STOP Paying for Lovable! Build SaaS 100% Free with this Opensource Lovable and bolt.new Alternative

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of using Open Lovable, a free and open-source alternative to Lovable.dev, to build your own SaaS applications without writing code. You will learn how to set up your local environment, integrate various APIs, and replicate websites using AI tools. Whether you're a developer or a no-code creator, this guide will help you leverage Open Lovable effectively.

Step 1: Access the Open Lovable GitHub Repository

• Visit the Open Lovable GitHub repository.
• Clone the repository to your local machine using the following command:

  git clone https://github.com/open-lovable/open-lovable.git
  

Step 2: Install Project Dependencies

• Navigate to the project directory:

  cd open-lovable
  

• Install the required dependencies using npm:

  npm install
  

Step 3: Set Up Environment Variables

• Create an env.local file in the project root directory.
• Add the required API keys to the env.local file:
  • E2B API Key: Obtain your E2B API key from the E2B platform.
  • Firecrawl API Key: For website replication, obtain your Firecrawl API key.
  • Groq API Key: This is needed for accessing free AI models like Kimi K2.

Step 4: Configure API Keys

• Add your E2B API key:

  E2B_API_KEY=your_e2b_api_key_here
  

• Set up the Firecrawl API key:

  FIRECRAWL_API_KEY=your_firecrawl_api_key_here
  

• Add the Groq API key:

  GROQ_API_KEY=your_groq_api_key_here
  

Step 5: Run the Project

• Start the development server:

  npm run dev
  

• Access your application in a web browser at http://localhost:30002.

Step 6: Troubleshoot Common Issues

• If you encounter errors, consider using AI coding editors like Cursor, Windsurf, or Warp to debug your code.
• Check console logs for any specific error messages and address them accordingly.

Step 7: Choose AI Models

• Within Open Lovable, select your preferred AI model. The Kimi K2 model is recommended for most applications.

Step 8: Replicate Websites

• Use Open Lovable to clone existing websites.
• Demo 1: Create a modern-style website.
• Demo 2: Experiment with replicating a retro-style website with neon glow effects.

Step 9: Customize Your Project

• Download the source code of the replicated website.
• Make adjustments to match your desired style and functionality.

Step 10: Understand Usage Limitations

• Familiarize yourself with the Groq rate limits and any usage limitations of the APIs you are integrating.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively set up and use Open Lovable to create your own SaaS applications for free. Explore the various features, replicate websites, and customize your projects to suit your needs. As you become more comfortable with Open Lovable, consider diving deeper into AI tools and integrations to enhance your development capabilities. Happy building!