Move a website from Lovable to a VPS: Nginx, SSL and a professional domain
Published on 2026-10-27 by frfrand
How to publish a Lovable app on an ArduMaker VPS: Nginx, HTTPS, SPA Vite or TanStack Start server, and route verification.
Quick answer: A temporary address is enough to show an idea. A business site needs a domain you control, HTTPS, certificate renewals, error logs, and a procedure to update it. Don't confuse "I have an IP and the website opens" with a deployment ready to receive traffic.
There are two scenarios. For a SPA with Vite, you build the frontend and serve dist/ with Nginx, adding a fallback for internal routes. For TanStack Start, there is a server process behind Nginx and you need to manage its startup, port, and health checks. Decide what you have before choosing commands: a manual copy of static files does not make API routes work.
What changes when you stop showing a demo
A VPS gives control and the possibility to combine several services, but also forces you to monitor disk, RAM, firewall, and runtime versions. Managed hosting usually reduces that burden. The best option is not always the most complex: choose according to requirements and real maintenance.
Practical example: how it looks in a real business
Example: you have an academy at agenda.midominio.com. You test the new service from a staging subdomain and confirm class links, the form, and mobile access. Then you configure DNS, obtain HTTPS, and test that refreshing agenda.midominio.com/calendario/2026 does not generate a 404. Finally, you monitor logs for 24 hours after the cutover.
Concrete steps to move to production
1. Confirm the stack and generate a reproducible build outside Lovable. 2. Start Nginx and, if applicable, the backend process on an internal port. 3. Configure domain, DNS records, SSL, and routing rules. 4. Test from a temporary URL before redirecting users. 5. Enable logs, backups, renewals, and alerts for critical services.
Frequently asked questions
### Do I need Docker? Not always. It is useful for packaging dependencies, but a SPA can be served directly with Nginx.
Why does a URL fail when refreshing?
In a SPA, the fallback to index.html is often missing; in SSR apps, its router is checked.
Can I change DNS without losing users?
You can reduce the risk with testing and appropriate TTL, but the cutover must be planned.
Is the SSL certificate installed only once?
Certificates expire; renewal must be automated and verified.
What role does ArduMaker play?
ArduMaker provides infrastructure tools to host applications on VPS and prepare deployments according to each project's architecture. This does not mean that code generated by an AI is automatically correct, secure, or portable. The work consists of reviewing dependencies, validating functions, configuring services, moving data when appropriate, and checking production deployment. The specific service to migrate and deploy applications created with AI will be presented at ardumaker.com/lovable (page coming soon). While it is being prepared, you can consult ArduMaker to learn about the current platform. Do not confuse this future landing page with an already operational migration tool.
How to use this guide without making mistakes
The correct path depends on the stack and external services. Before modifying a site with real users, keep a verifiable backup and test with staging accounts and data. Commands and configurations are indicative: compare them with the current version of the provider, the VPS distribution, and the applicable data protection obligations.
Official sources and references
- Technical documentation - Technical documentation - Technical documentation
Published in October 2026. AI platforms and their integrations change; check current requirements before contracting or migrating.
What the photograph shows
Technician preparing servers and VPS deployment. Illustrative photograph generated to accompany this guide on migrating applications created with AI; it is not a capture of the platform nor does it certify a specific installation.
Continue with these practical guides from ArduMaker
- From Lovable to production with ArduMaker: how to have your own stable and maintainable website - Migrate the Lovable domain without losing SEO or interrupting an application - React + Vite created with AI: publish a SPA with Nginx, SSL and domain
If you are evaluating your own application, compare the real backend, database, authorization, and deployment requirements before choosing the server.