Trying to create app/project

Develop, Build & Integrate HubSpot-built Apps
1

Hi, i am trying to create an app/project. Failing at the first step, tried for hours with various AI assitants, support, etc. No joy. Stuck at the very first step the doc perscribes on the test account:

(mvenv) yaronperlman@M1-Pro-2 mvp % hs get-started
--------------------------------------------------
Welcome to HubSpot Development!

You can use the HubSpot CLI to build apps, CMS themes, and more.

This guide will walk you through deploying your first project to aether-dev [test account] (342922488).
To target a different account, exit this guide (ctrl + c) and run `hs account use` before trying again.

--------------------------------------------------
:check_mark: Are you looking to build apps or CMS assets? App

We’ll create a new project with a sample app for you.
Projects are what you can use to create apps with HubSpot.
Usually you’ll use the `hs project create` command, but we’ll go ahead and make one now.
:check_mark: [--name] Enter your project name: aether-hubspot
:check_mark: [--dest] Choose where to create the project: /Users/yaronperlman/../AT/mvp/aether-hubspot

[ERROR] Failed to download project. Please try again later.

2

Hey @YPerlman , thanks for sharing the details!

I wanted to point you to this community thread that covers a very similar CLI issue and offers a workaround which may help in your case as well:
https://community.hubspot.com/t5/CMS-Development/Error-updating-CLI-version-to-v7-6-0/td-p/1196549

I’ll also tag a few community experts to see if they have additional ideas. Hey @RubenBurdin @seosiri @amjadkhatri Happy Friday! any insights you can share here?

Thanks!
Victor

3

Thanks Victor, appreciate you looping in folks.
I reviewed that thread, but it appears to be addressing a different problem (CLI update / install errors). In my case, the CLI installs fine and authenticates successfully.
The consistent failure I’m seeing is:
hs project create
→ HubSpotHttpError: The request was not found
This happens across:
Multiple machines
Fresh CLI installs
Different HubSpot accounts
Including a Professional-tier trial portal
Which suggests this isn’t a local CLI version issue, but rather that the backend endpoint used for Developer Projects / CRM Dev Tools isn’t enabled or accessible for the target portal.
My core question is:
What is the supported path today for an ISV to get access to Developer Projects / UI Extensions so they can prototype an app?
Is this supposed to work in Developer Test Accounts, Professional portals, or only via a specific enablement by HubSpot?
Happy to provide portal IDs, CLI version, or logs if helpful.
Thanks again,
Yaron

4

Hi Yaron,

You’re hitting a known issue with HubSpot’s Developer Projects API endpoint availability. Let me break down what’s happening and give you the best path forward.

What’s Causing the Error

The HubSpotHttpError you’re seeing (“request was not found”) indicates that Developer Projects aren’t currently enabled for your account. This isn’t a CLI issue on your end—it’s an access control problem on HubSpot’s backend.

Here’s the current state:

Developer Projects are in limited beta and aren’t universally available yet, even in Professional or Enterprise tiers. The API endpoints that hs project create calls simply return 404 for accounts without explicit enablement.

Workaround Solutions

Option 1: Request Beta Access

Reach out to HubSpot Developer Support directly through developers.hubspot.com and request access to the Developer Projects beta. Include your portal IDs and mention you’re building an ISV app. They can enable this feature flag for your accounts.

Option 2: Use Public Apps Instead

For ISV development right now, you can skip Developer Projects entirely and go straight to building a Public App. Here’s how:

1. Go to your Developer Account at developers.hubspot.com
2. Navigate to Apps section
3. Click Create app
4. Choose Public app
5. Build your UI extensions and backend directly without the Projects framework

This is actually the more stable path for ISVs since Public Apps have full documentation and production-ready APIs.

Option 3: Private App with Custom UI

If you need something quicker:

1. Create a Private App in your HubSpot account (Settings > Integrations > Private Apps)
2. Get your API credentials
3. Build your UI extensions as standalone web components
4. Deploy them externally and embed via Custom Cards or Workflow Extensions

This skips the Projects tooling but gives you full control.

Answering Your Core Question

What’s the supported ISV path today?

The official ISV path is: Public Apps built through developers.hubspot.com. You don’t need Developer Projects for this. Projects are helpful for local development and testing, but they’re not required to ship production apps.

Next Steps

1. If you want Projects: Email devsupport@hubspot.com with your portal IDs
2. If you want to move fast: Start with a Public App directly
3. If you want to test quickly: Use Private Apps with external hosting

The good news is that Developer Projects are just a development convenience layer. You can build full-featured ISV apps without them using the standard Public App workflow.

Let me know which path makes most sense for your use case, and I can provide more specific guidance on getting started.

5

Hi MuhammadAmjad,
Thanks for you detailed response. I am new to the Hubspot universe, so thanks for walking me through it, it makes things less foggy…
I have contacted support to enable the Developer Project (BETA) and in parallel will proceed with a private app, then transition to a public one.
Hope for smooth sailing from now…
Yaron.

6

Hi There,

I can see why that error feels frustrating — you’re hitting a snag right at the “hello world” step of the HubSpot CLI. The [ERROR] Failed to download project message usually points to either a DevOps environment issue (network, permissions, or CLI setup) or a temporary problem with HubSpot’s sample project repository.

Here’s how to focus your troubleshooting and next steps:

:wrench: Core Expertise & DevOps Environment Checks

  1. Verify CLI Installation

    • Run hs --version to confirm the CLI is installed correctly.
    • If outdated, reinstall via npm: npm install -g @hubspot/cli.

  2. Check Authentication

    • Run hs auth list to confirm your test account (342922488) is active.
    • If not, re‑authenticate: hs auth.

  3. Network & Permissions

    • Ensure your environment allows outbound HTTPS requests (firewall/VPN can block downloads).
    • Try running the command outside of your virtual environment to rule out path issues.

  4. Manual Project Creation

    • Instead of hs get-started, run:

      bash

      hs project create aether-hubspot

      • This bypasses the guided setup and directly creates a project folder.

:books: Relevant HubSpot Sources

:rocket: Next Step

If the error persists after environment checks, it’s likely a temporary issue with HubSpot’s sample project download. In that case:

  • Create the project manually (hs project create).

  • Then follow the docs to deploy your first project:

    bash

    hs project uploadhs project deploy

:backhand_index_pointing_right: My recommendation: focus on CLI setup + manual project creation first, then lean on HubSpot’s developer docs and community for deeper troubleshooting.

7

Hi - it was confirmed this is an issue on the Hubspot side. The CRM Development update is in beta and needs to be enabled from the HS side. This has been verified by the community and I have contacted dev support, but no reply from them yet ;(

8

Hi,

Please wait, someone will respond ASAP. In the meantime, I would like to request you to review this: https://community.hubspot.com/t5/Developer-Announcements/Introducing-HubSpot-CLI-v8-0-0/td-p/1245222

Best,

Momenul