Mana is the fastest way to turn an idea into a real iPhone app. This guide walks you through the first five minutes.
1. Install
Mana is on the App Store (currently in invite-only Beta). Join the waitlist and we'll send you a TestFlight code within 24 hours.
2. Describe what you want
Open the app, tap New, and describe the thing you want — like you'd describe it to a friend. You don't need to specify frameworks, libraries, or layout. The clearer you are about what the app should feel like to use, the better Mana's first version will be.
Examples that work well:
- "A flashcard app that quizzes me on the 200 most common Mandarin words, one at a time, with a streak counter."
- "Tap-to-log caffeine intake, with a Lock Screen widget showing my total today."
- "Split-bill calculator for groups up to 8 people, with custom tip percentages."
3. Wait 30–60 seconds
Mana writes the code in a sandbox, runs it, fixes its own bugs, and previews the result. You'll see the build steps stream by — chat-style — and the app appears as soon as it's working.
4. Iterate
Don't aim for perfection on the first prompt. Most useful Mana apps go through 3–5 quick rounds:
"The streak counter should reset on missed days, not pause." "Use the SF Pro Rounded font and a warmer palette." "Add a Lock Screen widget showing today's total."
5. Pin it
Once it feels right, pin the app to your home screen. It opens like a native app — Mana renders it in a WKWebView with native chrome — and works offline for non-cloud features.