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Using apps with your theme

Apps add features the theme does not ship (reviews, subscriptions, upsells, Klaviyo forms). The theme displays app embeds and app blocks; it does not make a random app “compatible” by editing Troop Liquid for you.

Shopify Apps; then Edit theme → App embeds and Add block / Add section for app blocks.

Theme settings (colors, type) are unchanged. If an app restyles the header, turn the embed off to test.

Info

Visit Shopify's help centre for an extensive guide on extending your theme with apps. Some apps can be added in Edit theme as an app block.

Choosing apps

The majority of Shopify Apps are developed by third-party developers. Before committing to an app, it can be worthwhile reviewing the app documentation or contacting their support for information on how it integrates into themes.

As theme developers, we're unable to modify our code to make our themes compatible with any app because resolving one issue for one app often introduces errors in other theme functionality or other apps. Instead, we do offer app developers access to our code so they can make the necessary changes on their end to make their app work with our themes.

Apps and performance

Apps that edit or add elements to the frontend of the store often add javascript files that increase page load time. Try to limit apps that are added into themes to under 5 to reduce load times.

Prefer embeds and blocks over theme file edits

  • App embed: usually survives a theme update. Use for site-wide scripts (reviews widget, pixel, popup).
  • App block / app section: yes, if you re-add it on the new theme. Use for a widget in one place.
  • Code pasted into theme.liquid or section files: no, you must copy it by hand. Only if the app has no embed.

Updating themes with apps

Adding apps to your store can help add new features and functionality, but can often make theme maintenance a little more complex.

Depending on the theme version you're running, some apps may require custom code to be added to theme template files. When updating your theme, these customizations will have to be added back in to the new version.

After an update: open Edit theme → App embeds and turn each app back on, then reinstall any app that still asks you to paste code. See How to update your theme.

Troubleshooting

  • Something broke after installing an app: turn off App embeds one by one. If the issue disappears, contact the app developer (CC Troop support if they need theme details).
  • Deleting the app didn’t fix it: leftover code in theme files. Ask the app how to uninstall completely, or compare to a fresh theme copy.
  • An app restyled your buttons: expected if it injects CSS. Disable the embed; do not fight it with Theme settings.
  • Need more than five storefront apps: expect slower pages. See store performance.