Replay vs. Builder.io for Handling Complex Forms from Video: Which Tool Excels in 2026?

TL;DR: Replay leverages video-to-code reconstruction with behavior analysis to generate functional UI, outperforming Builder.io in handling complex form workflows demonstrated in video recordings.

Replay vs. Builder.io for Handling Complex Forms from Video: Which Tool Excels in 2026?#

Generating user interfaces (UI) for complex forms has always been a time-consuming and error-prone task. Traditional methods rely heavily on manual coding, leading to slow development cycles and potential inconsistencies. Even low-code/no-code platforms struggle when faced with intricate, multi-step forms that require nuanced user interaction. This is where video-to-code technology steps in, promising a faster and more intuitive approach. But not all video-to-code solutions are created equal. Let's dive into a comparison between Replay and Builder.io, focusing specifically on their ability to handle complex forms extracted from video recordings.

The Challenge: Complex Forms and User Behavior#

Complex forms, often found in applications like e-commerce checkout flows, financial applications, or healthcare portals, involve multiple steps, conditional logic, and intricate validation rules. Accurately capturing and replicating the intended user experience from a static design or even a series of screenshots is challenging. The real source of truth is the user's behavior – the order they fill fields, the selections they make, and the errors they encounter.

Replay: Behavior-Driven Reconstruction from Video#

Replay takes a unique approach by analyzing video recordings of user interactions. Instead of simply converting static images into code, Replay uses Gemini to understand the intent behind the user's actions. This "Behavior-Driven Reconstruction" allows Replay to generate functional UI code that accurately reflects the intended user experience, even for complex forms with multi-step workflows.

Builder.io: A Visual Builder with Limitations#

Builder.io is a powerful visual builder that allows developers to create and manage website content without extensive coding. While Builder.io excels at creating visually appealing landing pages and content-driven websites, its capabilities are more limited when it comes to automatically generating complex, behavior-driven forms from video. Builder.io primarily focuses on drag-and-drop visual editing and content management, rather than video-based UI reconstruction.

Key Differences: Video Input and Behavior Analysis#

The core difference lies in the input source and the level of analysis performed. Replay uses video as its primary input, enabling it to capture the nuances of user behavior. Builder.io, on the other hand, relies on manual creation or integration with existing data sources.

Replay in Action: Generating a Multi-Step Checkout Form#

Let's illustrate how Replay can be used to generate a complex checkout form from a video recording.

Step 1: Uploading the Video#

The first step is to upload a video recording of a user completing the checkout process on an existing e-commerce website. The video should clearly capture all steps, including address entry, payment information, and order confirmation.

Step 2: Replay Analysis and Code Generation#

Replay analyzes the video, identifying the individual form fields, their data types, and the validation rules applied. It also reconstructs the multi-step workflow, ensuring that the generated code accurately reflects the user's navigation through the form.

Step 3: Code Customization and Integration#

Replay generates clean, production-ready code (React, Vue, or Angular). You can then customize the generated code to match your specific design and functionality requirements.

typescript
// Example of generated React code for a form field
import React, { useState } from 'react';

const AddressField = () => {
  const [address, setAddress] = useState('');

  const handleChange = (event: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
    setAddress(event.target.value);
  };

  return (
    <div>
      <label htmlFor="address">Address:</label>
      <input
        type="text"
        id="address"
        value={address}
        onChange={handleChange}
        required // Validation rule inferred from video
      />
    </div>
  );
};

export default AddressField;

💡 Pro Tip: For optimal results, ensure the video recording is clear, well-lit, and captures the entire user interaction.

Builder.io's Approach: Manual Form Creation#

With Builder.io, you would typically create the form manually using the visual editor. This involves dragging and dropping form elements, configuring their properties, and defining the validation rules. While Builder.io provides a user-friendly interface, the process can be time-consuming and requires a deep understanding of the form's logic.

Supabase Integration: Data Handling#

Both Replay and Builder.io offer seamless integration with Supabase, a popular open-source Firebase alternative. This allows you to easily store and manage the data collected through the generated forms.

javascript
// Example of Supabase integration with Replay-generated code
import { createClient } from '@supabase/supabase-js';

const supabaseUrl = 'YOUR_SUPABASE_URL';
const supabaseKey = 'YOUR_SUPABASE_ANON_KEY';
const supabase = createClient(supabaseUrl, supabaseKey);

const handleSubmit = async (formData) => {
  const { data, error } = await supabase
    .from('form_submissions')
    .insert([formData]);

  if (error) {
    console.error('Error inserting data:', error);
  } else {
    console.log('Data inserted successfully:', data);
  }
};

Style Injection: Customizing the Look and Feel#

Both platforms allow you to inject custom CSS styles to match your brand's visual identity. This ensures that the generated forms seamlessly integrate with your existing website or application.

📝 Note: Replay can often infer styling cues from the video itself, providing a head start on styling.

Product Flow Maps: Visualizing the User Journey#

Replay goes a step further by automatically generating a product flow map from the video recording. This visual representation of the user's journey through the form can be invaluable for identifying potential bottlenecks and optimizing the user experience. Builder.io does not offer this feature.

The Verdict: Replay Excels in Behavior-Driven Form Generation#

While Builder.io is a versatile visual builder, Replay's behavior-driven reconstruction from video gives it a significant advantage when it comes to generating complex forms that accurately reflect user behavior. Replay's ability to analyze video, understand user intent, and automatically generate functional code makes it a powerful tool for accelerating UI development and improving the user experience.

⚠️ Warning: Video quality is crucial for Replay's accuracy. Ensure clear recordings for optimal results.

Use Cases: Beyond E-Commerce#

The applications of Replay extend far beyond e-commerce checkout forms. Consider these scenarios:

• •Healthcare portals: Reconstructing patient intake forms from video recordings of doctor-patient interactions.
• •Financial applications: Generating loan application forms based on video walkthroughs.
• •Educational platforms: Creating interactive quizzes and assessments from video demonstrations.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is Replay free to use?#

Replay offers a free tier with limited features. Paid plans provide access to advanced features such as multi-page generation, Supabase integration, and product flow maps.

How is Replay different from v0.dev?#

v0.dev is a generative UI tool that uses AI to generate code based on text prompts. Replay, on the other hand, uses video as its primary input, allowing it to capture the nuances of user behavior and generate more accurate and functional code for complex forms. Replay focuses on reconstructing existing UIs based on observed behavior, while v0.dev creates new UIs from scratch.

What kind of video should I use for Replay?#

Ideally, use a clear, well-lit video recording that captures the entire user interaction with the form. Ensure that all form fields and user actions are visible.

Can I edit the code generated by Replay?#

Yes, the code generated by Replay is fully customizable. You can modify it to match your specific design and functionality requirements.

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