> Beta:
> The Next-Gen Dev Platform is not yet generally available. Currently, access to these tools and features is limited to organizations participating in an invitation-only early access program. To request entry into the early access program, [submit a request](https://forms.gle/8TYFJFs6obUk426V9).

> Visit our [dev community](https://community.shopify.dev) to discuss the Next-Gen Dev Platform and provide feedback.


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 dev lets you preview changes to your app without deploying a new version of your app to production stores.

### Development store 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 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 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

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

- A Shopify store or Partner account.
- [Permissions](/beta/next-gen-dev-platform/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.

## Step 1: Log in to the Dev Dashboard

<figure class="figure"><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/shopifycloud/shopify_dev/assets/beta/developer-dashboard/store-list-3437224b60d40e09349002980e310e26d775607c4f30be759b137a18b778cf59.png" class="lazyload" alt="A list of development stores in the Dev Dashboard.  Each store has a name, a plan, a build version, and a creator." width="1918" height="828"></figure>

1. Log into the [Shopify admin](https://admin.shopify.com/)
2. Click on your store name in the top right
3. Click **Developer dashboard**
4. Click on **Dev stores** from the top of the page
5. Click **Add dev store** to begin the store creation process

## Step 2: Create a development store

<figure class="figure"><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/shopifycloud/shopify_dev/assets/beta/developer-dashboard/store-create-86909cf3f32af4b267fc3c78ea9a5b0bb89287f70010d14e01bbfc6e5817eba3.png" class="lazyload" alt="A form to create a new development store in the Dev Dashboard.  The form includes fields for the store name, the store plan, and the store build version." width="1632" height="1296"></figure>

1. Enter a name for your development store. This name will be used to identify the store in the Dev Dashboard.
2. Select a plan for your development store. You can choose from the following options:
  - **Basic**
  - **Grow**
  - **Advanced**
  - **Plus**
3. Select a **Build version**  You can select **Current release** or choose a [Developer preview](/docs/api/developer-previews) that will allow you to try out capabilities that are not yet available to all stores and users.
4. Click **Create store** and your store will be created with the selected plan and build version.
5. Log into 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).