How to Create a Development Store in Shopify—and Why You Should
Learn how to create a development store in Shopify to test apps, themes, and customizations. Explore the advantages of using Shopify’s platform for building and experimenting.


Updated December 12, 2024.

Learning how to create a development store in Shopify is one of the most valuable things you can do as a Shopify developer. Development stores are simple free accounts in Shopify where you can experiment with different Shopify apps and themes, explore website functionality, and even set up accounts for clients.
Shopify partners gain access to unlimited development stores, providing a sandbox for testing and refining virtually any theme or app they create. This access simplifies development and improves the quality of client deliverables.
» Improve your Shopify store by taking control of your Shopify store through automation
What is a Development Store in Shopify?
A development store in Shopify is a free account designed for Shopify Partners to build, test, and experiment with online stores. These stores provide a safe and risk-free environment to explore different themes, apps, and features without the need for a paid plan.
Pros
- Experimentation: Allows you to freely experiment with apps and themes in a controlled environment, providing access to most of Shopify’s advanced features.
- Client site setup: Lets you set up a complete store for a client, test its functionality, and share it without needing to pay for an external license.
- Exploring new features: You can get early access to new features in Shopify by enabling Developer Preview, allowing you to experiment before release.
- Skill development: Gain practical experience managing stores, testing custom code, and refining themes without risks.
Cons
- Free apps only: You can only install free apps or partner-approved apps, limiting your options.
- Bogus Test Gateway: Orders can only be processed using the Bogus Test Gateway or in test mode—real transactions are not possible.
- Password page: The password page cannot be removed, restricting access to the store.
- Limited real-world testing: Testing is not as comprehensive as a live store, especially when it comes to transactions and customer interactions.
» Here's everything you need to know about selling products with your development store on Shopify
How to Create a Development Store in Shopify
The first thing you'll need to create development stores in Shopify is a Partner account, which impacts the cost of setting up a development store. Partners have complete access to the Shopify development store landscape, as well as other benefits like partner-preferred apps, documentation, and affiliate rewards.
You can create a Shopify Partner account by visiting the Partner Program page and filling out the form provided. You'll need to enter your email address and a few other details.
Once you have your Shopify Partner account, you can create as many development stores as you like. Start by logging in to your Shopify Partner dashboard, then follow these steps:
- Click Stores.
- Choose Add Store.
- Select Development store as your store type.
- Give your store a name, URL, and password. You can also enter a purpose for the store.
- Click Save.
Pro Tip: When you create a development store, you can also enable Developer Preview to gain access to new features for Shopify, so you can experiment with them before they're released to merchants. You can also archive your development stores by clicking the name of the store you want to archive in the Stores tab and then clicking Archive.
» Want to start practicing test orders in you development store? Check out our step-by-step guide
How to Transfer Ownership of a Development Store
One of the most common reasons to create a development store is to create something for a client. Once you've tested that your store works, you can transfer ownership of the domain to the customer in a few simple steps.
Start by logging in to your Partner dashboard, then:
- Click Stores.
- Choose Actions next to the store you want to transfer.
- Select Transfer ownership.
- In the Transfer dialog box, choose your client from the list of eligible accounts created for your store.
- If your client isn't a staff member yet, you can click Add staff account to do so.
- Click Transfer store.
» Do you have more than one Shopify store? Here's everything you need to know about managing multiple stores
Best Practices for Shopify Development Stores
- Focus on testing: Use development stores strictly for testing apps, themes, and store functionality, not for live transactions.
- Enable developer preview: Test new Shopify features early by enabling the Developer Preview option.
- Limit installed apps: Keep apps to a minimum, installing only what’s necessary for testing and optimization.
- Use custom domains: Assign custom domains to make testing more realistic and ensure proper domain functionality.
- Archive unused stores: Regularly archive development stores you no longer need to keep your dashboard organized.
» Check out these tips to make your Shopify store an even better one
The Value of Shopify Development Stores
Shopify development stores offer developers a risk-free environment to experiment, create, and test, allowing for the refinement of skills and the building of customized solutions for clients. With features like unlimited test orders and early access to new tools, these stores are essential for exploring Shopify's capabilities and improving customer experience.
While there are limitations, such as the inability to process real transactions or remove the password page, the benefits of using development stores far outweigh these drawbacks. They remain a valuable asset for developers looking to enhance their expertise and streamline client projects.
» Learn more about Egnition's automated solutions to improve your Shopify store