Shopify App Development for Workflows No Marketplace App Covers
Custom apps, private apps for internal workflows, and public apps built for the Shopify App Store — our team builds against the Shopify Admin API and Storefront API, following Shopify Polaris standards, so your app is fast, secure, and merchant-friendly from day one.
Custom App vs. Public App vs. Private App
A Shopify app development company builds applications that extend what a Shopify store can do — beyond internal app usage, this includes public App Store apps, automated workflows, and improvements to checkout, integrations, and reporting. There are three distinct categories worth understanding before you decide what to build.
Public apps are built for any merchant and listed on the Shopify App Store — think of apps like Klaviyo for email marketing or Privy for popups. Building one means designing for merchant-friendly UX, handling a billing setup, and passing Shopify's app review and approval process.
Custom apps — what Shopify used to call private apps before phasing that model out in January 2022 for security reasons — are tailor-made applications built exclusively for a single Shopify store to solve a specific operational, marketing, or integration need. They're not listed anywhere and are only accessible to the store they're built for. Custom apps are the right call when a workflow is proprietary: internal dashboards, automation tools, ERP or CRM connections, custom validation rules, discount engines, or order-routing logic.
Whichever direction fits, we build using the Shopify Admin API for backend functionality and the Storefront API for front-end interaction, following Shopify Polaris design guidelines so the app UI feels native to the Shopify admin rather than bolted on.
Apps Built for Real Business Problems
We build apps for revenue growth, automation, merchant UX, and scalable operations — not features for their own sake.
Custom (Private) Apps
Apps built exclusively for your store — internal dashboards, automation tools, and custom workflows.
Public App Development
Apps built and submitted for listing on the Shopify App Store, with billing and approval support.
API & Backend Integrations
Connect Shopify to ERP, CRM, fulfillment, and accounting systems securely via the Admin API.
Merchant-Friendly UX
Built with Shopify Polaris so your app's interface feels native to the Shopify admin.
Automation & Workflow Apps
Apps that automate order routing, tagging, discount logic, and repetitive manual tasks.
App Consulting & Architecture
Planning support to validate your idea, choose the right architecture, and scope features before development.
Every App Development Project Includes
App consulting to validate the idea and plan architecture
UI/UX design following Shopify Polaris guidelines
Admin API and Storefront API integration as needed
OAuth authentication and secure data handling
Billing setup for public apps, where applicable
QA testing across desktop and mobile
Shopify App Store submission and approval support
Post-launch support and maintenance window
Which One Does Your Business Need?
| What You Need | Public App | Custom (Private) App |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Any Shopify merchant can install | Built exclusively for your store |
| Approval process | Requires Shopify App Store review | No public review required |
| Feature scope | Designed for general use cases | Built around your exact workflow |
| Revenue model | Can charge merchants via billing API | Internal tool, no billing needed |
| Best for | Solving a common problem at scale | A proprietary process only you have |
From Idea to App Store or Live Tool
Validate & Scope
We validate the app idea, choose the right architecture, and scope the feature set before building.
Polaris UI/UX
Interface design following Shopify Polaris, so the app feels native inside the Shopify admin.
Build & Integrate
Development against the Admin and Storefront APIs, with OAuth authentication and secure data handling.
Test & Submit
QA testing, App Store submission support if public, and a post-launch support window.
Our App Development Stack
App Development Plans for Every Scope
Basic App
For a single-feature custom or private app
- App consulting and scoping
- Single-feature app development
- Admin API integration
- QA testing and documentation
Full App Build
For a multi-feature app, or a public App Store submission
- Full Polaris UI/UX design
- Admin + Storefront API integration
- Billing setup for public apps
- App Store submission support
- 4 weeks post-launch support
Every Shopify Service Under One Roof
App Development is one part of a larger set of services — explore what else we offer for your store.
What Clients Are Saying
"We had a great experience working with Digital Rangers on our Shopify website. They understood our jewellery business requirements and developed a dynamic pricing solution that works well with our products."
"We've been working with Digital Rangers for the past year, and they did a great job building our Shopify website. Their team is responsive, professional, and provides excellent ongoing Shopify support and improvements."
"Digital Rangers has been supporting us with development, maintenance, and performance marketing for the past 6 months. They are responsive, easy to work with, and always willing to help whenever we need changes."
We've Got the Answers
Public apps are available to any merchant via the Shopify App Store. Custom apps are built exclusively for one store to solve a specific need, and are not listed publicly.
Shopify phased out the old "private app" authentication model in January 2022 for security reasons. Custom apps replaced them with the same capabilities but stronger, token-based security.
Basic apps typically start in the low thousands of dollars, scaling up with feature complexity, integrations, and whether the app needs App Store submission and billing setup. Book a call and we'll scope your specific requirement.
Yes — we build to Shopify's App Store requirements from the start and support you through the submission and review process.
Yes — we handle the Storefront API for customer-facing functionality and the Admin API for backend and merchant-facing features, end to end.
Yes — we build integrations connecting Shopify to mobile apps, ERPs, CRMs, and other third-party systems using secure API connections.
Yes — Shopify updates its APIs periodically, so apps benefit from regular review. We offer maintenance retainers to keep custom and public apps compatible over time.
Need a Shopify App That Solves a Real Problem?
We build apps for revenue growth, automation, merchant UX, and scalable operations — tell us what you're trying to solve.
Book a Free Strategy Call
Book a Meeting
Quick Chat