For the longest time, building a website meant you either needed to write code, or learn a design tool like Figma or Webflow. Trickle changed that by letting anyone describe their ideas in natural language and generate functional websites, apps, and forms — instantly.
But even the best AI-generated layout sometimes misses the mark on the small things.
- The font looks a little too large.
- That text block could use more breathing room.
- A button feels awkwardly off-center.
Previously, making these small tweaks meant writing a new prompt, re-running the layout, and hoping it gets it right the second time. And each time you do that, it costs both time and tokens.
So we built a new feature to change that.
Meet Direct Edit
Direct Edit gives you manual, visual control over the elements on your page — no prompt needed.
Now, you can click any element — a heading, paragraph, image, or section — and instantly adjust it through a clean side panel. Resize text, adjust alignment, change colors, tweak spacing — all with a few clicks.
This feature bridges the gap between AI speed and design precision. You get the best of both worlds: generate the structure with prompts, and polish the details with your own hands.
Why This Matters: The Final 5% Is What Makes It Feel Human
When people see a well-designed page, they often can’t name what makes it feel right — but they can definitely feel it when something’s off. That’s because micro-adjustments in layout signal attention to detail, clarity, and craft.
Here’s why these visual refinements matter:
1. Alignment: Making Layouts Feel Balanced
Alignment refers to how elements are positioned relative to their container or each other. You’ve probably seen text that’s slightly off-center — it doesn’t scream “broken,” but it feels messy.
Proper alignment creates:
- Visual order and harmony
- Easier scanning for readers
- A sense of trust and professionalism
With Direct Edit, you can align text, buttons, and sections precisely — left, center, or right — without hoping the AI interprets your prompt correctly.
2. Padding and Margin: Giving Elements Room to Breathe
If a page feels too “tight” or cluttered, the issue is often spacing. In web design, we manage that through:
- Padding: space inside an element (between content and the border)
- Margin: space outside an element (between it and other elements)
For example:
- Adding margin around a button prevents it from bumping into other text.
- Adding padding inside a text block makes it feel more readable.
These changes are subtle — but they’re what elevate a site from “generated” to “designed.”
3. Font Sizes and Visual Hierarchy: Helping Users Understand What Matters
Typography isn’t just aesthetic — it’s functional. A good visual hierarchy tells users where to start reading, what’s most important, and how to move through the content.
With Direct Edit, you can:
- Make headings stand out
- Reduce font sizes for subtext
- Maintain consistency across sections
This makes your AI-generated page feel more structured and professional — without diving into code or prompt engineering.
Before vs. After: What It Feels Like to Use Direct Edit
Before: You generate a beautiful landing page, but the top header feels slightly too bold, and a call-to-action button is too small. To fix it, you write a new prompt, re-run the entire layout, and hope it’s better.
After: You turn on Select, click the header, reduce the font size, then click the button and increase its padding — all in 15 seconds. No token used. No disruption in your flow.
Who Will Love Direct Edit
This feature is built for:
- Indie makers and creators who move fast but still care about detail
- Designers who want to stay in creative control without opening another tool
- Non-technical users who need clarity and precision but don’t want to write CSS
- Prompt-first builders who love AI but want a bit more say in the polish
If you’ve ever found yourself tweaking a prompt five times just to move a line of text, this is for you.
Try It Now
If you’re already using Trickle, just:
- Open any project
- Toggle on the Select button
- Click any element on the page
- Adjust styling instantly in the right-hand panel
Want to see it in action? https://www.trickle.so
We believe this is a big step toward making AI-created websites not just fast, but refined. It’s time to stop choosing between speed and control — you deserve both.
