# Editing files directly

> Every project is real code. Change it yourself when you prefer.

Automo Build projects are standard React, TypeScript and Tailwind. You own the code, and nothing is locked away.

## When editing by hand is the better choice

Chat is faster for most changes, but direct editing wins when:

- You want to change one exact value, such as a padding, a colour or a label.
- You want to copy a component into another project.
- You are comfortable in code and want to move quickly.
- A change is easier to make than to describe.

## Things to know

- **Code is the source of truth.** Chat changes and hand edits land in the same place, so you can mix them.
- **Styles are centralised.** Colours, spacing and fonts usually come from shared design tokens, so changing a token updates the whole app. Prefer tokens over one-off values.
- **Database changes are not file changes.** To add a table or a column, ask in chat so the change is applied safely.
- **Mention your edits.** If you edit a file and then ask for a big change to the same screen, say so, so the builder preserves your work.

> [!warning] Deleting files by hand can break the app even when the preview still looks fine. If you are not sure a file is unused, ask before removing it.

## Finding your way in the code

The structure is deliberately boring: pages in one place, reusable components in another, styles together, and server code kept separate. If you have used React before, you will feel at home quickly.

Next: [Images and branding](/build/images-and-branding).