In a move that signals its growing focus on accessible AI development, Google has launched a new experimental tool called Opal, designed to let users build web apps using simple text prompts. Currently available to users in the U.S. through Google Labs, Opal is part of the company’s ongoing initiative to simplify app creation.

The Rise of “Vibe Coding”

Nearly every major tech firm has taken notice of the surge in AI-powered coding tools—commonly known as "vibe-coding" tools. These platforms allow users to create apps by describing what they want, and the AI handles the rest. Startups like Lovable and Cursor are already making headlines as they resist aggressive acquisition attempts from eager investors. Now, Google has officially joined the race.

How Opal Works

Opal allows users to either build a mini web app from scratch using a prompt or remix an existing app from its built-in gallery. All it takes is a simple description of what the user wants the app to do. Once submitted, Opal taps into various Google AI models to generate the app. What sets Opal apart is its visual workflow editor. Once an app is created, users are taken to an interface where they can view the logical flow of the app’s input, output, and generation steps. Each step is interactive—users can click on it to inspect or modify the underlying prompt. Additional steps can also be manually inserted using Opal’s built-in toolbar.

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From Prompt to Published App

After refining the app, users can publish it directly on the web and share it with others via a Google account-linked URL. This ease of sharing and collaboration hints at Google’s intent to expand the reach of app development beyond professional developers.

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Targeting the Non-Coders

While Google’s AI Studio already supports prompt-based app building for developers, Opal seems to be aimed at a broader, non-technical audience. The simple interface and visual tools make it appealing for users who have ideas but lack programming skills. In doing so, Google joins a growing list of companies like Canva, Figma, and Replit that are opening up the world of app creation to everyday users. With Opal, Google is not just catching up with a trend—it’s pushing the boundaries of how AI can empower people to go from idea to app with just a few words.