I’ve been working on developing private Shopify applications for various store owners, but I’m running into issues when trying to implement app embed blocks functionality.
With public applications, I can easily set up these embed blocks using the Shopify CLI tools. The process is straightforward and well documented for apps that go through the public app store.
However, when it comes to custom or private apps that are built specifically for individual stores, I can’t figure out the proper way to add these embed blocks. The development workflow seems different and I haven’t found clear guidance on this specific scenario.
Has anyone successfully implemented app embed blocks in custom Shopify apps? What’s the correct approach or alternative method for private applications that don’t go through the standard CLI setup process?
Ugh, this exact problem drove me crazy for weeks! Turns out there’s a workaround nobody talks about - you can package your embed blocks as theme extensions and sideload them. Create your block files with the proper Liquid/JSON structure, zip them up, and use Shopify’s Theme Inspector Chrome extension to inject them directly. It’s hacky but works great for private apps without all the partner dashboard nonsense.
You’re right - private app workflows are totally different. Hit the same wall building custom solutions for clients. Here’s what actually works: private apps can use app extensions, but you’ve got to create them through Partner Dashboard instead of CLI. Set up a dev store, build your extension there with embed blocks, then manually transfer the code to your private app. I create liquid template files with proper schemas, then use Shopify’s REST Admin API to install the extension programmatically. The annoying part is making sure your app has the right scopes and handling theme installation through API calls instead of the automated CLI stuff. Testing gets more complex too since hot reload doesn’t work. You’ll need your own file watching system if you want that functionality.
Private app embed blocks need a totally different approach - most docs won’t help you here. I skip the traditional app extension methods and build everything manually in the theme. Just create liquid templates directly in the sections folder with proper schema, then use metafields to pass data from your private app to these sections. Set up webhook listeners in your app to update metafields when configs change. You’ll get embed block functionality without dealing with CLI deployment. Downside? Theme updates can kill your blocks, so I always backup everything and document the install process for clients. Performance is actually better since there’s no external loading.
Been there, done that. The frustration with private Shopify apps and embed blocks is real.
Most people don’t know you can create embed blocks for private apps - you just need to manually handle theme extension registration. Create the theme extension files locally and upload them directly to the store’s theme.
Set up your embed block structure in a blocks folder with liquid templates and schema. Then use the Admin API to register the app extension through GraphQL mutations.
Honestly though, I found a way better approach that saves tons of headaches. Instead of fighting Shopify’s private app limitations, I automate the whole embed block deployment with Latenode.
I built a workflow that handles theme file uploads, API calls for extension registration, and manages version control across multiple stores. When a client needs embed blocks deployed, my automation handles everything from file prep to theme updates.
The workflow connects to Shopify’s APIs, processes the embed block files, and deploys them without manual CLI work. What used to take hours now takes minutes.