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Upload Project to Board

The Upload Project feature allows you to upload your blokdots project directly to your Arduino board with a single click, creating a standalone project that runs without a computer connection.

cmd ⌘U

You can also upload using the Arduino upload icon button in the toolbar.

#How It Works

Upload Project combines C++ code generation with automatic uploading to your connected Arduino board. This is the fastest way to turn your blokdots prototype into a standalone device.

When you use Upload Project, blokdots will:

  1. Generate C++ code from your project
  2. Compile the code for your specific board
  3. Upload it directly to your connected Arduino
  4. Verify the upload was successful

The upload process happens in the background - you won't see the generated code, but it's automatically compiled and uploaded to your board.

#Standalone Mode

Once uploaded, your project runs independently on the Arduino board. You can disconnect it from your computer and power it with:

  • A USB power bank
  • A battery pack (with appropriate voltage regulation)
  • A wall adapter
  • Any 5V power source

This makes it perfect for:

  • Permanent installations
  • Portable projects
  • Projects that need to operate away from a computer
  • Sharing your creation with others who don't have blokdots

#Uploading Your Project

To upload your project:

  1. Make sure your Arduino board is connected and recognized by blokdots
  2. Test your project to ensure it works as expected
  3. Go to File › Upload Project to Board or use the keyboard shortcut
  4. Wait for the upload to complete (this may take 30-60 seconds)
  5. Your project will start running automatically on the board

blokdots includes everything needed to upload your project - the Arduino CLI is bundled with the app, and all required libraries are automatically installed during the upload process.

#Current Limitations

The Upload Project feature has the same limitations as the C++ code export:

  • Integration components (Figma, ProtoPie, Socket.IO) are not yet supported
  • Advanced timing and scheduling features may have limited support

Projects using Integration components should use the standard run mode with a computer connection instead.

#Re-uploading and Updates

You can upload new versions of your project to the same board at any time. Each upload completely replaces the previous code. To update your standalone project:

  1. Make changes in blokdots
  2. Test them in run mode
  3. Upload the updated project to your board

#Switching Back to Computer Mode

To switch your board back to working with blokdots in connected mode (running projects from the app):

  1. Connect your board to your computer
  2. Select the board in blokdots
  3. Click the "Re-upload Firmata" button in the board settings
  4. blokdots will automatically upload the required Firmata to your board
  5. You can now run projects from the app again

Your board can easily switch between standalone mode and computer-connected mode whenever needed.

#Troubleshooting

Upload fails:

  • Ensure your board is properly connected and recognized
  • Check that the correct board type is selected in blokdots
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting the board
  • Close the Arduino IDE if it's running (it may lock the serial port)

Project doesn't run after upload:

  • Verify all required libraries are installed
  • Check that your components are connected to the correct pins
  • Look for error messages during the upload process

Board not responding:

  • Try pressing the reset button on the Arduino
  • Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable
  • Re-upload the project