How to Build a Simple Web App with AI Tools in Under 2 Hours

In 2026, the barrier to entry for building web apps is lower than ever, thanks to the explosion of AI tools that can do the heavy lifting for you. But if you’re like many indie hackers or solo founders, you might struggle with the overwhelming options and technical details. You want to ship fast without getting bogged down by complex coding. The good news? You can build a simple web app in under 2 hours using the right tools and approach.

Prerequisites: What You'll Need

Before we dive into the tools and steps, make sure you have the following:

1. Basic understanding of web development: Familiarity with HTML/CSS/JavaScript will help, but it’s not mandatory.
2. Accounts for the tools listed below: Most are free or have a free tier.
3. A clear idea of what your app will do: Start simple—think of a basic task or utility you want to address.

Step 1: Choose Your AI Tools

Here’s a breakdown of the tools you’ll need to build your web app quickly:

| Tool Name | What It Does | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Bubble | No-code platform to build interactive web apps | Free tier + $29/mo pro | Quick prototyping | Limited customization for complex apps | We use this for fast MVPs | | OpenAI GPT-3 | Text generation for chatbots and content | $0-20/mo depending on usage | Natural language features | Can be expensive with high usage | Great for adding AI features | | Zapier | Automation tool to connect different apps | Free tier + $19.99/mo pro | Workflow automation | Limited on free tier | Essential for automating tasks | | Figma | Design tool for UI/UX mockups | Free tier + $12/mo pro | UI design | Collaboration features are limited | We love it for quick mockups | | Firebase | Backend as a service for real-time databases | Free tier + $25/mo scalable | Building scalable apps | Pricing can escalate with usage | Good for real-time features | | Vercel | Frontend hosting platform | Free tier + $20/mo pro | Hosting static sites | Limited serverless functions on free | Fast deployment for us | | Auth0 | Authentication and authorization service | Free tier + $23/mo pro | User authentication | Pricing increases with user base | We use it for secure logins | | Trello | Project management tool | Free tier + $10/mo pro | Organizing development tasks | Limited features on free tier | Helps us keep track of progress | | Postman | API testing and development | Free tier + $12/mo pro | API development | Limited to 3 users on free tier | Great for testing integrations | | GitHub | Version control and collaboration for code | Free + $4/mo per user for teams| Code management | Private repos can get pricey | We use it for version control | | Netlify | Hosting and serverless functions for static sites | Free tier + $19/mo pro | Fast deployments | Limited serverless functions on free | Perfect for static sites |

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we lean heavily on Bubble for rapid prototyping, OpenAI for generating content, and Firebase for managing our backend. These tools allow us to get our ideas off the ground quickly without diving deep into code.

Step 2: Build Your App

1. Define the App's Purpose

Decide what your app will do. For example, let’s say you want to build a simple task manager.

2. Create a Wireframe

Use Figma to design a basic wireframe of how your app will look. Keep it simple: a task list, input field for new tasks, and buttons for adding/removing tasks.

3. Set Up the Backend

Using Firebase, create a new project. Set up a Firestore database to store your tasks. The free tier allows you to store up to 1 GB of data, which is usually more than enough for a simple app.

4. Build the Frontend

Use Bubble to design your web app interface. Integrate your design from Figma and connect it to your Firebase database. Bubble offers drag-and-drop features that make this process straightforward.

5. Implement AI Features

Integrate OpenAI GPT-3 for smart task suggestions or reminders. You can set up a simple API call to generate suggestions based on user input.

6. Test Your App

Use Postman to test your API endpoints and ensure everything is working correctly. This is a critical step to catch any issues before launch.

7. Deploy Your App

Finally, deploy your app using Vercel or Netlify. Both platforms offer quick deployment options that can have your app live in minutes.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

1. API Limits: If you hit API limits with OpenAI or Firebase, consider optimizing your calls or using caching strategies.
2. Design Issues: If your app doesn’t look right, revisit your Figma designs and ensure they’re implemented correctly in Bubble.
3. Authentication Problems: If users can’t log in, double-check your Auth0 settings and integration.

What’s Next?

Once your app is live, consider gathering user feedback and iterating on your design. You can also explore adding more features, such as user accounts or advanced analytics.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building a simple web app with AI tools in under 2 hours is not just possible; it’s practical. Start with a clear idea, use the tools listed above, and follow the steps to get your app off the ground quickly. If you find yourself stuck, remember that the community is here to help, and you can always iterate and improve your app over time.