You can export without editor using the "alone=1" option, e.g.:
export win mygame.lua alone=1
There's also an "import" command for importing sprites, tiles, etc. All documented here:
I guess the misconception comes from the main itch.io TIC-80 page, where I can read it’s WIP feature:
EXTRA EDITORS
you can export your game only without editors, and then publish it to app stores (WIP)