Integrating Apps into OS 3.0 Themes

In OS 3.0 themes, you can integrate apps into your store using two methods: App block and App embed. These integration options let you customize how apps appear and function on your storefront, helping you build a more flexible and engaging shopping experience.

Each method offers unique advantages and limitations, depending on your theme structure, app functionality, and use case. This guide will help you understand the differences between App block and App embed, how to set them up in the theme editor, and which app features support each integration method.

Understanding App Integration Types

This section compares the core differences between App block and App embed, including their features, flexibility, and level of developer-driven customization.

Setting Up App Blocks

App blocks allow you to insert app-provided features into specific sections of the storefront, such as product pages or homepages. You can drag and drop these blocks to adjust their order based on your layout preferences.

How to Enable an App Block

1. From your SHOPLINE admin panel, go to Online Store > Design. 

   

2. In the My theme tab, locate the Current theme section and click Design.

   

3. In the theme editor, you have two methods to add an app block:

Method 1: Adding an App Block under a Page Module

1.  

   1. Click the Component icon in the left sidebar. Under the corresponding page module, click Add component, then switch to the Apps tab to select the app you want to add.

      

   2. The selected app will now appear within the corresponding page module. Configure its settings as needed, and click Save to apply your changes.

      

Method 2: Adding an App Block within a Section

1.  

   1. Navigate to the target section (for example, the Product information section under Product), then click the + icon next to the corresponding page section. Switch to the Apps tab and select the app you want to add.

      

   2. The selected app will now appear within the specified block. Configure its settings as needed, and click Save to apply your changes.

      

Managing App Blocks for Uninstalled Apps

When you install or copy an OS 3.0 theme that includes App blocks from apps not yet installed in your store, SHOPLINE ensures your layout remains intact while guiding you through the setup.

How to Restore a Missing App Block

If an app block in the Theme Editor is disabled and displays the message: "Can’t retrieve app data. Make sure {App name} is installed and enabled.", follow these steps to restore it:

1. Click the App Name link within the error message.
2. You will be redirected to the SHOPLINE App Store. Complete the installation and activation.
3. Return to the Theme Editor; the block will automatically refresh and become active with your original configurations preserved.

Setting Up App Embeds

App embeds allow you to enable app functionality across your entire storefront without needing to add them to a specific section.

How to Enable an App Embed

1. From your SHOPLINE admin panel, go to Online Store > Design. 

   

2. In the My theme tab, find the Current theme section and click Design.

   

3. In the theme editor, click the App embeds icon in the left sidebar. Toggle on the app you want to activate and click Save to apply your changes.

   

Supported Apps by Integration Type

This section lists all supported app features in the theme editor by functionality, along with the applicable integration methods (App Block or App Embed).