How to Use ChatGPT to Build a Website from a Wireframe

Quick Summary

I decided to give the ChatGPT concept a try, where it magically transforms images into HTML. I began by sketching my wireframe image, although my spelling skills left much to be desired.

Afterward, I set up my development environment. I logged into ChatGPT 4, which requires a $20 paid subscription. Then, I obtained my API key and configured my development environment.

I imported my image onto my computer, and with a simple drag-and-drop, I fed it into ChatGPT. I watched as it worked its magic! I must say, it wasn’t perfect, but everyone has to start somewhere, right? And the best part? It even corrected my spelling mistakes!

Checkout our quick highlight video that shows how easy the process can be!

MAKDigital highlight video for Screenshot-to-Code

Getting Started

To kick things off, you’ll need a ChatGPT4 subscription, which will set you back $20 a month. No need to break the bank, but it’s worth every penny. You can sign up right here.

Once you have your OpenAI subscription, navigate your way to the API Keys section.

Unleash the API Key

Now, grab your API key from here. This key is your ticket to the world of HTML magic. No fancy handshakes required. Simply create a new key and proceed to next steps.

Once here select “Create a new secret key”, to generate your new API key.

Setting Up your Dev Environment

We understand if you’re not comfortable setting up a developer environment, it can definitely feel like working with an alien language if you do not have developer experience. Luckily there are resources in place to help!

Your development environment needs a bit of TLC. Follow these instructions to get it up and running. I personally went with Node.js because it’s friendly and approachable.
If you’re new to Node.js, don’t fret. Head over to the official Node website, download the LTS version, and follow their handy guide. You’ll be up to speed in no time.
For those who would like some extra guidance, this article has got your back. It’s like having a GPS for your dev environment setup.

On the OpenAI main page you can find a quick-link to their Quickstart Tutorial for developer setups.

Screenshot-to-Code Application

Now, let’s talk about the “screenshot-to-code” app. You can find this gem on Git at screenshot-to-code.

The need for an OpenAI paid subscription is due to this application needing access to GPT-4 Vision, which is locked behind the paywall.

But, once setup, this could be your own secret weapon for converting screenshots into HTML, Tailwind CSS, React, Vue, or Bootstrap code. All thanks to GPT-4 Vision and DALL-E 3, it’s practically magic.

Unfortunetly, we won’t be teaching you how to set-up this application, but fret not, there are in-depth directions, examples and FAQ’s available on the applications GitHub page (linked above!).

If you’re hungry for more details, check out this informative article.

This shows a preview of what Screenshot-to-Code is capable of when given an image. You can see here the application scanning our image and generating a preview on the right-hand side.

One of the amazing features of this application is it’s ability to give you responsive design coding, meaning the code generated from your image will also come with mobile versions. Gone are the days of adapting your code to a “mobile-first” format, with the assistance of AI much of the starting or base work can be knocked out in seconds!

Screenshot-to-Code is capable of providing mobile code along with the ability to prompt changes to your code and preview!

Screenshot-to-Code is an amazing application with a ton of uses. We only previewed the applications capabilities with a roughly drawn wireframe but as advertised you can use screenshots of other websites or even URLs to clone a site!

Additionally, you’re also able prompt the application which utilizes the GPT-4 model to change your previews or code. You are virtually able to customize your code in anyway you want. A prompt as simple as “change the main pictures on the homepage to sunset shots” or as complicated as “change all of the HTML to React.js”, the possibilites are endless.

The emergence of AI assistance has been a welcomed change to online development and we here at MAKDigital can not wait to see what the future holds for this prosperous industry.

Trouble Setting up Dev Environment? Use Screenshot-to-Code Online Instead

If patience isn’t your strong suit (no judgment here), you can try the online version here. Just keep in mind it’s a tad slower than a local setup, but it does get the job done.

If you’re curious about my masterpiece, you can download the image from here. Don’t expect a Picasso, though!

Final Words

As we wrap up, let’s talk ChatGPT magic with ‘Screenshot-to-Code.’ Picture a sketchy wireframe, a dash of GPT-4 Vision, and voila! Your images transform into code wonders. Sure, it’s not flawless, but coding isn’t all rainbows, right? For $20 a month, ChatGPT 4 is your coding sidekick. Get that API key, set up, and let the coding fiesta begin!

‘Screenshot-to-Code’ is your VIP ticket to code transformation. It’s your magic wand for HTML, Tailwind CSS, React, Vue, or Bootstrap—courtesy of GPT-4 and DALL-E 3.

Responsive design? Nailed it. Say goodbye to mobile-first hassles; AI’s got your back, whipping up mobile versions in seconds.

This app isn’t just for wireframes. Snag screenshots, toss in URLs, and watch the magic. Need tweaks? GPT-4’s got your back. ‘Change homepage pics to sunset shots’ or ‘turn all HTML into React.js,’ it’s your code, your rules.

Don’t dig the setup? No worries, an online version’s a tad slower but gets the job done—zero patience required.

Whether coding maestro or newbie, ‘Screenshot-to-Code’ is your secret sauce. As we sign off, the future of online development shines bright with our AI coding buddies. Embrace the evolution, let ‘Screenshot-to-Code’ sprinkle magic on your project. Happy coding, friends!