Create dev stores
Dev stores are a crucial part of the Shopify development process. They let you build and test your apps in a safe environment without affecting production stores. You can connect directly to a dev store from Shopify CLI using the shopify app dev command. Running app dev previews changes to your app without deploying a new version to production stores.
Anchor to Dev stores vs client transfer storesDev stores vs client transfer stores
If you’re building or testing an app, use a dev store. If you’re preparing a store to hand off to a client, use a client transfer store.
| Store type | Primary use | Managed in | Transferable to a merchant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dev store | App development and testing with Shopify CLI. | Dev Dashboard | No ❌ |
| Client transfer store | Build a store to hand off to a client (formerly affiliate/transferrable). | Partner Dashboard | Yes ✅ |
Anchor to RequirementsRequirements
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A Shopify store or Partner account.
- Permissions to access the Dev Dashboard and create stores. You will need the Create and manage dev stores permission to create a dev store.
- Dev stores can be created on any Shopify plan.
Anchor to Create a dev storeCreate a dev store
- Log in to the Dev Dashboard.
- Click Dev stores.
- Click Add dev store to begin the store creation process.
- Enter a name for your dev store. This name is used to identify the store in the Dev Dashboard.
- Select a plan for your dev store. You can choose from the following options:
- Basic
- Grow
- Advanced
- Plus
- Optional: Select Test a feature preview. You can choose a feature preview to test capabilities that aren't available to all stores yet.
- Click Create store. Your store is created with the selected plan and build version.
- Log in to your dev store.
Anchor to Store accessStore access
The CLI and Dev Dashboard display a list of dev stores in which the user is a member. When a user creates a dev store, they are automatically designated as the store's owner. Additional users must be added to the store as staff members.
Anchor to Feature previewsFeature previews
You can enable a feature preview on a dev store to test capabilities that aren't available to all stores yet. Learn more about feature previews.
When a feature preview is enabled on a dev store, you don't have access to domains.
Anchor to LimitationsLimitations
Dev stores are intended for development and testing purposes only. They can't be used for production purposes and can't process real transactions. Dev stores have the following limitations:
- You can only install free apps and partner-friendly apps.
- You can't install custom or draft apps on client transfer stores. Create a dev store in the Dev Dashboard to build and test your app.
- You can test orders using the Bogus Test gateway, or by activating test mode for your payment provider. You can't test orders using real transactions through active payment providers. Learn more about testing orders in dev stores.
- You can't remove the password page, or show a custom password page. You can still customize the password page and preview it.