> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.workshop.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Migrating from Bubble

> Bubble projects can't be exported as code, but Workshop can help you rebuild with more flexibility, real backends, and full ownership.

Bubble is a no-code platform where projects are built visually and stored in Bubble's proprietary format -- there's no way to export Bubble projects as source code. This means you can't directly import a Bubble project into Workshop the way you can with tools like [Lovable](/import/from-lovable) or [Bolt](/import/from-bolt).

However, Workshop is an excellent platform for **rebuilding** your Bubble application with full code ownership, real backends, and capabilities that Bubble doesn't offer.

## Why Rebuild in Workshop?

If you've hit limitations in Bubble, Workshop gives you:

* **Full code ownership** -- your code lives in your GitHub repository, not locked in a proprietary platform
* **Real backends** -- Python/FastAPI, Node.js, or any backend framework instead of Bubble's workflow engine
* **Database flexibility** -- PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Supabase, or any database instead of Bubble's built-in data store
* **AI capabilities** -- built-in support for Claude, GPT, Gemini, and local models
* **Local development** -- work offline with Workshop Desktop and local LLMs
* **Custom deployment** -- deploy anywhere instead of being locked to Bubble's hosting

## How to Approach the Rebuild

Rather than trying to recreate your Bubble app exactly, focus on the core value and user flows. Workshop's AI agent can help you build faster than starting from scratch.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Document your current app">
    Before starting in Workshop, take screenshots and notes about your Bubble app's key pages, workflows, and data structure. This gives the agent context to work with.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start with the data model">
    Ask the agent to help design and set up your database schema based on your Bubble app's data types and relationships.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build the core UI">
    Describe your key pages and user flows to the agent. It will generate a modern React frontend that matches your requirements.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Recreate workflows as backend logic">
    Bubble workflows become proper backend API routes. The agent can build authentication, data processing, and business logic as code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add capabilities Bubble couldn't">
    This is where Workshop shines -- add AI features, complex integrations, custom deployment, and more.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Getting Started

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Workshop Desktop (Recommended)">
    1. [Download Workshop Desktop](https://workshop.ai/download)
    2. Create a new blank project
    3. Start a conversation describing your Bubble app and what you want to build

    **Example prompt:**

    ```text theme={null}
    I'm rebuilding my Bubble application in Workshop. It's a [describe your app -- 
    e.g., "customer portal with user authentication, a dashboard showing order 
    history, and an admin panel for managing products"]. 

    Let's start by setting up the project structure with a React frontend and 
    FastAPI backend. First, help me design the database schema based on these 
    data types: [list your Bubble data types].
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Workshop Cloud">
    1. Go to [app.workshop.ai](https://app.workshop.ai)
    2. Create a new project (select the template that best fits your needs)
    3. Start a conversation describing your Bubble app

    The same approach works in Workshop Cloud, though Workshop Desktop gives you more flexibility for complex applications.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Tips for a Successful Migration

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Start with one feature, not the whole app">
    Don't try to rebuild everything at once. Pick the most important user flow and get it working first. You can iterate from there.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use screenshots as context">
    Upload screenshots of your Bubble app when talking to the agent. Visual context helps it understand what you're building.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Leverage Workshop's strengths">
    Your rebuilt app doesn't need to be a 1:1 clone. Take advantage of capabilities Bubble doesn't offer -- like AI features, custom backends, and multi-database support.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Set up GitHub early">
    Connect GitHub and link your project from the start. This gives you version control and a backup of your work as you build. See [GitHub Integration](/workshop-desktop/github-integration).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Card title="Ready to start rebuilding?" icon="rocket" href="https://workshop.ai/download">
  Download Workshop Desktop and start building your next-generation app.
</Card>