Build and Deploy a Full Stack AI SaaS Platform with Next.js 14, TypeScript, and Stripe

Introduction to Building an AI SaaS Platform

Ever dreamed of building a Software as a Service (SaaS) app with AI features, a payment system, and a credit model that could become a side hustle or business? This guide walks you through creating "Imaginify," an AI-powered image transformation platform using Next.js 14, TypeScript, Stripe, and other modern tools. Whether you’re enhancing your portfolio or launching a startup, this tutorial provides a blueprint for success.

Watch the full video on YouTube to follow along!

What Does the App Do?

Imaginify lets users transform images with AI-driven features:

• Image Restoration: Revive old or damaged photos.
• Generative Fill: Expand images by filling in missing areas (e.g., horizontal to vertical).
• Object Removal: Erase unwanted objects from photos.
• Object Recolor: Change the color of specific objects.
• Background Removal: Isolate subjects by removing backgrounds.

Users can search transformations by content (e.g., "sky"), view community creations, and manage their own via a profile page. A credit system, powered by Stripe, ensures monetization—free credits run out, prompting purchases.

“This isn’t just a tutorial—it’s a foundation for your own AI SaaS business,” says the instructor.

Tech Stack Overview

Here’s what you’ll use:

• Next.js 14: For fast, scalable web apps.
• TypeScript: For type-safe, maintainable code.
• Cloudinary: Handles AI image transformations (free tier available).
• Clerk: Simplifies user authentication.
• MongoDB: Stores user data and transformations.
• Stripe: Processes payments for credits.
• Shadcn UI & Tailwind CSS: For sleek, customizable UI components.

Prerequisites: Basic JavaScript and React knowledge. New to these? Check out crash courses on YouTube!

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Imaginify

1. Project Setup

Create a new folder (e.g., "imaginify"), open it in VS Code, and initialize Next.js:

npx create-next-app@latest .

Accept defaults, then install Shadcn UI:

npx shadcn-ui@latest init

Run npm run dev to start the app at localhost:3000.

2. Styling Setup

In layout.tsx, import IBM Plex Sans from Next.js fonts, set metadata, and configure Tailwind in tailwind.config.ts. Update globals.css with utility classes and add assets (provided in the video’s README).

3. Routing with Next.js

Use Next.js file-based routing:

• Route Groups: Create (auth) and (root) folders for logical grouping without URL impact.
• Dynamic Routes: Use [id] for transformation details (e.g., /transformations/[id]).
• Layouts: Define separate layouts for auth and root routes.

4. Authentication with Clerk

Sign up at Clerk, create an app, and add keys to .env.local. Install Clerk:

npm install @clerk/nextjs

Wrap the app in ClerkProvider in layout.tsx, set up middleware to protect routes, and add sign-in/sign-up pages under (auth).

5. UI Components

Build a sidebar and mobile nav in components/shared using Shadcn’s sheet and button components. Map navigation links from constants/index.ts for dynamic routing.

6. MongoDB Setup

Create a free MongoDB Atlas cluster, add the connection string to .env.local, and install MongoDB:

npm install mongodb

Set up a cached connection in lib/database/mongoose.ts for Next.js’s serverless environment.

7. Image Transformations with Cloudinary

Sign up at Cloudinary, configure API keys, and install:

npm install cloudinary next-cloudinary

Create server actions in lib/actions/image.actions.ts to handle transformations (e.g., addImage, updateImage). Build a TransformationForm component for user inputs.

8. Search and Pagination

Implement getAllImages in image.actions.ts using Cloudinary’s search API and MongoDB queries. Add a Search component with debouncing and a Collection component with Shadcn’s pagination.

9. Payments with Stripe

Create a Stripe account, add keys to .env.local, and install:

npm install stripe @stripe/stripe-js

Set up transaction.actions.ts for checkout and transaction creation. Configure a webhook at api/webhooks/stripe/route.ts to update credits post-payment.

10. Deployment

Push to GitHub, deploy on Vercel, and update environment variables in Vercel’s dashboard. Adjust middleware.ts to make the homepage public.

Testing the Live App

Post-deployment, test features:

• Search: Query “sky” or “human” to filter images.
• Transformations: Try generative fill on a horse image—watch it expand seamlessly!
• Payments: Buy credits via Stripe and see them reflect in your profile.

“Generative fill is my favorite—it expands images with stunning context,” notes the creator.

Conclusion

You’ve built Imaginify—a full-stack AI SaaS app with Next.js 14, TypeScript, and Stripe! Use this as a springboard for your own projects or portfolio. For deeper Next.js mastery, explore JSMastery.pro’s courses. Questions? Drop them in the YouTube comments!