--- description: Guidelines for deploying the Next.js 15 text-to-image app to Vercel globs: **/*.ts, **/*.tsx, **/*.js, **/*.jsx --- # Deploy the Text-to-Image App to Vercel ## Overview 1. Push your Next.js 15 project (with Fal.ai and ShadCN) to a Git repository. 2. Import the repository into Vercel. 3. Set environment variables (FAL_KEY, etc.) in Vercel. 4. Verify your serverless routes (Fal proxy) once deployed. ## CRITICAL INSTRUCTIONS - Only store secrets (FAL_KEY) in Vercel environment variables (not in your code). - Ensure Fal.ai proxy route works on your production domain. - Use Node 18+ on Vercel if needed (check your project settings). ## Key Steps 1. Connect to Git - Commit all code to a Git provider (GitHub, GitLab, etc.). - Ensure your .gitignore excludes .env files so local secrets aren’t pushed. 2. Import Project into Vercel - Sign in to Vercel and select “Add New…” > “Project”. - Choose the repository with your Next.js 15 app. - Vercel should auto-detect Next.js and set the correct build command (npm run build or similar). 3. Configure Environment Variables - In the Vercel project settings, add: - FAL_KEY (your Fal.ai key) - Do not mark it as public, so it remains server-side only. - Rebuild once these variables are set. 4. Verify Production - After deployment, open your .vercel.app URL (or custom domain). - Test the dashboard page, prompt an image generation, and confirm Fal.ai works. - Check the logs or error messages if something fails (on the Vercel dashboard under “Functions” logs or “Deployments” logs). ## Verification Checklist - Did you add FAL_KEY as a private environment variable in Vercel? - Does the Fal.ai proxy route (app/api/fal/proxy/route.ts) return a valid response in production? - Are you using the correct environment for Node (≥ 18) if needed? ## AI MODEL RESPONSE TEMPLATE When asked about deploying to Vercel: 1. Outline linking the Git repo to Vercel. 2. Show how to add environment variables (FAL_KEY). 3. Emphasize verifying the Fal.ai proxy endpoint in your live environment. ```