I have built a non-embedded Shopify partner app. When I create a custom app, I’m able to edit the merchant’s theme. Similarly, if I create a public app and list it in the Shopify App Store, will Shopify allow me to edit the merchant’s theme code if I request the necessary permissions during installation?
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Hey @Shivraj_Patil, the write_themes scope is restricted for public apps distributed through the App Store. Starting with Admin API 2023-04, this scope requires special approval, and exemptions are only granted for specific use cases.
For public apps that need to interact with themes, theme app extensions are the required approach. This is actually mandated for App Store submission if your app integrates with themes.
For context: theme app extensions provide a cleaner integration path because they don’t modify theme code directly. This means merchants can add and configure your app blocks through the theme editor without touching any code, your integration works across all Online Store 2.0 themes with one set of logic, and when merchants uninstall your app, your blocks are automatically removed with no leftover code.
We have a tutorial here which walks through creating app blocks or app embed blocks depending on your use case. Build theme app extensions
If you believe your app truly requires direct theme code access and fits one of the exemption categories, you can submit an exemption request, but theme app extensions handle most scenarios and provide a better merchant experience.
Hey Shivraj. Marking this as solved for now, but do reply if you have any further questions!