The App Island element allows you to define where Shopify app blocks will be inserted within your Instant sections. This enables seamless integration with third-party apps directly in the Shopify theme editor.
Overview
With the App Island, you specify the exact location where app blocks appear when added through the Shopify theme editor. Based on the apps installed in your Shopify store, you'll see available app blocks when customizing your sections.
Ideal Use Cases
Use Case | Description |
Review apps | Embed product reviews (Judge.me, Loox, Yotpo, etc.) |
Contact forms | Add form widgets from apps |
Trust badges | Insert app-based trust indicators |
Social proof | Embed social proof notifications |
Custom widgets | Any app that provides Shopify app blocks |
How App Island Works
Default Behavior
By default, no app blocks are added to a section
The App Island only renders when app blocks are added in the Shopify theme editor
In Instant's preview mode, the App Island is not visible (reflects the initial state of the section)
After Adding App Blocks
Once you add app blocks in the Shopify theme editor:
The App Island renders in the location you specified
App content displays based on your app's configuration
Each instance of the section can have different app blocks
Getting Started with the App Island Element
Step 1: Insert the App Island
Open the Insert panel through the left sidebar
Navigate to Elements → Embed
Drag the App Island element onto the canvas where you want to embed an app
Step 2: Publish Your Layout
After placing your App Island element on the canvas, publish your layout to make it available in Shopify.
Step 3: Add App Blocks in Shopify
Open the Shopify theme customizer
Navigate to the Instant layout you just published
Click Add block
Select the Apps tab
Choose the app you want to embed into this layout
Important Notes
Note | Description |
Preview visibility | App Island is not visible in Instant's preview mode |
Requires publishing | Layout must be published before adding app blocks |
App availability | Only apps installed in your store appear in the Apps tab |
Per-section configuration | Each section instance can have different app blocks |
Quick Reference
Task | Action |
Insert App Island | Insert panel → Elements → Embed → App Island |
Position App Island | Drag to desired location on canvas |
Publish layout | Click Publish button |
Add app blocks | Shopify theme customizer → Add block → Apps tab |
Workflow Summary
Step | Location | Action |
1 | Instant Builder | Insert App Island element |
2 | Instant Builder | Position where apps should appear |
3 | Instant Builder | Publish layout |
4 | Shopify Customizer | Navigate to published layout |
5 | Shopify Customizer | Add block → Apps tab → Select app |