Macaly builds and edits your project based on the instructions you give in the conversation. The more clearly you describe your goal, the easier it is for Macaly to make the change you want.
You do not need programming skills or technical terminology. You can use ordinary language to describe how the website or web application should look and what it should do.
1. Start by describing the goal
A good instruction explains the result you want to achieve.
For a website, for example:
Create a modern website for a cleaning company. The main goal of the website is to get visitors to request a quote. I need a home page, services, pricing and a contact form.
For a web application, for example:
Create a booking system where the user can select a service, date and time. Add an admin view where bookings can be reviewed.
2. Describe the change as clearly as possible
A good instruction can explain:
- what you want to do
- which page, view or element the change relates to
- what kind of visual style you want
- what content or information is needed
- what the user should be able to do
- what should remain unchanged
For example:
Add a large heading at the top of the home page: “Renovation made easy and reliable”. Add a short description and a “Request a quote” button below it. Keep the current background image.
In a web application:
Add a search field to the Customers view. The search should filter the list by customer name. Do not change the current table columns.
3. Use ordinary language
You can also give Macaly very simple, everyday instructions:
- Make this section clearer.
- Move this button closer to the heading.
- Make the dashboard less crowded and easier to understand.
- Improve this view for mobile use.
If the first change is not what you wanted, you can clarify the instruction in the next message.
4. Make larger changes step by step
It is a good idea to split a large task into smaller parts. This makes it easier to see what Macaly changes.
1. Change the structure first.
2. Review the result.
3. Refine the visual design.
4. Update the content.
5. Add the required functions.
6. Test the whole project.
The same principle works for both redesigning a website and building a new feature in a web application.
5. Continue from the previous change
You do not need to explain the whole project again in every message. You can continue the conversation with instructions such as:
This looks good. Make the button slightly larger.
Keep this structure, but restore the previous colour scheme.
Add a similar table to the Reports view as well.
6. Also explain what should not be changed
If the change only applies to one part of the project, define the scope clearly.
Change only the background colour of this section. Do not change the text or any other sections.
Add a phone number field to the form, but keep the current design and the other fields unchanged.
7. Give feedback on the result
Saying only “I don’t like this” gives Macaly less information than explaining what should be different.
For example:
This looks too heavy. Make the view simpler and reduce the number of cards.
The heading is good, but the text sounds too promotional. Rewrite it in a more neutral tone.
8. Use examples
If the style or structure you want is difficult to describe, you can use examples.
I want the website to feel modern and minimalist. Use plenty of white space, large headings and simple navigation.
Make the application admin view a clear dashboard: navigation on the left, the most important figures at the top and recent activity below them.
You can also give Macaly images, sketches, PDF files or reference websites. These are covered in more detail in a separate guide.
9. Auto, Plan and Build
The Macaly Agent has different working modes.
Auto
Auto is suitable for most tasks. Macaly decides whether the task needs planning or whether it can make the change directly.
Plan
Plan is useful for larger or more complex changes. Macaly first creates a plan that you can review before implementation.
Plan is useful, for example, when you are building a new function, changing several views or want to review the implementation approach before changes are made.
Build
Build is suitable for clearly defined tasks where you want Macaly to start implementation directly without a separate planning stage.
10. Good example instructions
Website
Add three customer references after the Services section. Show each reference in its own card. Keep the current colour scheme of the page.
Web application
Add a Notes section to the customer details page. The user should be able to add a new note and see previous notes from newest to oldest.
Mobile view
Review this view on mobile. Make sure no content extends outside the screen and that the most important buttons are easy to use.
Good to remember
A useful basic rule is: describe what you want, review the result, clarify your instruction and repeat if necessary.