Setting Up Shopify Scripts: A Guide for Shopify Plus Stores

Introduction

Shopify Scripts allow Shopify Plus merchants to customize checkout and cart logic beyond the built-in features of Shopify. By writing small snippets of Ruby code that run on Shopify’s servers, you can create personalized discounts, custom shipping logic, and dynamic payment options—all without external apps or complex integrations. In this guide, we’ll cover how Scripts work, how to set up your development environment, write and test Scripts using the Shopify Script Editor, and deploy them safely to your live store. Whether you want tiered discounts, “buy one, get one” deals, or conditional shipping rates, Shopify Scripts unlock powerful, on-the-fly customizations in your checkout experience.

1. Understanding Shopify Scripts

1.1 What Are Shopify Scripts?

• Definition: Small Ruby programs that run during the checkout process on Shopify Plus stores.
• Scope: Scripts can modify prices, shipping rates, and payment methods in the cart and during checkout.
• Types of Scripts:
  • Line Item Scripts: Adjust line-item prices or quantities (e.g., bulk-purchase discounts).
  • Shipping Scripts: Customize shipping options or rates based on cart contents or customer attributes.
  • Payment Scripts: Show or hide payment methods or apply additional fees or discounts to payment options.

1.2 Why Use Shopify Scripts?

• Performance: Scripts run on Shopify’s infrastructure for minimal latency.
• Flexibility: Tailor promotions and logic to your business rules—beyond Shopify’s standard discount engine.
• Seamless UX: Changes apply instantly in the checkout without redirecting to third-party services.

2. Prerequisites and Development Setup

2.1 Shopify Plus Account

• Requirement: You must be on Shopify Plus, as Scripts are exclusive to Plus stores.

2.2 Install the Shopify Script Editor App

1. In your Shopify Admin, go to Apps → Visit Shopify App Store.
2. Search for “Script Editor” and install the official Shopify app.
3. Open Script Editor from your Apps list.

2.3 Configure Your Local Environment (Optional)

• Shopify CLI: Install @shopify/cli for scripting and theme development. bashCopynpm install -g @shopify/cli
• Version Control: Initialize a Git repository for your Scripts directory to track changes.

3. Writing Your First Script

3.1 Creating a New Script

1. Open the Script Editor app.
2. Click Create Script and choose the script type (e.g., Line items).
3. Select a template—Shopify provides examples like Buy X Get Y or Percentage Discount.

3.2 Script Structure

Basic Ruby Script layout:

rubyCopy# Input: cart object with line_items, shipping_rates, etc.
# Output: modified cart object

# Example: 10% off all items when subtotal exceeds $100
DISCOUNT_THRESHOLD = Money.new(cents: 10_000)
DISCOUNT_RATE = 0.10

if Input.cart.subtotal_price > DISCOUNT_THRESHOLD
  Input.cart.line_items.each do |line_item|
    line_item.change_line_price(
      line_item.line_price * (1 - DISCOUNT_RATE),
      message: "10% off orders over $100"
    )
  end
end

Output.cart = Input.cart

• Input: Contains current cart, line items, shipping rates, customer data.
• Output: Assign modified cart back to Output.cart.

3.3 Common Script APIs

• Input.cart.line_items: Array of items in the cart.
• change_line_price(new_price, message:): Apply discount with a message visible in checkout.
• Input.cart.shipping_rates: Available shipping options.
• remove_shipping_rate(rate): Hide a shipping option.
• Output.payment_gateways: Filter payment methods.

4. Testing and Debugging Scripts

4.1 Use the Script Editor’s Built-In Testing Panel

• Simulate Carts: In the editor sidebar, add test line items with various quantities, prices, and tags.
• Run Script: Click Run Test to see the resulting cart changes—discount amounts, shipping options removed, etc.

4.2 Logging for Debugging

• puts Statements: Insert puts "Debug: #{variable.inspect}" to output values in the Logs tab.
• Review Logs: After running tests, examine logs to verify conditional logic and variable contents.

4.3 Edge Case Testing

• Boundary Values: Test carts just below and above thresholds (e.g., $99 vs. $100) to confirm correct behavior.
• Variant Conditions: Include items with special properties—tags, vendor, or product type—to ensure logic branches handle them.

5. Deploying Scripts to Production

5.1 Version Control and Backups

• Save Versions: Each time you edit, use the Save As New Version feature in the Script Editor.
• Git Integration: Export your scripts locally and commit changes with descriptive messages (e.g., git commit -m "Add 10% off over $100 script").

5.2 Activating Your Script

1. In Script Editor, select the desired version.
2. Click Publish to enable the script for your live checkout.
3. Immediately perform a smoke test in a private browser or staging store to verify behavior.

5.3 Monitoring and Rollback

• Monitoring: After publishing, monitor order data and customer feedback for unexpected outcomes.
• Rollback: If issues arise, revert to a previous version by selecting it in the Script Editor and clicking Publish again.

Conclusion

Shopify Plus Scripts are a powerful way to tailor the checkout and cart experience—enabling customized discounts, shipping rules, and payment options that align precisely with your business goals. By setting up the Script Editor, learning the basic Ruby APIs, and following a disciplined approach to testing and version control, you can deploy robust, flexible Scripts that enhance conversion and customer satisfaction. Start with simple discount logic and gradually explore shipping and payment scripts to unlock the full potential of Shopify’s server-side customization. With proper testing and monitoring, custom Scripts will become an indispensable part of your Shopify Plus toolkit.