Bolt·Fixdeployintermediate

npm Package Not Working in Bolt.new

Quick Answer

How do I fix npm Package Not Working in Bolt.new?

Bolt runs in WebContainers — a browser-based Node.js environment. Packages that require native compilation (C++ addons) cannot run here. Start with "Replace native packages with JS alternatives" before making broader code changes.

Fix signals

What this answers: Why npm package not working in bolt.new happens and what to change first.
Fastest move: Replace native packages with JS alternatives
Use this page if: npm install fails with compile errors

If this keeps happening

Open the next decision, not just the patch

Use these when the current fix is helpful, but the real answer is a better tool choice, a cleaner workflow layer, or a more trustworthy launch path.

Bolt reviews

Open this when the prototype came fast but the rebuild cost is starting to show up in auth, deploy, or state problems.

Open this next →

Bolt vs v0

Open this when the real decision is whether you still need a browser-first prototype tool or a stronger frontend base.

Open this next →

Fillout vs Typeform

Open this when forms, onboarding, intake, or checkout are the next workflow layer breaking after the app shell is already in place.

Open this next →

Deploy hub

Open this when the build error is one symptom and the bigger problem is your production handoff and hosting workflow.

Open this next →

Cursor review

Open this when deploy pain is pushing you toward a more code-first workflow with tighter control.

Open this next →

Quick Fix Summary

Most likely cause	Bolt runs in WebContainers — a browser-based Node.js environment. Packages that require native compilation (C++ addons) cannot run here.
Fastest fix	Replace native packages with JS alternatives
Use this page if	npm install fails with compile errors

You're in the right place if...

!npm install fails with compile errors
!Package works locally but not in Bolt
!Error: Cannot find module with native addon

Why this happens

Bolt runs in WebContainers — a browser-based Node.js environment. Packages that require native compilation (C++ addons) cannot run here.

Fix

Replace native packages with JS alternatives

These common packages fail in Bolt. Use the alternatives instead:

# These FAIL in Bolt.new:
bcrypt → use bcryptjs instead
sharp → use Cloudinary API instead
canvas → use fabric.js instead
sqlite3 → use Supabase instead

# Install the replacement:
npm install bcryptjs

Prevent this next time

Before using any npm package in Bolt, check if it has native dependencies. Pure JavaScript packages always work.