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

# How generation works

> What happens after you send a prompt, and what to expect

When you send a prompt, Bilt's AI builds your app step by step — writing the screens, wiring them together, and updating the preview as it goes. Knowing what to expect makes the wait a lot easier.

## What happens

<Steps>
  <Step title="You describe what you want">
    A sentence or a detailed spec — both work.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Bilt builds it">
    The AI writes your app one piece at a time. You'll see progress stream into the chat as it works.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The preview updates">
    Your app appears in the live preview, ready to try.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What to expect

* A build can take **a few minutes** for a complex app. That's normal — Bilt is doing real work for each step.
* Progress shows up in the chat as it goes, so you can follow along.
* **Keep the tab open.** Closing or refreshing mid-build interrupts the step it's on.

<Note>
  If the chat goes quiet for a minute, it's usually still working. If nothing changes after a couple of minutes, click **Restart Server** in the preview panel or send a short follow-up.
</Note>

## Get faster, better results

* Ask for **one feature at a time** instead of everything at once.
* **Attach a screenshot or mockup** when you want a specific look — see [Attaching images](/docs/features/attaching-files).
* Be specific about what each screen does.

For the full approach, see [Scoping and iterating on your app](/docs/guides/scoping-your-build) and the [Prompting Guide](/docs/guides/prompting).