Overview
Imagine is an AI-powered application builder that transforms natural language descriptions into production-ready apps with fully managed cloud infrastructure. Unlike competing AI app builder platforms that focus solely on frontend prototypes, Imagine includes authentication, scalable databases, file storage, and hosting by default—eliminating the need to configure external providers or manage infrastructure setup manually.
Built by the Appwrite team and powered by TanStack Start for server-side rendering, Imagine targets developers and non-technical users who need to build real, production-grade applications rather than just mockups. It's designed for SaaS products, dashboards, and complex systems requiring multi-user logic, permissions, roles, and security compliance.
Key Features
Conversational AI Builder — Describe your app idea in plain language and Imagine generates the backend, database schema, and architecture, significantly reducing traditional development timelines (actual time depends on project complexity).
Built-in Cloud Infrastructure — Includes authentication (email/password, OAuth, SMS, Magic URLs), scalable databases, file storage with TLS in transit and optional AES-128-GCM at rest encryption, and hosting—no external providers or configuration needed.
Native Appwrite Integration — Direct access to Appwrite Cloud's native environments, real terminals, version control, and build pipelines for professional-grade development workflows. These capabilities are available in the Studio/Cloud workspace interface (refer to official documentation for details).
One-Click Deployment — Publish and host your apps with built-in CDN, DDoS protection, and SEO optimization without managing servers or DevOps pipelines. Deployment speed depends on project complexity.
Unlimited Custom Domains — Connect your own domains at every tier including the free plan, giving your apps a professional presence without additional costs.
Server-Side Rendering — Uses TanStack Start architecture for SSR capabilities, improving performance and SEO compared to client-only AI code generator tools.
Pricing & Plans
Imagine offers three pricing tiers designed for different stages from personal projects to enterprise deployment:
Free Plan — $0/month
- 5 credits per day
- 5GB bandwidth, 2GB storage
- 1 database per project
- Unlimited custom domains
- Built-in CDN and DDoS protection
- Community support
- SEO optimization included
- Best for personal passion projects and non-commercial use
Pro Plan — $25/month
- 100 credits per month
- 1TB bandwidth, 100GB storage
- Unlimited databases
- Unlimited custom domains
- Built-in CDN and premium DDoS protection
- Removable Imagine branding
- Email support
- All Free plan features included
- Ideal for production projects and pro teams
Enterprise Plan — Custom pricing
- Uptime SLAs
- Advanced security (SSO, audit logs, compliance support)
- Dedicated account manager
- 24/7 priority support
- Private Slack channel
- Onboarding and enterprise training
- SOC-2, HIPAA, and BAA support (delivered via contract—contact sales for documentation)
- Custom backup policies and activity logs
- Designed for large organizations with strict compliance and support requirements
All plans include one-click deployment, version control, and built-in cloud services. The Free plan is ideal for testing and personal projects, while the Pro plan unlocks production-grade capabilities at an accessible price point for independent developers and small teams.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Includes full backend infrastructure by default, not just frontend code generation
- One-click deployment with managed hosting eliminates DevOps overhead
- Generous free tier with unlimited custom domains for personal and non-commercial projects
- Native Appwrite integration provides enterprise-grade authentication, databases, and security
- Faster time-to-market compared to traditional development workflows
Cons:
- Credit-based system may be less predictable than unlimited usage models for high-volume projects
- Fewer pre-built templates compared to more established AI website builder platforms
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Appwrite ecosystem and TanStack Start architecture
Best For
- Developers building SaaS products who want to skip infrastructure setup and focus on features
- Non-technical founders who need production-ready MVPs with real authentication and databases, not just prototypes
- Small to medium-sized teams launching products on tight timelines who want to minimize infrastructure setup time
- Indie makers and solo entrepreneurs who need professional features like custom domains and databases on a limited budget
- Organizations requiring built-in compliance (SOC-2, HIPAA) and enterprise security features
FAQ
Is there a free trial available?
Yes, Imagine offers a permanently free plan with 5 credits per day, 5GB bandwidth, 2GB storage, and unlimited custom domains. This allows you to build and test real projects at no cost indefinitely.
What payment methods are accepted?
Imagine accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and PayPal for Pro subscriptions. Enterprise plans can be invoiced annually based on contract terms—contact sales for details.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your Pro subscription at any time. You'll retain access to Pro features until the end of your current billing period, after which your account reverts to the Free plan.
Is my data secure and private?
Yes, Imagine uses TLS encryption in transit and optional AES-128-GCM at rest, plus DDoS protection built on Appwrite Cloud's security infrastructure. Enterprise plans provide SOC-2 and HIPAA support options, BAA agreements, audit logs, and SSO for enhanced security requirements (contact sales for compliance documentation).
What's the difference between Imagine and other AI builders like Lovable?
Imagine focuses on building production-ready systems with real backend infrastructure, multi-user logic, permissions, and compliance features. Other tools like Lovable excel at creating visually polished frontend prototypes and demos but require separate backend integration for production use.
How many credits do I get and what do they cover?
The Free plan provides 5 credits per day (roughly 150/month), while the Pro plan includes 100 credits per month. Credits are used for chat messages (1 credit = 1 message). Cloud resources like bandwidth and storage are metered separately—if you exceed plan limits, additional charges may apply, but you can set budget caps to control costs.
Can I export my code or migrate away from Imagine?
According to the official FAQ, code export and external deployment are not currently supported but are planned for future releases. While Imagine uses open-source technologies like TanStack Start and Appwrite Cloud, your projects currently remain within the Imagine platform. Check the official documentation for the latest updates on export capabilities.
What kind of apps can I build with Imagine?
Imagine is designed for production applications including SaaS platforms, dashboards, CRM systems, appointment booking systems, crypto trackers, content management tools, and any app requiring authentication, databases, and user management—not just landing pages or marketing sites.
