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Understanding App Embeds and App Blocks

App blocks and app embeds are powerful features of Online Store 2.0 themes that allow third-party apps to add functionality to your store—without editing theme code. These tools make app integration safer, easier, and more maintainable.

✅ Why Use App Blocks?​

App blocks offer significant advantages over traditional code-based app integrations:

🛠️ Easy to Use​

Add app-powered sections directly in the Theme Editor—just like any native section. No coding required.

🔒 Better Safety​

Since app blocks don’t modify your theme files, they reduce the risk of:

  • Breaking your theme layout
  • Causing JavaScript or CSS conflicts
  • Introducing hard-to-debug errors

🧹 Cleaner Uninstalls​

When you uninstall an app, Shopify automatically removes its app blocks from your pages. This prevents “dead code” from lingering and slowing down your store over time.

✅ Recommendation: Only use apps that support app blocks or app embeds. If you’re unsure, contact the app developer before installing.

➕ Adding an App Block​

  1. Install a compatible app from the Shopify App Store.

  2. Open the Theme Editor (Online Store > Themes > Customize).

  3. Navigate to the page or template where you want to add the feature.

  4. Click “Add section”.

  5. In the section picker, go to the “Apps” category.

  6. Select the app block you want to insert.

    App blocks appear under the "Apps" category in the section picker

⚠️ Don’t see the app block?

  • Ensure the app is fully installed and activated.
  • Some apps require additional setup (e.g., connecting an account or enabling a feature).
  • Contact the app developer for specific instructions—each app works differently.

📘 Learn more in Shopify’s official app blocks documentation.

📦 Enabling App Embeds​

App embeds allow apps to inject global functionality that appears across your entire store (e.g., a live chat widget, loyalty badge, or cookie banner).

  • Unlike app blocks (which are page-specific), embeds load on every page.
  • They’re often used for persistent UI elements like floating buttons or pop-ups.

⚠️ Important: Embed behavior varies by app. Some may require you to:

  • Toggle an “Enable on store” setting
  • Add a snippet via theme settings
  • Whitelist your domain

👉 Always refer to the app’s documentation or contact their support team for setup guidance.

⚠️ Use Apps Responsibly​

While apps can solve real business problems, they are also the #1 cause of slow store performance.

Why?​

  • Each app adds extra scripts, API calls, and third-party resources.
  • Poorly optimized apps can block rendering, delay page loads, or trigger layout shifts.

Our Recommendation:​

“As few apps as possible.”

Ask yourself:

📉 Studies show that stores with 5+ apps often experience 20–50% slower load times.

🛑 Support Policy for Apps​

We do not provide support for third-party apps.

  • Apps are developed, maintained, and supported entirely by their creators.
  • If you encounter issues (e.g., broken layout, missing features, errors), contact the app developer directly.

You can usually find support links in:

  • The app’s Shopify App Store listing
  • The app’s dashboard inside your Shopify admin
  • The developer’s website or documentation

💡 Pro Tip: Before installing any app, check:

  • Recent reviews (especially 1–3 star ratings)
  • Last update date (avoid apps not updated in >6 months)
  • Performance impact (look for “lightweight” or “async-loaded” claims)

🌟 Final Advice: Apps are tools—not magic. Use them intentionally, monitor their impact, and remove any that no longer deliver clear value.