---
title: Create development stores
description: Learn how development stores can be used to build and test Shopify apps.
source_url:
  html: 'https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores'
  md: 'https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md'
---

ExpandOn this page

* [Requirements](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#requirements)
* [Create a dev store](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#create-a-dev-store)
* [Store access](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#store-access)
* [Limitations](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#limitations)

# Create development stores

Development stores are a crucial part of the Shopify development process. They allow you to build and test your apps in a safe environment without affecting production stores. You can connect directly to a development store from Shopify CLI using the `shopify app dev` command. Running `app dev` lets you preview changes to your app without deploying a new version of your app to production stores.

***

## Requirements

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

* A Shopify store or Partner account.
* [Permissions](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/user-permissions) to access the Dev Dashboard and create stores. You will need the **Create and manage development stores** permission to create a development store.

***

## Create a dev store

1. Log in to the [Dev Dashboard](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard#accessing-the-dev-dashboard)
2. Click on **Dev stores**
3. Click **Add dev store** to begin the store creation process
4. Enter a name for your development store. This name will be used to identify the store in the Dev Dashboard.
5. Select a plan for your development store. You can choose from the following options:

* **Basic**
* **Grow**
* **Advanced**
* **Plus**

1. Optional: Select **Test a feature preview**. You can choose a [feature preview](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/feature-previews) from the list if you want to test capabilities that aren't available to all stores yet.
2. Click **Create store** and your store will be created with the selected plan and build version.
3. Log in to your development store.

***

## Store access

The CLI and Dev Dashboard display a list of development stores in which the user is a member. When a user creates a development store, they are automatically designated as the [store's owner](https://help.shopify.com/manual/your-account/users/roles/roles-managed-by-shopify/owner-roles). Additional users must be added to the store as [staff members](https://help.shopify.com/manual/your-account/users/invite-users).

***

## Limitations

Development stores are intended for development and testing purposes only. They cannot be used for production purposes and cannot process real transactions. Development stores have the following limitations:

* You can only install free apps and partner-friendly apps.
* You can test orders using the [Bogus Test gateway](https://help.shopify.com/en/partners/manage-clients-stores/development-stores/test-orders-in-dev-stores#testing-using-bogus-gateway) or by [activating test mode for your payment provider](https://help.shopify.com/en/partners/manage-clients-stores/development-stores/test-orders-in-dev-stores#testing-orders-using-shopify-payments-test-mode). You can't test orders using real transactions through active payment providers. Learn more about testing orders in development stores.
* You can't remove the [password page](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/password-page) from the online store.

***

* [Requirements](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#requirements)
* [Create a dev store](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#create-a-dev-store)
* [Store access](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#store-access)
* [Limitations](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#limitations)