Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers to the questions founders ask before, during, and after migrating off Bubble.
Bubble App Export FAQ
Real answers to the questions founders ask before migrating
More Questions by Topic
Didn’t find your answer above? Browse by category below.
Before You Export
How do I know if my app is ready to export?
If your Bubble app is live with real users, costing you $200+/month, or hitting performance limits — it's ready. You don't need a "perfect" app. We export what you have today, and you can iterate on the code afterward. During the free consultation, we'll assess your app's complexity and tell you exactly what to expect.
Do I need to stop using my Bubble app during the export?
No. Your Bubble app stays live and fully functional throughout the entire export process. We work from a read-only review of your app. You only switch over to the new codebase when you're ready — after testing it on a staging environment.
What if I'm not technical — can I still manage the exported code?
Absolutely. You don't need to be a developer to own custom code, just like you don't need to be a mechanic to own a car. We deliver comprehensive documentation, and platforms like Vercel make deployment as simple as clicking a button. If you need ongoing development, you can hire any React developer — unlike Bubble, where you need a specialist.
Can I export just part of my app (e.g., the frontend only)?
Yes. Some clients export only the frontend for performance while keeping their Bubble backend temporarily, then migrate the backend later. We'll discuss the best approach during consultation based on your priorities.
During the Export
What access do you need to my Bubble app?
We need editor-level access (or a collaborator invite) so we can review your app's pages, workflows, database structure, and API configurations. We access your app in read-only mode wherever possible and never modify your live Bubble app. All access credentials are deleted within 14 days of project completion.
How do you handle Bubble plugins?
Most Bubble plugins have direct equivalents in the JavaScript ecosystem — usually better-maintained and more performant. During consultation, we audit your plugin dependencies and map each one to its code equivalent. If a plugin does something truly custom, we build that functionality natively. We'll flag any concerns before you commit.
What happens to my backend workflows and scheduled tasks?
Backend workflows are converted to server-side API routes and cron jobs in Node.js. Scheduled workflows become proper cron jobs (via Vercel Cron, AWS Lambda, or similar). Recursive workflows are converted to efficient loops or queue-based processing. We map every workflow 1:1 during the scoping phase.
How do you handle conditional logic and custom states?
Bubble's conditionals and custom states are converted to standard React state management and conditional rendering. Complex logic that lives in Bubble's visual editor becomes clean, readable TypeScript code that any developer can understand and modify.
After the Export
Where should I host the exported code?
We recommend Vercel for most apps — it's built for Next.js, has a generous free tier, and deploys in seconds. For apps with specific requirements (data residency, self-hosting, etc.), we also support Railway, AWS, DigitalOcean, or any platform that runs Node.js. Hosting typically costs $0–$20/month — a fraction of Bubble's fees.
Can I hire my own developers to extend the code after delivery?
That's the whole point. Your exported code is standard Next.js + Node.js + PostgreSQL — the most popular web stack in the world. Any React/Node developer can jump in immediately. No Bubble-specific knowledge required. We include documentation and a walkthrough call so your team can get up to speed quickly.
What does post-delivery support actually cover?
Support includes: bug fixes for issues in the exported code, deployment assistance, answering questions about the codebase, and minor adjustments if we find discrepancies with the original Bubble app. It does NOT include new feature development, changes to third-party services, or ongoing server maintenance. Support is 30 days (Starter), 60 days (Professional), or 90 days (Enterprise).
What if I find a bug 6 months after delivery?
If it's a bug in the code we delivered (not something caused by changes you or your team made), we'll fix it at no charge regardless of whether your support period has expired. We stand behind our work.
Data & Security
How do you handle my users' data during migration?
We do NOT access or migrate your production user data as part of the standard export. We create the database schema, migration scripts, and tooling so you can handle the actual data transfer on your own terms and timeline. If you need hands-on data migration support, that can be arranged as part of an Enterprise engagement.
Can you handle compliance requirements (HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR)?
Exporting to custom code is often the first step toward compliance, since Bubble's shared infrastructure can't meet many regulatory requirements. The exported code runs on infrastructure you control — you choose the hosting region, encryption standards, and access controls. We can accommodate specific compliance requirements during the export process if discussed upfront.
Is my app's business logic kept confidential?
Yes. We treat all client information as strictly confidential — your Bubble app credentials, database contents, business logic, and user data. Only team members directly working on your project have access. All data is deleted within 14 days of completion. We're happy to sign an NDA before starting if required.
Can you export user passwords from Bubble?
Bubble does not allow password exports — this is a platform limitation, not ours. We set up a modern authentication system (NextAuth, Clerk, or similar) and implement a "password reset on first login" flow so your existing users can seamlessly create new credentials without re-registering.
Pricing & Process
How does $1,500–$5,000 compare to alternatives?
A full rebuild from scratch with a development team typically costs $30,000–$100,000+ and takes 3–6 months. Enterprise agencies like DBB Software start at $25,000. Even a freelance React developer at $100/hour would cost $10,000–$30,000 for a rebuild. Our structured export process is 5–20x cheaper because we've systematized the conversion.
Why is it so much cheaper than a full rebuild?
Because we're not rebuilding from scratch — we're converting. Your app's logic, design, and data model already exist in Bubble. Our process systematically translates that into code, rather than starting with a blank canvas. This eliminates the most expensive part of software development: figuring out what to build.
What's included in the free consultation?
A 15-minute call where we review your Bubble app, assess its complexity, identify any potential challenges (plugins, complex workflows, data volume), recommend the right tier, and provide an exact timeline and price. No obligation, no sales pressure. If it's not a fit, we'll tell you.
Do you offer payment plans?
For Professional and Enterprise tiers, payment is already split into two milestones (50% upfront, 50% on delivery). If you need a different arrangement, let us know during the consultation — we're flexible for the right projects.
Still Have Questions?
Every app is different. Book a free consultation to discuss your specific situation, or send us a message.