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Deploy Lovable Apps

Step-by-step guide to deploy AI-generated Lovable apps to production

Overview

Deploy your Lovable AI-generated web application to Chita Cloud in under 60 seconds with PostgreSQL and Redis included.

What is Lovable?

Lovable is an AI-powered platform that generates full-stack web applications from natural language prompts. You get working code with frontend, backend, and database logic ready to deploy.

Quick Deployment Steps

Step 1: Generate Your App

  1. Describe your app in natural language
  2. Lovable AI generates your full-stack codebase
  3. Test and iterate in the Lovable IDE

Step 2: Export Your Code

Option A: Download ZIP (Fastest - 60 seconds)

  1. In Lovable, click "Export" button
  2. Select "Download ZIP"
  3. Save the ZIP file to your computer

Option B: Push to GitHub (CI/CD Ready)

  1. In Lovable, click "Export" button
  2. Select "Push to GitHub"
  3. Authorize GitHub access
  4. Choose repository name
  5. Confirm push

Step 3: Deploy to Chita Cloud

If you downloaded ZIP:

  1. Go to app.chitacloud.com
  2. Click "Deploy" button at top
  3. Select "Upload ZIP"
  4. Choose your Lovable ZIP file
  5. Select runtime:
    • Node.js for React/Next.js apps
    • Python for FastAPI/Flask backends
  6. Click "Deploy"

If you pushed to GitHub:

  1. Go to app.chitacloud.com
  2. Click "Deploy" button
  3. Select "GitHub Repository"
  4. Authorize GitHub (first time only)
  5. Choose your Lovable repository
  6. Select branch (usually main)
  7. Click "Deploy"

Step 4: Add Database & Cache

Most Lovable apps need PostgreSQL and Redis:

  1. Go to your deployed service
  2. Click "Add-ons" tab
  3. Add PostgreSQL (from €7/month or 100MB free)
  4. Redis is already included in all paid plans ✅
  5. Connection strings are auto-injected as environment variables

Learn more: PostgreSQL setup | Redis included

Step 5: Configure Environment Variables

If your Lovable app needs API keys:

  1. Go to "Environment Variables" tab
  2. Add variables from your Lovable app settings:
    • OPENAI_API_KEY
    • STRIPE_SECRET_KEY
    • DATABASE_URL (auto-provided)
    • REDIS_URL (auto-provided)
  3. Click "Save"
  4. Service auto-redeploys

Detailed guide: Environment Variables

Step 6: Add Custom Domain (Optional)

  1. Go to "Domains" tab
  2. Click "Add Domain"
  3. Enter your domain (e.g., myapp.com)
  4. Follow DNS configuration instructions
  5. SSL certificate issued automatically

Full documentation: Custom Domains

Common Lovable Stacks

React + Supabase

  • Runtime: Node.js
  • Database: Use Supabase connection or migrate to Chita PostgreSQL
  • Environment variables: SUPABASE_URL, SUPABASE_ANON_KEY

Next.js + PostgreSQL

  • Runtime: Node.js
  • Database: Add PostgreSQL in Chita Cloud
  • Build command detected automatically
  • Environment: DATABASE_URL auto-provided

Python FastAPI Backend

  • Runtime: Python
  • Database: Add PostgreSQL
  • Redis: Already included
  • Environment: Connection strings auto-injected

Pricing Example

Lovable MVP on Chita Cloud:

ServiceCostDetails
Lovable Subscription$20/monthAI code generation
Chita Cloud Starter€16/monthHosting + Redis included
PostgreSQL 1GB€7/monthManaged database
Total~€43/monthFull production stack

Compare to Vercel + separate Redis (~€80/month for same features).

Benefits on Chita Cloud

✅ Redis included - No extra cost for caching/sessions
✅ Fixed pricing - No usage-based surprises
✅ EU hosting - GDPR compliant by default
✅ PostgreSQL add-on - Managed database from €7/month
✅ Auto SSL - Free certificates for custom domains
✅ 60-second deployment - Upload ZIP and go live

Troubleshooting

Build Failed

Check that your Lovable app has correct:

  • package.json with all dependencies
  • Build script specified
  • Correct Node.js version (we support 16, 18, 20, 22)

Database Connection Error

  1. Verify DATABASE_URL in environment variables
  2. Check PostgreSQL is provisioned
  3. Connection string format: postgresql://user:pass@host:5432/db

See PostgreSQL guide for connection details.

Redis Connection Error

Redis is auto-provisioned on paid plans:

  1. Check you're on Freelancer Starter or higher plan
  2. Verify REDIS_URL environment variable exists
  3. Free plan doesn't include Redis

Next Steps

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Quick Start Guide
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Deploy Replit Apps