Shopify Integration Guide

Complete guide to installing and configuring Commerce Apps on your Shopify store.

Installation Overview

All Commerce Apps follow the same Shopify-standard installation process:

1. Find app in Shopify App Store
2. Review permissions and install
3. Complete initial setup in app admin
4. Enable theme extensions (if required)
5. Configure app features

Time Required: 10-15 minutes per app

Step 1: Find the App

Via Shopify App Store

1. Go to Shopify App Store
2. Search for the app by name (e.g., “Rulebase”)
3. Or use direct app store links provided in product documentation

Via Direct Link

Each product page includes an “Install” link:

• Rulebase - Install from product page

From Shopify Admin

1. In Shopify admin, go to Apps
2. Click Customize your store (if prompted)
3. This opens the App Store
4. Search for Commerce Apps products

Step 2: Review Permissions

Before installing, review what access the app needs.

Common Permissions

Commerce Apps typically request:

Read Access:

• ✅ Products and collections
• ✅ Customer data (tags, metafields)
• ✅ Store settings

Write Access:

• ✅ App data (store configurations)

Additional Permissions:

• ✅ Customize payment and delivery options (for payment filtering apps)

Why These Permissions?

Product/Collection Read:

• Needed to apply visibility rules
• Show/hide products based on conditions

Customer Data Read:

• Required for customer tag-based rules
• Enables personalized experiences

Payment Customization:

• Allows filtering payment methods
• Controls checkout options

App Data Write:

• Stores your rules and configurations
• Saves app settings

Privacy & Security

• Apps only access data necessary for functionality
• No data sold to third parties
• Compliant with Shopify’s privacy standards
• GDPR and CCPA compliant

Step 3: Install the App

Installation Process

1. Click Add app on the app listing
2. Review the permissions screen
3. Click Install app
4. Wait for redirect to app admin

You’ll be automatically logged in via Shopify OAuth (no separate password needed).

First-Time Setup

After installation:

1. Welcome screen appears with quick start guide
2. Choose a plan (most apps offer free trial or free tier)
3. Complete onboarding - Brief tutorial or setup wizard

Installation Confirmation

You know installation succeeded when:

• App appears in Shopify admin Apps section
• You can access the app dashboard
• App icon visible in left sidebar (for embedded apps)

Step 4: Enable Theme Extensions

Many Commerce Apps use theme app extensions for storefront functionality.

What Are App Extensions?

Modern way to add app functionality to your theme:

• No code editing required
• Easy to enable/disable
• Compatible with all Online Store 2.0 themes
• Automatically update with theme changes

How to Enable

1. In Shopify admin, go to Online Store → Themes
2. On your active theme, click Customize
3. In the theme editor, locate App embeds section (usually at bottom of left sidebar)
4. Find the Commerce App extension (e.g., “Rulebase Visibility Control”)
5. Toggle it ON
6. Click Save in top right

Verification

Test that the extension is active:

• Visit your storefront
• Check browser console for app initialization (if technical)
• Or follow app-specific testing instructions

Troubleshooting Extensions

Can’t find App Embeds section:

• Ensure you’re using Online Store 2.0 theme
• Update theme to latest version
• Contact support if using vintage theme

Extension doesn’t appear:

• Refresh the theme editor
• Reinstall the app if necessary
• Check app is properly installed in Apps section

Step 5: Configure the App

Each app has unique configuration steps.

General Configuration Flow

1. Access app dashboard from Shopify admin → Apps
2. Review settings - Explore available options
3. Set up integrations - Connect necessary data sources
4. Create initial configuration - First rule, workflow, etc.
5. Test thoroughly - Use preview/simulator features

App-Specific Guides

• Rulebase: Getting Started Guide

Shopify App Bridge Integration

What is App Bridge?

Shopify’s framework for embedded apps in the admin:

• Seamless integration with Shopify admin
• Consistent UI using Shopify Polaris
• Secure authentication
• Native navigation

Benefits

• No separate login - Uses your Shopify credentials
• Familiar interface - Matches Shopify’s design
• Fast navigation - Embedded directly in admin
• Mobile compatible - Works on Shopify mobile app

Accessing Embedded Apps

Two ways to access:

1. Via Apps Menu:

   • Click Apps in Shopify admin sidebar
   • Select the app from the list

2. Via App Icon:

   • Some apps add icon to sidebar
   • Click for quick access

App Proxy Setup

Some apps (like Rulebase) use Shopify’s App Proxy for storefront features.

What is App Proxy?

Secure connection between your storefront and the app:

• Handles customer-specific requests
• No theme code modification needed
• Automatic setup during installation

How It Works

1. Customer browses storefront
2. App extension sends request to proxy
3. Proxy communicates with app backend
4. App returns personalized response
5. Storefront displays result

Configuration

Automatic (most apps):

• Configured during installation
• No merchant action required
• Works immediately after enabling theme extension

Manual (rare):

• Follow app-specific instructions
• Usually involves adding proxy path in Shopify settings

Multi-Store Setup

Running multiple Shopify stores?

Per-Store Installation

Each Shopify store requires:

• Separate app installation
• Individual configuration
• Distinct billing (if applicable)

Best Practices

1. Standardize Configuration:

   • Use consistent naming conventions
   • Document rules/settings for each store
   • Export configurations for backup

2. Test in One Store:

   • Perfect setup in first store
   • Replicate successful config to others
   • Adjust for store-specific needs

3. Manage Efficiently:

   • Keep notes on differences between stores
   • Use same customer tag strategy across stores
   • Coordinate updates

Uninstalling Apps

Need to remove an app?

Uninstallation Process

1. In Shopify admin, go to Apps
2. Find the app you want to remove
3. Click Delete (trash icon)
4. Confirm deletion

What Happens

• App access removed immediately
• Rules/configurations stop enforcing
• Theme extensions automatically disabled
• Billing stops

Data Retention

• App-specific data typically deleted after 30 days
• Export important configurations before uninstalling
• Customer/product data in Shopify unaffected

Re-Installation

Can reinstall anytime:

• Previous configurations may not be restored
• Will need to set up again from scratch
• Consider exporting settings before uninstalling

Troubleshooting Common Issues

App Won’t Install

Problem: Installation fails or hangs

Solutions:

• Check admin permissions (need full access)
• Try different browser
• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Disable browser extensions temporarily
• Contact Shopify support if persists

App Not Showing in Admin

Problem: Installed but can’t find it

Solutions:

• Refresh Shopify admin
• Check Apps section (may not appear in sidebar)
• Verify installation completed successfully
• Look for confirmation email from Shopify

Theme Extension Not Working

Problem: Rules not applying to storefront

Solutions:

• Verify extension is enabled in theme editor
• Check theme compatibility (Online Store 2.0)
• Clear browser cache
• Test in incognito/private window
• Review app-specific troubleshooting

Permission Errors

Problem: “Insufficient permissions” messages

Solutions:

• Confirm you’re logged in as store owner or admin
• Check staff account has all required permissions
• Review collaborator access levels
• Request additional permissions from store owner

Billing Issues

Problem: Can’t activate paid features

Solutions:

• Verify payment method in Shopify
• Check Shopify billing settings
• Review app billing status
• Contact app support for billing questions

Performance Optimization

App Loading Speed

Shopify Apps are optimized for performance, but you can help:

• Minimize active apps - Only keep what you use
• Update themes regularly - Latest versions are faster
• Optimize images - Reduce storefront load
• Use app features efficiently - Avoid overly complex rules

Monitoring Performance

Tools to track app impact:

• Shopify Analytics - Overall store performance
• Google PageSpeed Insights - Storefront speed
• Shopify Admin Speed Score - Available in Settings

Security Best Practices

App Access Control

• Limit admin accounts - Only give access to trusted staff
• Review app permissions regularly - Audit installed apps
• Remove unused apps - Uninstall apps you’re not using
• Use strong passwords - Protect Shopify admin access

Data Privacy

• Review privacy policies - Understand how app handles data
• GDPR compliance - Ensure apps meet regulations
• Customer consent - Transparent about data usage
• Regular audits - Check what data apps access

Next Steps

After Installation

1. Complete app-specific setup:

   • Rulebase Getting Started

2. Explore features:

   • Review product documentation
   • Watch tutorial videos (if available)
   • Test with sample data

3. Go live:

   • Test thoroughly in preview mode
   • Verify on actual devices
   • Monitor performance after launch

4. Optimize:

   • Review analytics
   • Adjust configurations
   • Iterate based on customer feedback

Additional Resources

• Shopify Requirements - Prerequisites checklist
• Platform Overview - All Commerce Apps for Shopify
• Support Resources - Get help

Installation help needed? Contact support for personalized assistance.