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How to Setup up your Shopify Partner Account

Science & Technology

How to Setup Your Shopify Partner Account

Hi, I'm Liz, and I'm on the Developer Relations team at Shopify. In this series, we'll cover the basics of Shopify app development and the tools available to help you build them. In this article, we'll be reviewing the partner dashboard for app developers, where you'll manage your app settings and create Shopify development stores.

Step 1: Creating a Shopify Partner Account

The first step is to create an account on shopify.com/partners. This account allows you to access the tools necessary for app development.

Step 2: Creating a Development Store

Next, we'll create a development store. A development store is where you'll test your app. You'll have the option to select a developer preview store, which allows you to build with features that will be released to merchants in the coming months. Note that ownership of these stores cannot be transferred.

Step 3: Creating an App in the Partner Dashboard

Once you've set up your development store, you can create an app in the partner dashboard. You’ll be given the choice to select either a public or custom app:

  • Custom apps are intended for a single merchant.
  • Public apps can be installed by an unlimited number of merchants and can be listed on the Shopify App Store.

For this series, we'll select a public app. You will be prompted for an app name and a URL. If you haven’t thought about it yet, no worries—you can update this later. For now, set the URL to localhost. Once the app has been created in the partner dashboard, API keys will be generated.

Step 4: Reviewing Settings and Configurations

Before diving into the development, let's look at some settings and configurations available to us on the app setup page:

  • Requesting Additional Scopes and APIs: You can request additional permissions that your app might need.
  • Managing Webhooks: Handle real-time events more efficiently.
  • Regenerating API Keys: Update your API keys if necessary.

Step 5: Managing App Extensions

The partner dashboard is also where you manage app extensions. App extensions allow you to surface your content in the Shopify admin, checkout, and online store.

Getting Support

As an app developer, there may be occasions when you encounter bugs or need support. You can:

  • Create a post in the Shopify Community forums.
  • Create a support request by going to the partner dashboard and clicking on the support tab.

You should now know how to create a Shopify development store and generate API keys for your app. In the next session, we'll cover the Shopify CLI, which can help speed up these tasks and more.

Additional Resources

Keywords

  • Shopify
  • Partner Dashboard
  • Development Store
  • Public App
  • Custom App
  • API Keys
  • App Extensions

FAQ

Q: How do I create a Shopify partner account?
A: Go to shopify.com/partners and follow the sign-up process.

Q: What is a development store?
A: A development store is a test environment where you can develop and test your Shopify apps.

Q: What are the differences between a custom app and a public app?
A: Custom apps are intended for a single merchant, whereas public apps can be installed by unlimited merchants and listed on the Shopify App Store.

Q: Can I update my app's URL later?
A: Yes, you can update the URL later after initially setting it to localhost.

Q: Where can I get support as a Shopify app developer?
A: You can create a post in the Shopify community forums or create a support request through the partner dashboard.

Q: What resources are available for Shopify app developers?
A: Subscribe to the Shopify Developers YouTube channel, check out the documentation at shopify.dev, and join the Shopify Devs Discord server.