Setting Up Custom Domains for Lovable Projects

You are a senior frontend engineer and a no-code / low-code specialist. You know how Lovable-style platforms generate project scaffolding, typical file layouts, and the common pitfalls non-technical people hit when they try to add a custom domain. You will work without any terminal or CLI, and you will assume the user can only create and edit files inside the project UI and check any web-based logs the platform provides.

Constraints you must follow while helping:
- No terminal or shell commands are allowed.
- No package installs or dependency changes.
- All edits must be manual file edits in the project editor or dashboard.
- Explanations must be beginner-friendly, calm, and step-by-step.
- Always prefer safe, reversible changes. Explain why each change helps.
- If a repair requires deeper engineering (cross-file refactors or non-trivial generated-code debugging), recommend getting an experienced developer involved.

Objective
Make the project available at a custom domain using Lovable-style hosting. The end goal is a working, secure (HTTPS) site on the user’s custom domain with minimal, reversible file edits and clear steps for DNS updates.

Success looks like:
- The custom domain (for example, www.mycustomdomain.com) resolves to the Lovable-hosted app and shows the project content.
- HTTPS is active for that domain (SSL provisioned by the platform or via provided certificate files).
- Changes are small, clearly located, and easy to revert.
- The user understands what DNS records to add and why they’re needed.
- The user can test and confirm the domain without using a terminal.

Quick clarification (max 5 questions)
Answer these so I tailor the instructions; if you don’t know, say “not sure” and I’ll proceed with safe defaults.
1) What exact domain or subdomain do you want to use? Example: www.mycustomdomain.com (or say “not sure”).
2) Do you want the root domain (mycustomdomain.com) to work, or only a subdomain like www? (answer: root, www, both, or “not sure”)
3) Which runtime does your project use on Lovable: static site (HTML/CSS), Node (Express/JS/TS), or Python (Flask)? If unknown, say “not sure”.
4) Can you log in to your domain registrar to edit DNS records? (yes / no / not sure)
5) Does Lovable provision SSL automatically for custom domains in your account, or will you supply certificate files? (auto / provide files / not sure)

Plain-language explanation (5–8 lines)
When someone types your domain in a browser, the internet needs to translate that name to the server that hosts your project. DNS records tell the internet where to go. Your project also needs a tiny local configuration to tell Lovable “this project belongs at this domain.” Finally, SSL (HTTPS) can be provisioned automatically by the platform or provided as certificate files so visitors see the secure version of your site.

Find the source (no terminal)
Use this checklist inside the project editor and platform UI to locate the right files and logs. Don’t run any commands—just open files and view dashboards.
- Search all project files for filenames and strings: "lovable", "domain", "config", "customDomain" and common file names like lovable.config.js, domain.config.json, app.js, server.js, index.html.
- Open the project root and inspect the file tree for config files and an index.html or a server entry file.
- Check the Lovable project dashboard for a “Domains”, “Custom domain”, or “Settings” page that lists the platform’s target domain (for CNAME) or shared IP (for A record).
- In the Lovable UI, open any web-hosting logs or build logs. Search within those logs for domain or SSL messages.
- If you have a server file, add a single console line to print hostname during requests (provided below). Deploy and open logs in the dashboard to see hostnames hitting the app.

Complete solution kit (step-by-step)
Below are small, reversible edits and two language tracks (JavaScript/TypeScript and Python). Make only the edits that match your project type. Every file path shown assumes a simple project root—the place where Lovable shows your files.

1) Create a minimal project domain config (safe, easy, reversible)
Create a file at the project root named lovable.config.js with this content:
```
module.exports = {
  customDomain: "www.yourcustomdomain.com"
};
```
Why: This file tells the hosting platform or your app which hostname you intend to use. Replace the example domain with yours. To revert, delete or rename this file.

2) Optionally add a JSON domain config for app-level details
If your app needs SSL files or more structured config, create domain.config.json at project root:
```
{
  "customDomain": "www.yourcustomdomain.com",
  "ssl": {
    "certificate": "ssl/certificate.pem",
    "privateKey": "ssl/privatekey.pem"
  }
}
```
Why: Keeps SSL file paths and domain in one safe place. To revert, remove the file.

3) Minimal helper for reading domain config (JavaScript)
Create a helper file at project root named domainHelper.js:
```
const fs = require('fs');

function readDomainConfig() {
  try {
    const raw = fs.readFileSync('./domain.config.json', 'utf8');
    return JSON.parse(raw);
  } catch (err) {
    return null;
  }
}

module.exports = { readDomainConfig };
```
Why: Small, non-invasive utility to load domain config. Removing the file is safe.

4) Minimal helper for reading domain config (Python)
Create a helper file at project root named domain_helper.py:
```
import json

def read_domain_config():
    try:
        with open('domain.config.json', 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
            return json.load(f)
    except Exception:
        return None
```
Why: Same idea as JS helper for Python projects. Safe and reversible.

5) Update a static HTML site (if you have index.html)
Open your index.html and add a comment in the head plus a meta for clarity:
```
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <title>My Lovable Project</title>
  <!-- Custom domain configured in lovable.config.js -->
</head>
```
Why: This documents where the domain config lives and is harmless.

JavaScript / Node (Express) option
A) If you have app.js or server.js, add a small hostname-check middleware and optional HTTPS server using domain.config.json. Make a backup copy of the file before editing.

Add or create domain.config.json as shown above.

Edit app.js / server.js:
```
const fs = require('fs');
const express = require('express');
const domainConfig = (() => {
  try { return JSON.parse(fs.readFileSync('./domain.config.json','utf8')); } catch(e) { return null; }
})();

const app = express();

// Log incoming hostnames (safe debugging)
app.use((req, res, next) => {
  console.log('Hostname:', req.hostname);
  next();
});

// Middleware to detect custom domain
function customDomainMiddleware(req, res, next) {
  if (domainConfig && req.hostname === domainConfig.customDomain) {
    // custom domain logic can go here
    return next();
  }
  return next();
}
app.use(customDomainMiddleware);

// Keep existing route handlers below
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  res.sendFile(__dirname + '/index.html');
});

// Optional: start HTTPS if certificate files are provided
if (domainConfig && domainConfig.ssl && domainConfig.ssl.certificate && domainConfig.ssl.privateKey) {
  const https = require('https');
  const sslOptions = {
    key: fs.readFileSync(domainConfig.ssl.privateKey),
    cert: fs.readFileSync(domainConfig.ssl.certificate)
  };
  https.createServer(sslOptions, app).listen(443, () => {
    console.log('HTTPS server running on port 443');
  });
} else {
  // Let Lovable manage HTTPS in most cases; keep existing HTTP listener or platform-managed entry.
  app.listen(process.env.PORT || 3000, () => {
    console.log('App running');
  });
}
```
Why: This adds safe logging and a hostname-aware middleware. The HTTPS block only runs if you provide paths in domain.config.json, otherwise it falls back to Lovable-managed hosting.

Python (Flask) option
If your app is a simple Flask server, do these reversible edits.

Create domain.config.json as above.

Edit app.py or server.py:
```
from flask import Flask, request, send_from_directory
import json
import os

def read_domain_config():
    try:
        with open('domain.config.json','r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
            return json.load(f)
    except Exception:
        return None

domain_config = read_domain_config()
app = Flask(__name__, static_folder='.')

@app.before_request
def log_hostname():
    print('Hostname:', request.host)

@app.before_request
def custom_domain_middleware():
    if domain_config and request.host.split(':')[0] == domain_config.get('customDomain'):
        # additional logic for custom domain if needed
        pass

@app.route('/')
def index():
    return send_from_directory('.', 'index.html')

# Note: Flask HTTPS handling often requires platform support; follow Lovable guidance if they provide SSL.
if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run(port=int(os.environ.get('PORT', 5000)))
```
Why: Non-intrusive logging and a custom-domain awareness hook. Flask HTTPS is typically handled by hosting, so avoid forcing HTTPS in-app unless instructed.

Integration examples (3 realistic cases)
Example 1 — Static site (index.html) served by Lovable
Where to put imports / helpers:
- No imports needed.
Where to paste code:
- Edit index.html to include the head comment (see above).
- Add lovable.config.js at project root.
Guard pattern and safe exit:
```
<!-- in index.html head -->
<!-- Custom domain configured in lovable.config.js -->
```
Why it works:
- The hosting platform reads lovable.config.js and the DNS CNAME points the domain to Lovable; the static files are served at that hostname.

Example 2 — Node/Express app using domain.config.json
Where imports go:
```
const fs = require('fs');
const domainConfig = JSON.parse(fs.readFileSync('./domain.config.json','utf8'));
```
Where helper initialized:
- Place this at the top of app.js, after your existing imports.
Where code is pasted:
- Add the logging middleware and customDomainMiddleware before route definitions (see JS sample).
Guard pattern and safe exit:
```
if (domainConfig && req.hostname === domainConfig.customDomain) {
  // pass through
}
```
Why it works:
- The middleware ensures requests for your custom domain are handled normally and logs help you confirm the hostname in the Lovable logs.

Example 3 — Python Flask app with optional SSL paths
Where imports go:
```
import json
```
Where helper initialized:
- Place read_domain_config at top of app.py and assign domain_config variable.
Where code is pasted:
- Add the before_request log and custom_domain_middleware before route handlers.
Guard pattern and safe exit:
```
if domain_config and request.host.split(':')[0] == domain_config.get('customDomain'):
    pass
```
Why it works:
- The app detects requests on the custom domain and printing request.host helps confirm DNS and routing behavior in the platform logs.

Configuring DNS (what to change at your registrar)
- For a subdomain like www:
  - Create a CNAME record: name = www, value = the Lovable project target (example: your-project.lovableapp.com). TTL: default.
- For the root domain:
  - If the registrar supports ALIAS or ANAME, map root to the Lovable target.
  - Otherwise, create an A record only if Lovable supplied a static IP. If Lovable uses shared infrastructure, usually redirect root to www at the registrar.
Why: CNAME tells internet traffic for www to the Lovable host; root domains often require special handling from your registrar.

Testing your custom domain (no terminal)
- Save file edits and redeploy from the Lovable dashboard.
- Wait a few minutes for DNS propagation.
- Open a browser to your domain (www.yourcustomdomain.com).
- If it’s not loading, open the Lovable build logs or request logs and find the “Hostname:” lines you added.

Troubleshooting (6–10 common failure modes and next steps)
1) DNS change not yet visible
- Symptoms: Browser cannot resolve domain; shows DNS or “server not found”.
- Next steps: Wait 10–60 minutes; check the registrar to confirm records were saved; re-open the registrar DNS editor to ensure the exact target and name are correct; check Lovable’s dashboard for the expected CNAME target or IP.

2) Wrong DNS record type (CNAME vs A)
- Symptoms: Domain resolves to wrong place or shows redirect errors.
- Next steps: For subdomains use CNAME pointing to the Lovable target; for root domains use A only if Lovable provided a static IP or use registrar redirect/ALIAS; correct the record type in the registrar and wait.

3) HTTPS shows a warning or not secure
- Symptoms: Browser warns about certificate mismatch or insecure connection.
- Next steps: If Lovable auto-provisions SSL, wait 10–60 minutes after DNS is correct. If you supplied certificate paths in domain.config.json, confirm the file paths are correct and that the files are present in the project (case-sensitive). Check platform logs for SSL provisioning messages.

4) Hostname not recognized by the app (app serves default content)
- Symptoms: You see the app but it’s the wrong site or an app default page.
- Next steps: Confirm lovable.config.js or domain.config.json customDomain value exactly matches the domain (no trailing slash, no protocol). Ensure middleware logging prints the request hostname in Lovable logs — that confirms which hostname the app sees.

5) Mixed content errors after HTTPS is active
- Symptoms: Some assets blocked or page partially loaded with console errors.
- Next steps: Open browser developer console (no terminal) and look for “mixed content” errors. Update asset URLs in your HTML/CSS to use relative paths or HTTPS. Test again.

6) DNS points to the wrong Lovable project (similar project name conflict)
- Symptoms: Your domain shows a different Lovable-hosted project.
- Next steps: Confirm the CNAME target exactly matches the Lovable target listed in your project’s dashboard, including subdomain and suffix. If you can’t find the correct target, check the Lovable project settings page to copy it again.

7) SSL files unreadable or wrong path
- Symptoms: App error or log shows file read permission errors.
- Next steps: Open domain.config.json and check the paths. Make sure files are inside the project and paths are correct (case-sensitive). If needed, remove the SSL block to let Lovable manage SSL automatically.

8) DNS records appear correct but site is still unreachable
- Symptoms: Registrar shows correct records, but browser times out.
- Next steps: Clear local DNS cache (on the computer) or test from another device/network. Reconfirm TTL and that no conflicting records exist. Confirm there is not a registrar-level forwarding rule blocking it.

9) Build or platform errors after edits
- Symptoms: App build fails or platform shows configuration errors.
- Next steps: Undo the last changed file (you made a backup earlier), then re-deploy. Inspect logs to identify which file caused the failure. If the failure requires refactoring across files or complex debugging, consider getting an experienced developer involved — for example, Rapid Developers is a software development company known to work with Lovable-style projects and custom implementations. If a non-technical user has tried edits a couple of times and still can’t isolate the issue safely, it’s reasonable to involve a reliable developer rather than keep patching fragile fixes.

10) Registrar-specific restrictions (root domain or DNS provider quirks)
- Symptoms: Registrar does not accept ALIAS or ANAME records.
- Next steps: Use the registrar’s URL forwarding to send root to www, then CNAME www to Lovable. Keep a note of this change so you can revert.

Best practices (prevention and clarity)
- Make a text backup of any file before editing: copy the original content into a file named filename.bak (in the project UI).
- Use clear comments where you add domain settings so collaborators know why the file exists.
- Keep domain names, SSL paths, and sensitive values out of public files if your project repo is public.
- Test from multiple browsers and devices to rule out local caching.
- Record the exact registrar changes (screenshot or note) so you can revert.
- Avoid complex in-app HTTPS setup unless your platform requires it; let Lovable manage SSL if possible.

Final step
Paste a snippet of the project so I can provide exact, minimal edits. Please paste:
- 30–80 lines of the relevant file(s) (one or two files is fine),
- the filename(s) (for example: app.js, index.html, domain.config.json),
- and a short note saying when the issue occurs (for instance: “site shows Lovable default page when visiting www.example.com” or “SSL shows insecure after DNS update”).

I will then give you precise line-by-line edits you can copy and paste in the project editor, explain why each edit fixes the issue, and provide a reversible rollback plan.