User Guide

How Do I...?

Your complete guide to getting the most out of DIY Builder AI. Learn how to create projects, customize instructions, track progress, and more.

How to Create a Project

Generate AI-powered instructions for any DIY project

1
Navigate to Create Project

From your Dashboard, click the Create Project button in the top right corner, or select it from the navigation menu.

2
Describe Your Project

Enter a clear, descriptive title and detailed description of what you want to build or fix. The more detail you provide, the better the AI can tailor the instructions.

Tip: Be specific! Instead of "build a table," try "build a 6-foot farmhouse dining table with rustic finish."
3
Select Category & Skill Level

Choose the appropriate category (Woodworking, Electrical, Plumbing, etc.) and your skill level:

  • Beginner: Detailed explanations with basic terminology
  • Intermediate: Balanced detail for those with some experience
  • Advanced: Concise instructions for experienced DIYers
4
Set Your Budget (Optional)

Enter an estimated budget if you have one. The AI will try to suggest materials and approaches that fit within your budget constraints.

5
Generate Instructions

Click Generate and wait for the AI to create your personalized project plan. This typically takes 15-30 seconds.

6
Review Your Project

Once generated, you'll see complete step-by-step instructions, a materials list, required tools, safety guidelines, and time estimates. Review and customize as needed!

How to Search for Projects

Find and filter your saved projects quickly

1
Go to Your Dashboard

Click Dashboard in the navigation menu to view all your projects.

2
Use the Search Bar

Type keywords from your project title or description in the search bar at the top of the dashboard. Results filter in real-time as you type.

3
Filter by Category

Use the category dropdown to show only projects in a specific category like Woodworking, Electrical, or Home Improvement.

4
Sort Your Projects

Sort projects by:

  • Date Created: Newest or oldest first
  • Name: Alphabetical order
  • Status: In progress, completed, or not started

How to Start Working on a Project

Begin your DIY journey with your generated plan

1
Open Your Project

From your Dashboard, click on the project card or the View button to open your project details.

2
Review Materials & Tools

Check the Materials and Tools tabs to see everything you'll need. Make sure you have all items before starting.

Tip: Print or save the materials list to take with you to the hardware store!
3
Read Safety Guidelines

Always review the safety section before beginning any project. Wear appropriate protective equipment!

4
Follow Instructions Step-by-Step

Work through each instruction step in order. Click the checkbox next to each step to mark it as complete and track your progress.

5
Track Your Progress

The progress bar at the top shows your completion percentage. Your progress is automatically saved as you check off steps.

How to Edit Instructions

Customize and modify your project steps

1
Enter Edit Mode

Open your project and click the Edit Instructions button to enter editing mode.

2
Edit Existing Steps

Click on any step to edit its text. You can modify the instructions, add details, or clarify any points.

3
Add New Steps

Click Add Step to insert a new instruction. You can add steps anywhere in the sequence.

4
Reorder Steps

Drag and drop steps using the handle to rearrange the order of instructions.

5
Delete Steps

Click the icon to remove any unnecessary steps.

6
Save Your Changes

Click Save Changes when finished. Your edits are preserved for future reference.

How to Edit Materials & Tools

Customize your materials list and tool requirements

1
Access Materials/Tools Editor

Open your project and click Edit Materials in the Materials or Tools section.

2
Modify Existing Items

Click on any material or tool to edit its name, quantity, or estimated cost. Update based on what you actually have or plan to buy.

3
Add New Items

Click Add Item to include additional materials or tools you've identified.

4
Remove Items

If you already own something or it's not needed, click the delete icon to remove it from the list.

5
Update Costs

Enter actual prices you paid to keep accurate expense tracking. The total cost updates automatically.

How to Use the AI Chatbot

Get instant help and answers from our AI assistant

Asking Questions About Specific Steps
1
Open the Chatbot

While viewing your project, click the AI Assistant button or the chat icon in the bottom right corner.

2
Reference a Specific Step

To ask about a specific step, mention it in your question. For example:

"Can you explain step 5 in more detail?"
"What's the best way to do step 3?"
"I'm confused about the measurement in step 7"
3
Get Clarification

The AI will provide detailed explanations, alternative approaches, or additional tips specific to that step.

Asking Other Questions
1
General Project Questions

Ask the chatbot anything related to your project:

"What tools do I need for this project?"
"How long will this project take?"
"What's a good alternative material?"
"Is this project safe for a beginner?"
2
Request Modifications

Ask the AI to help modify your project:

"Can you make this step simpler?"
"Add a step for priming before painting"
"What if I want to make it larger?"
3
Get Safety Advice

The chatbot can provide safety recommendations specific to your project and skill level.

Tip: The chatbot remembers your conversation context, so you can have a natural back-and-forth discussion about your project!

How to Share Projects with Others

Share your project with friends, family, or the community

1
Open Project Sharing

From your project view, click the Share button in the top right corner.

2
Generate Share Link

Click "Generate Share Link" to create a unique URL that anyone can use to view your project - no account required!

3
Copy & Share

Copy the link and share it via:

  • Email
  • Text message
  • Social media
  • Messaging apps
4
Download as PDF

Alternatively, click Download PDF to save a complete PDF version you can email or print. (Premium feature)

5
Manage Sharing Settings

You can disable sharing at any time by returning to the share settings and clicking "Revoke Access".

Note: Shared links are read-only. Recipients can view but not edit your project.

How to Track Expenses

Keep track of your project costs and stay on budget

1
Access Expense Tracker

Open your project and click the Expenses tab to view and manage project costs.

2
Add an Expense

Click Add Expense and enter:

  • Description: What you purchased
  • Amount: How much you spent
  • Category: Materials, Tools, or Other
  • Date: When you made the purchase
  • Receipt: Upload a photo (optional)
3
View Expense Summary

See a breakdown of your spending with:

  • Total spent vs. estimated budget
  • Spending by category chart
  • Individual expense list
4
Edit or Delete Expenses

Click on any expense to edit details or delete if entered incorrectly.

Tip: Upload photos of receipts for warranty purposes and accurate record-keeping!

How to Review, Rate & Comment

Share your experience and help improve instructions

1
Complete Your Project

After finishing your project (or making significant progress), you'll be able to rate and review the AI-generated instructions.

2
Rate the Instructions

Click the Rate Project button and select 1-5 stars based on:

  • Accuracy of instructions
  • Clarity and ease of understanding
  • Completeness of materials list
  • Overall helpfulness
3
Write a Review

Share your experience in the review text box. Include:

  • What worked well
  • Any challenges you faced
  • Tips for others attempting similar projects
  • Suggestions for improvement
4
Add Comments to Steps

You can also add comments to individual steps by clicking the icon. This helps others who may have questions about specific parts.

5
Submit Your Feedback

Click Submit to save your rating and review. Your feedback helps improve our AI!

How to Upload Project Images

Document your progress with photos

1
Open Project Gallery

Navigate to your project and click the Gallery or Photos tab.

2
Upload Images

Click Upload and select photos from your device. You can upload:

  • Before photos
  • Progress shots
  • Completed project photos
  • Detail close-ups
3
Add Captions

Add captions or descriptions to your photos to remember what each image shows or note the step it relates to.

4
Organize Your Gallery

Drag and drop to reorder photos. Set a "featured" image to display on your project card.

5
Share Your Work

Your photos will be included when you share your project, allowing others to see your results!

Tip: Take photos at each major milestone! Before/during/after shots make a great project timeline.

Need More Help?

Can't find what you're looking for? Check our FAQ or contact our support team!