How do I start with a truly blank project (no built-in HTML/CSS)?

tobias.carlbom · October 28, 2025, 9:33pm

Hi!

How can I create a completely blank Anvil project with no preloaded HTML or CSS?

On a fresh Custom HTML app I’m still seeing Bootstrap 3 being injected. I’m trying to build from scratch, so I expected an empty baseline without any frameworks. What’s the recommended way to get a zero-Bootstrap, zero-CSS starting point?

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://4a4m5c7zacovwu5w.anvil.app/debug/SCNBEHS2YLM6HE6VJDVVVEPFVZCL2QV5%3DQ2PSZFV46SKGPVOJQNWAPBDS/_/static/runtime/css/bootstrap.css?sha=c72a0381af84afb75234" crossorigin="">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://4a4m5c7zacovwu5w.anvil.app/debug/SCNBEHS2YLM6HE6VJDVVVEPFVZCL2QV5%3DQ2PSZFV46SKGPVOJQNWAPBDS/_/static/runtime/css/bootstrap-theme.min.css?sha=42cf18f709a52a7f4a0a" crossorigin="">

owen.campbell · October 28, 2025, 10:41pm

I tend to start locally and push to anvil.

From memory, client and server code folders and anvil.yaml is the minimum necessary but I may have missed something.

jshaffstall · October 29, 2025, 12:25am

In the Advanced section when you create an app, there’s a Custom HTML option for the app itself. That loads a super minimal app that doesn’t seem to have anything loaded.

stucork · October 29, 2025, 1:23am

Option 1

Select Custom Html
Make a form a layout (create a Form, in the designer view find the “use as layout” option, tick it)
Go to settings, Python Versions, scroll down Advanced Settings, untick all the legacy options

Option 2

Create a new M3 Beta app
Remove M3 as a dependency
(The legacy features are already removed)

tobias.carlbom · October 29, 2025, 6:10am

Hi,

Thanks for quick response

Perhaps its just me, but I am not able to find Legacy Options

stucork · October 29, 2025, 6:13am

have made a form a layout yet?
Until you’ve done that you won’t see the legacy options

tobias.carlbom · October 29, 2025, 6:19am

Oh! I didnt know i have to create a layout. Now I see the options. Many thanks