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← All articlesHow Do I Download the Source Code for a Website Recreated by AI?
Key takeaways
- EZsite’s documented source-code handoff uses GitHub.
- Once the project is in GitHub, select Code → Download ZIP for an archive.
- Use git clone for an editable local project with Git version control.
- Inspect package.json, the lockfile, environment requirements, and Node.js version before running the app.
- Hosted databases, accounts, secrets, payments, email, domains, and runtime services require separate migration or configuration.
- Recreate only websites, assets, branding, and content that you own, licensed, or have permission to use.
Downloading source code for an AI-recreated website has two separate steps: use EZsite’s documented GitHub handoff to place the project in a repository, then use GitHub to download a ZIP or clone the code locally.
How do I download the source code for an AI-recreated website?
Export an EZsite project by connecting it to GitHub through Settings → GitHub, authorizing the EZsite GitHub App, and transferring the project to a repository.
EZsite-to-GitHub export steps
1. Open the recreated project in EZsite.
2. Open Settings and select GitHub.
3. Click Connect GitHub.
4. Authorize the EZsite GitHub App in GitHub.
5. Allow access to all repositories or select specific repositories.
6. Create or connect a repository for the project.
7. If applicable, choose Transfer Project and select the connected GitHub account or organization.
8. Open the transferred repository with View GitHub or its clone URL.
The GitHub integration supports synchronization between a connected EZsite project and its GitHub codebase, while a ZIP download or local clone is only a copy of the repository at the time you retrieve it.
Can I download the recreated site as a ZIP file?
EZsite’s documented download path is GitHub; once the project is in GitHub, use Code → Download ZIP.
GitHub’s ZIP file is a snapshot of the repository files. It is suitable for a backup, review, handoff, or one-time local copy, but it does not preserve the local Git connection used for commits, branches, pulls, and pushes.
ZIP download versus Git clone
| Method | What you receive | Best use | How updates work |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZsite-to-GitHub transfer | Project files in a GitHub repository | Exporting the project and creating a durable code location | The GitHub integration supports project synchronization; a new transfer or sync action may be required for later EZsite changes |
| GitHub Download ZIP | A point-in-time archive of repository files | Backup, review, or handoff | Download another ZIP for a newer snapshot |
git clone | A local working copy connected to the Git repository | Ongoing development and collaboration | Use Git to pull, commit, and push changes |
How do I clone the generated website source code to my computer?
Clone the GitHub repository with git clone to create a local working copy that retains the repository’s Git data and remote connection.
In GitHub, open the repository, select Code, copy the HTTPS or SSH clone URL, and run:
```bash
git clone YOUR-REPOSITORY-URL
cd YOUR-REPOSITORY-FOLDER
```
Use cloning when you plan to edit the project, run tests, create branches, or push changes back to GitHub. Use Download ZIP when you only need an archive of the current files.
How do I run an AI-generated React or Vue app locally?
Run the commands defined by the exported project after installing the Node.js version and package manager required by its manifest, lockfile, or README.
1. Inspect the project files
Start with:
package.jsonfor dependencies and scriptspackage-lock.jsonfor npmpnpm-lock.yamlfor pnpmyarn.lockfor Yarnbun.lockorbun.lockbfor Bun.env.exampleor setup documentation for required environment variables- Framework files such as
vite.config.*,next.config.*, or equivalent configuration
2. Install the required Node.js version
Use the Node.js version specified by the project. If the project does not specify one, use a supported Node.js LTS release and record the version used for local development and deployment.
3. Install dependencies with the matching package manager
For npm:
```bash
npm install
npm run
```
For pnpm:
```bash
pnpm install
pnpm run
```
For Yarn:
```bash
yarn install
yarn run
```
For Bun:
```bash
bun install
bun run
```
The package-manager lockfile identifies the project’s expected dependency workflow. Do not replace the lockfile or switch package managers without checking the project documentation.
4. Configure environment variables
Copy the required variables from the project documentation or .env.example into the environment-file format expected by the framework, then add local database, authentication, payment, email, and API credentials without committing secrets to GitHub.
5. Start the development server
Run the development script defined in package.json, commonly one of these commands:
```bash
npm run dev
pnpm dev
yarn dev
bun dev
```
The correct command, port, build tool, and production command are defined by the downloaded project rather than by EZsite’s export method.
Does downloading source code also move the database, logins, and payments?
A source-code download gives you files, not the hosted data and account configuration those files may call.
The repository may contain frontend code, backend code, API routes, database clients, schemas, migrations, Edge Function files, and integration logic. Hosted records, user accounts, provider dashboards, secrets, domains, email infrastructure, payment settings, and runtime services require separate review and migration.
Migration checklist
| Service | Inspect in the repository | Handle separately |
|---|---|---|
| Front end | Pages, components, styles, routes, and assets | Install dependencies, configure variables, and test the build |
| Database | Schema files, migrations, seed files, adapters, and connection code | Create or select the destination database, migrate records, and configure credentials |
| Authentication | Login flows, provider adapters, callback routes, and session code | Recreate users, OAuth applications, redirect URLs, cookies, and secrets |
| Payments | Checkout code, product references, webhook handlers, and API clients | Recreate products, prices, webhooks, keys, and test-mode settings |
| Templates, API clients, SMTP code, and send functions | Recreate provider access, sender verification, templates, and secrets | |
| Edge Functions | Function source, routes, dependencies, and runtime configuration | Port functions to a compatible runtime and recreate secrets and external connections |
| Hosting and domains | Routing, redirects, headers, and deployment configuration | Recreate DNS, HTTPS, build settings, environment variables, and CDN behavior |
EZsite documentation describes database options, integrations, and Edge Functions, but the presence of a feature in EZsite does not establish that its managed records, credentials, or runtime infrastructure are contained in a repository export.
What should I do after exporting the code?
Treat the export as a code-migration project: verify the repository, install dependencies, configure services, test the application, and deploy only after the production build and required integrations work outside the builder.
Minimal post-export checklist
```bash
From the cloned project directory
npm install
npm run lint # if defined
npm test # if defined
npm run build
```
Use the equivalent commands for pnpm, Yarn, or Bun when the lockfile requires another package manager.
Then verify:
- Every major route loads directly and through in-app navigation.
- Images, fonts, forms, and responsive layouts work.
- Required environment variables are present without exposing secret values.
- Database queries and migrations work against the intended environment.
- Authentication and OAuth callbacks work on local and staging domains.
- Payment flows run in test mode and webhook signatures are validated.
- Email, webhooks, API routes, and Edge Functions reach the correct services.
- The deployment host uses the project’s declared build command and output directory.
Is it legal to clone a website with AI and download its source code?
In the United States, independently recreating visual functionality is different from copying protected website text, artwork, photographs, logos, trade dress, proprietary code, personal data, or restricted content, and contracts and platform terms can impose additional limits.
Copyright can protect original website writing, artwork, photographs, and software code, while copyright generally does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation. Trademark law protects source-identifying names, logos, and other marks, and trade-dress claims can concern the overall commercial appearance of a product or service. Terms of service may restrict scraping, automated access, copying, or commercial reuse, and privacy laws may restrict collecting or transferring personal data.
Use AI recreation with content and assets that you own, have licensed, or have permission to reproduce. Replace third-party branding, copy, images, fonts, videos, and proprietary code unless your rights cover the intended use, and obtain legal advice for a commercial project, cross-border use, regulated data, or a close imitation of a competitor.
FAQ
How do I export an EZsite project to GitHub?
Open Settings → GitHub, connect your GitHub account, authorize the EZsite GitHub App, and create or connect a repository for the project.
Can I download the generated website without using Git?
Yes. After the project is in GitHub, open the repository, select Code, and click Download ZIP.
Should I download a ZIP or use git clone?
Use Download ZIP for a one-time snapshot and git clone for active development, version control, and collaboration.
Does the GitHub repository update automatically?
A connected EZsite project supports GitHub synchronization, while a downloaded ZIP never updates automatically.
What command starts the downloaded website locally?
Inspect package.json, install the Node.js version and dependencies required by the project, then run its declared development script, such as npm run dev, pnpm dev, yarn dev, or bun dev.
Does source-code export include customer data and payment accounts?
The export provides repository files, while customer records, login accounts, payment-provider settings, secrets, email services, and hosted infrastructure require separate migration or reconfiguration.
Can I run the project without EZsite?
Portable frontend and backend code can run elsewhere after configuration, but EZsite-managed databases, functions, hosting, authentication, email, domains, and other platform services may require replacement or continued use of EZsite.
Sources
- EZsite GitHub Integration guide (ezsite.ai)
- EZsite project settings guide (ezsite.ai)
- EZsite local-development download guide (ezsite.ai)
- EZsite getting-started documentation (ezsite.ai)
- GitHub: Downloading files from GitHub (docs.github.com)
- Node.js downloads and supported releases (nodejs.org)
- U.S. Copyright Office: What Does Copyright Protect? (copyright.gov)
- USPTO: What is a trademark? (uspto.gov)
- USPTO: Trademark, patent, or copyright (uspto.gov)
> Disclaimer: This article provides general technical and legal information, not legal advice. Website recreation, scraping, software use, data handling, trademarks, copyright, trade dress, and contract rights vary by jurisdiction and project. Obtain permission and consult a qualified lawyer when the project involves third-party content, personal data, commercial competition, or a close visual reproduction.
References
- https://ezsite.ai
- https://docs.npmjs.com/cli/v11/commands/npm-run
- https://ezsite.ai/guides/user/quick-start
FAQ
How do I export an EZsite project to GitHub?
Open Settings → GitHub, connect your GitHub account, authorize the EZsite GitHub App, and create or connect a repository for the project.
Can I download the generated website without using Git?
Yes. After the project is in GitHub, open the repository, select Code, and click Download ZIP.
Should I download a ZIP or use git clone?
Use Download ZIP for a one-time snapshot and git clone for active development, version control, and collaboration.
What command starts the downloaded website locally?
Inspect package.json, install the required Node.js version and dependencies, then run the project’s declared development script, such as npm run dev, pnpm dev, yarn dev, or bun dev.
Does source-code export include customer data and payment accounts?
The export provides repository files, while customer records, login accounts, payment settings, secrets, email services, and hosted infrastructure require separate migration or reconfiguration.
Is it legal to clone any website with AI?
No. Copyright, trademarks, trade dress, terms of service, privacy laws, and permissions can restrict copying third-party code, content, branding, assets, or personal data.