Importing an existing app
You don't have to start from scratch. If you already have an Android and iOS app, on your computer, in a .zip file, or in a GitHub repository, you can bring it into FlutterGo.AI and keep building it with the AI.
After import, your app becomes a normal FlutterGo.AI project. The AI can read the code, answer questions about it, make changes, and show a live preview.
Here we cover all three import paths: a folder on your computer, a .zip upload, and cloning from GitHub. We also explain what happens right after the import finishes.
What you need#
- Your app must be a real Flutter project. FlutterGo.AI checks for two files:
pubspec.yamlandlib/main.dart. - For GitHub import: have the repository name or URL ready (for example
owner/repo). - For private GitHub repositories: you'll need to connect your GitHub account during the flow.
How to do it#
1. Open the New project dialog#
Click New project in the left sidebar and make sure the Android and iOS App tab is selected. The import buttons live at the bottom of this dialog.
Import options at the bottom of the New project dialog.
2. Import a folder from your computer#
Click Import Android and iOS app. Its tooltip says "Import an existing Flutter project (pubspec.yaml and lib/main.dart)". Pick the folder that contains your app. While it works, the button shows Importing Android and iOS app….
Important: If you pick the wrong folder you'll see: "That folder is not an Android and iOS app. Choose a directory with pubspec.yaml and lib/main.dart." Pick the folder that directly contains pubspec.yaml, not a parent folder.
3. Or upload a .zip instead#
Right next to the import button there is a smaller link: or upload a .zip instead. Click it and choose a .zip file that contains your Flutter project. The same rule applies, the zip must contain pubspec.yaml and lib/main.dart.
Tip: A .zip is handy when your project is on another machine or came from a download. Zip the project folder itself, so the files are not buried in extra folders.
4. Clone from GitHub#
Click Clone from GitHub. A panel expands with this hint: "Import a public repository by URL, or pick one you have granted to FlutterGo after connecting GitHub."
Fill in:
- Repository, type
owner/repoor pastehttps://github.com/owner/repo. - Branch (optional), leave empty to use the default branch (the placeholder shows
main).
If you already connected GitHub, a list called Your repositories appears. Click a repository to fill the field. Private ones show a Private badge.
The GitHub clone panel inside the New project dialog.
5. Connect GitHub (needed for private repositories)#
If the repository is private, you'll see: "This repository needs GitHub access. Connect GitHub and grant the repo (or choose All repositories)." Click Connect GitHub. A GitHub window opens, approve the FlutterGo app there. The button shows Connecting… while FlutterGo.AI waits for GitHub to confirm.
6. Clone the repository#
Click Clone repository. The button shows Cloning… while FlutterGo.AI copies the code. Note the small print under the panel: "Only Flutter projects with pubspec.yaml and a lib/ entry point are accepted."
Success: When the clone finishes, the dialog closes and your imported app opens as a project in the workspace.
7. See what happens after import#
Your imported app is now a normal project:
The workspace after import: ① GitHub banner, ② conversation, ③ canvas, ④ preview rail, ⑤ toolbar.
- The conversation panel is ready, ask the AI anything about your code, or ask for a change.
- The GitHub banner at the top offers to connect a repository so your code is saved to GitHub (see the chapter "Your code: export, download & local mode").
- Open the Flutter preview and click Build to compile and see your app running.
Tip: Already inside a project? You can also point it at an app on disk with the Import Flutter folder button in the project toolbar.
Common mistake: Importing a repository that is not an Android and iOS app (for example a website). The import is rejected because there is no pubspec.yaml. Only Flutter projects are accepted here.
Troubleshooting#
Problem: "That folder is not an Android and iOS app. Choose a directory with pubspec.yaml and lib/main.dart." Possible causes: You picked a parent folder, or the project is missing one of the two required files. Solution:
- Open the folder on your computer and check that
pubspec.yamlandlib/main.dartexist. - Pick the folder that directly contains
pubspec.yaml. - Try the import again.
Problem: "Could not clone the repository." Possible causes: Wrong repository name, the repo is private and GitHub is not connected, or the branch does not exist. Solution:
- Check the spelling:
owner/repoor the full URL. - For private repos, click Connect GitHub and grant the repository (or choose All repositories).
- Clear the Branch field to use the default branch.
- Click Clone repository again.
Problem: "GitHub did not confirm the installation. Try Connect GitHub again." Possible causes: The GitHub window was closed before you finished, or the approval timed out. Solution:
- Click Connect GitHub again.
- Complete every screen in the GitHub window, including choosing which repositories to grant.
- Return to FlutterGo.AI and wait a few seconds.
FAQ#
Can I import any GitHub repository? You can clone any public Flutter repository by URL. Private repositories work after you connect GitHub and grant access. Note: "Only Flutter projects with pubspec.yaml and a lib/ entry point are accepted."
Does importing change my original code? No. Import makes a copy inside FlutterGo.AI. Your original folder or repository is untouched until you choose to push changes back.
Can I import a specific branch? Yes. Type the branch name in the Branch (optional) field. Leave it empty for the default branch.
What happens to my app's packages and assets? They come along with the project. When you click Build in the preview, FlutterGo.AI fetches packages and compiles the app.
The AI does not know about my app's history. Is that normal? Yes. The AI reads your code files, not your git history. It can still understand the code and make changes safely.
Can I keep the imported project in sync with GitHub? Yes. Connect the project to a repository using the GitHub banner, then use Push and Pull (see "Your code: export, download & local mode").