---
title: Migrate metafields with shopify app import-custom-data-definitions - Shopify developer changelog
description: Shopify’s developer changelog documents all changes to Shopify’s platform. Find the latest news and learn about new platform opportunities.
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[Back to Developer changelog](https://shopify.dev/changelog)

January 22, 2026

Tags:

* Tools

# Migrate metafields with `shopify app import-custom-data-definitions`

`shopify app import-custom-data-definitions` is now available in Shopify CLI version 3.89.

This command helps you migrate existing metafield and metaobject definitions for your app to [declarative TOML management](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/metafields/definitions#toml-app-owned-example). All app-owned definitions configured on your dev store are automatically converted to their TOML equivalent. These definitions include those with a namespace like `$app` or metaobjects with a type like `$app:example`, You can review the TOML definitions and add them to your `shopify.app.toml` file. You can continue writing metafield and metaobject *values* without any changes.

You can migrate all your definitions at once, or you can work step by step by running the command multiple times. Run `shopify app dev` to test your TOML definitions in your dev store, then run `shopify app deploy` to deploy your new centrally managed Metafield and Metaobject definitions to all shops with your app installed. After you've deployed your changes, you can delete the unnecessary definition management code.

Declarative definitions offer several advantages over API management:

* Shopify updates declared definitions in every shop where your app is installed, ensuring consistency across installations.
* Definitions stay in sync with your app's state, allowing you to roll out new metafields and related features simultaneously.
* Definitions are version controlled as part of your app, making it easy to roll back.

As always, feel free to reach out in the community forum to share your questions and feedback about using declarative metafield and metaobject definitions.