> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.digifist.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Apps

> App embeds section for integrating third-party Shopify apps

The **Apps** section allows you to embed approved Shopify apps directly into your storefront. Apps can add functionality like reviews, wishlists, size guides, live chat, and more without requiring custom code.

## What this section controls

This section controls app embeds with the following capabilities:

* Integration of third-party Shopify app embeds
* Support for @app blocks from installed apps
* Multiple app blocks in single section
* App-specific settings configured within each app block
* No section-level settings (all configuration in app blocks)
* Automatic app detection from installed Shopify apps
* Ordered rendering of multiple app embeds

<Note>
  Apps must be **app embed-enabled** to appear in this section. Not all Shopify apps support app embeds. Check the app's documentation or Shopify App Store listing.
</Note>

## How It Works

### App Blocks

The Apps section uses **@app blocks** which are special blocks provided by installed Shopify apps. When you install an app that supports app embeds:

1. App automatically appears in Theme Customizer → App embeds (or within sections that support @app blocks)
2. Enable the app in Theme Customizer
3. Configure app settings (if available)
4. App content renders on your storefront

### No Section Settings

This section has **no configurable settings** at the section level. All configuration happens within individual app blocks. Each app provides its own settings and customization options.

### Multiple Apps

Add multiple app blocks to embed several apps in one section. Apps render in order from top to bottom as arranged in Theme Customizer.

## Adding Apps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install app">
    Install an app embed-supported app from Shopify App Store
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Theme Customizer">
    Go to **Online Store → Themes → Customize**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Apps section">
    Click **Add section** and select **Apps** (or navigate to existing Apps section)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add app blocks">
    Click **Add block** within the Apps section → Select installed app from list
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure app">
    Configure app-specific settings provided by the app developer
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Save** to publish changes
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Use Cases

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Product Reviews" icon="star">
    Embed review apps (Judge.me, Yotpo, Loox) to display customer reviews on product pages or homepage.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Wishlist Functionality" icon="heart">
    Add wishlist apps to let customers save products for later without purchasing immediately.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Live Chat Support" icon="messages">
    Integrate live chat apps (Tidio, Gorgias) for real-time customer support across your store.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Size Guides" icon="ruler">
    Embed sizing apps to help customers choose correct sizes, reducing returns and improving satisfaction.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Social Proof" icon="users">
    Display recent purchases, visitor counts, or social media feeds to build trust and urgency.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email Popups" icon="envelope">
    Add email capture popups (Privy, Justuno) to grow your subscriber list with promotions and announcements.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Best practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Limit Number of Apps" icon="list-check">
    Too many apps slow page load time. Use only essential apps to maintain fast performance.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test Performance" icon="gauge-high">
    After adding apps, test page speed with Google PageSpeed Insights. Remove apps that significantly slow your site.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configure App Settings" icon="sliders">
    Each app has its own settings. Configure appearance, behavior, and triggers within app settings panel.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Check Mobile Display" icon="mobile">
    Test how apps display on mobile devices. Some apps may need mobile-specific configuration.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Review App Permissions" icon="shield-check">
    Review what data each app accesses. Only install trusted apps from reputable developers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep Apps Updated" icon="arrows-rotate">
    Update apps regularly in Shopify Admin → Apps to get latest features, fixes, and performance improvements.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common App Types

### Reviews & Ratings

* **Judge.me** - Customer reviews and photo reviews
* **Yotpo** - Reviews, ratings, and user-generated content
* **Loox** - Photo reviews and referral programs
* **Stamped.io** - Product reviews and loyalty rewards

### Wishlist & Favorites

* **Wishlist Plus** - Save products for later
* **Wishlist King** - Advanced wishlist with sharing
* **Swym Wishlist** - Multi-list wishlists

### Live Chat & Support

* **Tidio** - Live chat and chatbots
* **Gorgias** - Helpdesk and live chat
* **Re:amaze** - Customer support platform
* **Zendesk Chat** - Enterprise live chat

### Email & Popups

* **Privy** - Email popups and exit-intent
* **Justuno** - Popup builder and promotions
* **OptiMonk** - Exit-intent popups
* **Klaviyo** - Email marketing integration

### Social Proof

* **Fomo** - Recent purchase notifications
* **Proof Factor** - Social proof notifications
* **Sales Pop** - Live visitor notifications

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="App doesn't appear in Theme Customizer">
    **Solution:** Not all apps support app embeds. Check:

    * App documentation for app embed support
    * Shopify Admin → Apps → Check if app is enabled
    * App may need to be configured in its own settings first
    * Contact app developer if app should support embeds but doesn't appear
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="App not rendering on storefront">
    **Possible causes:**

    * App disabled in Theme Customizer (check Theme Customizer → App embeds)
    * App settings require configuration before displaying
    * App has display rules (e.g., only show on product pages)
    * App may have been uninstalled but block remains (remove block)

    **Solution:** Verify app is enabled in both App embeds section and within Apps section blocks.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Page loading slowly after adding apps">
    **Solution:** Apps add JavaScript and external requests which can slow page load:

    * Remove non-essential apps
    * Check app settings for performance options (lazy loading, async loading)
    * Contact app developer about performance optimization
    * Consider alternative lightweight apps
    * Use Google PageSpeed Insights to identify slow apps
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="App conflicts with theme or other apps">
    **Solution:** App conflicts can cause:

    * Visual layout issues
    * JavaScript errors (check browser console)
    * Features not working

    **Steps:**

    * Disable apps one by one to identify conflict
    * Contact conflicting app developers
    * Check app documentation for known compatibility issues
    * May need to choose one app or the other
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't remove app block">
    **Solution:**

    * Click on app block in Theme Customizer
    * Click trash/delete icon or "Remove block" button
    * If app uninstalled but block remains, manually remove block
    * Save changes after removing
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related Sections

* [Theme Settings](/themes/sahara/common-settings) - Configure global theme styles that affect app appearance

## Key Takeaways

* **No section settings** - Apps section has no configuration; all settings within app blocks
* **App embed support required** - Only apps with app embed functionality appear in Theme Customizer
* **Performance impact** - Each app adds load time; use apps sparingly
* **Individual app settings** - Configure each app within its own settings panel
* **Multiple apps supported** - Add multiple app blocks in one Apps section
* **Mobile testing essential** - Always test app display and functionality on mobile devices

Apps extend your store's functionality without custom code, but choose wisely to maintain fast page performance and good user experience.