Custom Shopify app development
A workflow no off-the-shelf app supports, or an app stack that has grown too heavy.
In short
Lintel builds custom Shopify apps: software built around how one store actually works, installed only on that store (or the stores in one Plus organization). Our founder also builds and runs three public apps on the Shopify App Store, so the same engineering is behind both.
What we build
- Private apps for one store that replace several partial apps with one tool built for your workflow.
- Admin extensions so the tool lives inside the Shopify admin your team already uses.
- Theme app extensions that add app features to the storefront without editing theme code by hand.
- Replacements for apps that are shutting down or no longer maintained.
- Shopify Functions packaged in the app when checkout logic is part of the job. See Shopify Functions development.
Custom or public: the first decision
Shopify offers two ways to distribute an app, and the choice can’t be changed later. Custom distribution installs an app on a single store, or on the stores in one Plus organization, through a link; it needs no App Store review but can’t charge through Shopify’s Billing API. Public distribution lists the app on the Shopify App Store for any merchant, after app review. Most apps built for one merchant use custom distribution.
Custom apps can no longer be created directly in the Shopify admin: a new one is built as a Shopify app and given custom distribution. Existing admin-created apps keep working.
Apps our founder built and runs
BlogPilot AI, AgentRank and Stockcast are listed on the Shopify App Store under “Apps by Karakaya”. They are the founder’s own products, not client projects, and each went through Shopify’s app review. See them on the work page.
What to send us
Your store URL, the apps you use today for this job, and what the workflow should do in plain words: who uses it, what goes in and what should come out.
How an enquiry works
- Send a short briefTell us about the store and what isn’t working.
- We review itUsually within 24 hours.
- Scope and pricingWe discuss what the work involves and what it costs.
- Go ahead if there’s a fitThe project starts once scope and price are agreed.
Gencer KarakayaFounder & Shopify Engineer
Every brief is reviewed by the founder.
Questions
- What is the difference between a custom app and an App Store app?
- A custom app is installed on one store, or the stores in one Plus organization, through an install link and needs no App Store review. A public app is listed on the Shopify App Store for any merchant and goes through app review. The distribution method can’t be changed after it’s chosen.
- Can I still create a custom app in the Shopify admin?
- No. New custom apps are built as Shopify apps with custom distribution. Custom apps created in the admin earlier keep working.
- Does a custom app with Shopify Functions need Shopify Plus?
- Yes. Only Shopify Plus stores can use custom apps that contain Shopify Functions; stores on any plan can use App Store apps that contain them.