about "your code" or "your project files," the codebase is what they mean, the whole collection, bundled up.

What you need before importing

To import a project, you need its codebase as a set of files you can upload. A codebase needs to be uploaded as a zip file. You can also upload an html file.

What is a repository (repo)?

A repository, usually shortened to "repo," is a place where a project's code is stored and its history is tracked. The most common home for a repo is GitHub, a widely used platform for hosting code.

Think of a repo as a shared folder for an app's files, with one useful extra: it remembers every change ever made, so you can look back at earlier versions. When someone says "download my repo," they mean getting a copy of that folder onto your own computer, usually as a ZIP file.

Getting your code out of another platform

How you get your code depends on where it currently lives. Below are the steps for the most common sources. In most cases you'll end up with either a ZIP file or a GitHub repository, both of which you can bring into Bubble.

From Lovable

Lovable stores your project's code inside its own platform, and gives you two ways to get a copy out.

Downloading the codebase directly

Downloading your codebase directly from Lovable is available on paid Lovable plans. On a free plan, the GitHub route below is the way to get your code out. For up to date info on terms and documentation, see the link below.

External page: Lovable Documentation | Code mode

The most direct way, on a paid plan, is to download the codebase from within Lovable:

1

Open your project settings

In your Lovable project, go to Project settings, then the Git section.

2

Download the codebase

Use the Download codebase option to save your project as a file. You can also open the code editor and click Download codebase at the bottom of the file tree.

Downloading through GitHub

You can export your Lovable project to GitHub, then download it from there.

1

Connect Lovable to GitHub

In your Lovable project, click the GitHub option and authorize Lovable to access your GitHub account. You'll grant it permission to create and update repositories.

2

Create the repository

Confirm the repository settings, choose whether it should be public or private, and create it. Lovable pushes your entire codebase to the new GitHub repository, which usually takes under a minute.

3

Download from GitHub

Once your code is on GitHub, follow the GitHub steps to download it as a ZIP.

From GitHub

If your code is already in a GitHub repository, downloading a copy takes a few clicks.

1

Open the repository

Go to the repository's main page on GitHub.

2

Open the Code menu

Click the green Code button near the top right of the file list.

3

Download the ZIP

Select Download ZIP from the dropdown. The file saves to your computer's downloads folder, ready to unzip.

From other platforms

Most other vibe coding platforms follow the same pattern: they either offer a direct download, or they export to GitHub, from which you download a ZIP. Bolt and Base44, for example, both export to GitHub. If your platform isn't listed here, look for a "download," "export," or "connect to GitHub" option in its settings, and check its documentation for the exact steps.

An exported codebase often isn't complete on its own. Some platforms leave out things like API keys, database contents, or connected services (a Supabase database, for example). Keep this in mind, since some of your app's data or connections may need to be set up again after importing.

Importing your code into Bubble

Once you have your codebase as a ZIP file or a repository, you can bring it into Bubble.

Import is in beta and available to a subset of users for now. If you don't see the options described below, the feature hasn't reached your account yet. It's rolling out to everyone over time.

1

Click Import your app

If you are logged out or don't have an account, click the button on the bubble.io homepage. If you are logged in, go to https://bubble.io/import.

2

Provide your codebase

Click to browse, or drag and drop your codebase ZIP or HTML file onto the uploader.

3

Let Bubble convert it

Bubble analyzes your codebase and then builds your app. On the left, you can see a preview of the app while Bubble works. How long the conversion takes depends on the size and complexity of your project.

4

Start editing

After the conversion, you will be redirected into the Bubble editor and can start working on your app in the editor or by using Bubble AI.

Importing your database

Bubble creates a database based on your app's source code. If you're using a third-party database provider and already have data stored there, you'll need to import that data separately. See the article below.

Article: Importing data (CSV)