> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.thunkable.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.thunkable.com/ai/getting-started/what-is-thunkable-ai.md).

# What is Thunkable AI?

Thunkable AI is a vibe coding mobile app development platform that enables anyone with an idea to build and launch native mobile apps to Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

***

## Overview

The AI Project Generator lets you turn a plain-text description into a production-ready mobile or web app in real time. Just describe what you want to build and Thunkable AI handles the screens, logic, and design for you. Once your project is ready, you can customize and test it on the web or on your device using the Thunkable Live mobile app, then publish when you're ready.

***

## Getting Started Video

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q07PWJTnwhU>" %}

***

## Prompting

Just like any powerful AI tool, Thunkable AI works best when you give it a clear, detailed prompt. The more context you provide, the smarter your results.

Compare:

* “I want a food tracker.”\
  vs.
* “I want an app that lets me scan barcodes of the foods I’m eating. My goal is to lose weight, so I need to track calories and other nutrients, and set goals and targets over time.”<br>

Both will generate an app, but the second unlocks a far richer, more tailored experience.

<figure><img src="https://1781702014-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FCI51jzBbSRAMaZWD1kx4%2Fuploads%2Fc5vF1s7diPDlzOJl7IRa%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=97636476-503e-4c7a-aa06-1fbbb706b6c4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Input options**

Before submitting, you can customize how your app is generated:

* **Private** — Keep your app private so it's only visible to you.
* **Plan mode** — Toggle this on to have the AI outline a plan for your app before building it, giving you a chance to review and refine the direction first.
* **Attach image** — Attach one or more reference images (such as UI mockups, sketches, wireframes, screenshots, logos, or inspiration) to help the AI better understand your vision and generate a more accurate app. Images can be uploaded using the **+** button next to the prompt input.
* **Database** — Choose where your app's data is stored. Save data locally on the user's device for offline and personal apps, use **Supabase** cloud storage for apps that require user accounts, shared data, or synchronization across devices, or **link an existing database** to share data and users with another of your apps. See [Share a Database Between Apps](https://aidocs.thunkable.com/features/cloud-database#share-a-database-between-apps).

<figure><img src="https://1781702014-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FCI51jzBbSRAMaZWD1kx4%2Fuploads%2FabFYT0UZTkqJtCo7kUwW%2FScreenshot%202026-08-04%20195920.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6b3946cc-07ce-4e0f-a14b-517c4c2a4840" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Start With an Idea**

Not sure where to begin? Click any of the example prompts below the input box to instantly load it as your starting point. Edit it to fit your needs, or submit it as-is to see what Thunkable AI builds.

<figure><img src="https://1781702014-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FCI51jzBbSRAMaZWD1kx4%2Fuploads%2FZMBC5WaKm10YJZTEl0cc%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=060665fb-ad2c-455e-a6f8-8ac275a0f7c9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Start from a Template

If you already have a clear idea of the type of app you want to build, you can start with one of Thunkable AI's pre-built templates instead of generating an app from scratch.

Templates provide a fully functional foundation for common app categories, allowing you to customize the design, content, and functionality to match your specific requirements. This can significantly reduce development time and help you get started faster.

To use a template:

1. Open [ai.thunkable.com/hikari](https://ai.thunkable.com/hikari)
2. Scroll down to the **Start from a template** section.
3. Browse the available templates.
4. Remix the template you want to use.
5. The template will open as a new project, ready for you to customize.

Each template includes pre-built screens, navigation, and sample content that you can modify using AI or the visual editor.

## AI Tokens

Each Thunkable plan will grant different allotments of tokens to be used in project generation. Paid plans are replenished at the start of each billing cycle for monthly plans, and on the 1st of each month for Yearly plans. The Free plan's tokens are a one-time balance that does not refill.

* **Free** - 2,000 tokens (one-time, does not refill)
* **Accelerator** - 20,000 tokens per month
* **Builder** - 50,000 tokens per month
* **Advanced** - 100,000 tokens per month

Each prompt deducts tokens from your balance. The cost depends on the AI model you choose and, for Build prompts, the Thinking Effort:

| Prompt                      | Standard   | Max        |
| --------------------------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| Build, Low or Medium effort | 400 tokens | 600 tokens |
| Build, High effort          | 600 tokens | 800 tokens |
| Discuss Mode                | 200 tokens | 400 tokens |

Publishing your app from the chat costs 100 tokens per store. The AI settings panel in the prompt box shows what your next prompt will cost (**N tokens / prompt**).

#### Check your balance

The ring next to the prompt box shows how much of your token balance is left, with the percentage beside it. The ring turns orange when 30% of your tokens are left and red at 10%.

Click the ring to open the **Tokens** panel. It shows how many tokens you have left out of your total, your plan, whether your tokens reset every month, any purchased tokens and when they expire, and about how many builds and Discuss replies your balance covers with your current AI model and Thinking Effort. On every plan except Advanced, it also has an **Upgrade** button.

#### Add tokens

If you run low on tokens, you can buy a one-time token pack without changing your plan. Click **Add tokens** where it appears: in **Membership**, in the account menu, on the low-tokens card in the chat, or in the message you see when you reach your token limit.

* **Free** - 2,000 tokens
* **Accelerator** - 5,000 or 10,000 tokens
* **Builder** - 12,500 or 25,000 tokens
* **Advanced** - 25,000 or 50,000 tokens

Purchased tokens are used after your plan's tokens. They expire 12 months after your most recent purchase, so each new purchase extends the expiry date of the tokens you already bought. They stay on your account if you change or cancel your plan. Token purchases are non-refundable.

#### Getting Support

You will be able to seamlessly connect with Thunkable Support wherever you run into issues.