If you are planning to build Shopify stores for clients, test themes, develop custom features, or work on integrations without touching live data, a Shopify development store is not optional. It is the foundation of professional Shopify work.
A development store lets you build, break, fix, and refine without risk. It allows you to work before a client pays for a Shopify plan, before products go live, and before real customers see anything. For agencies, freelancers, and in-house teams, this is the environment where real work happens.
This guide explains exactly how to set up a Shopify development store, step by step, with no skipped details and no assumptions. If you follow this from start to finish, you will have a working development store ready for real-world use.
If you are working with or planning to work with a Shopify ecommerce development agency, understanding this process also helps you communicate better and avoid confusion during setup.
What A Shopify Development Store Is Used For
A Shopify development store is a free Shopify store created through a Shopify Partner account. It is not a trial store and it is not limited in the same way as standard test accounts.
Development stores are used for:
- Building full Shopify stores for clients
- Developing and testing themes
- Installing and testing apps
- Creating custom features and integrations
- Preparing a store before transferring ownership to a client
The key difference is that a development store does not require a paid Shopify plan until it is handed off to a client or upgraded for live use.
Who Should Create A Shopify Development Store
Shopify development stores are designed for professionals, not casual users.
They are typically used by:
- Shopify developers
- Designers building themes
- Agencies building stores for clients
- Freelancers offering Shopify services
- Businesses preparing a store internally before launch
If you are working with a Shopify ecommerce development agency, they will almost always create and manage the development store during the build phase.
Create A Shopify Partner Account First
You cannot create a development store without a Shopify Partner account. This is Shopify’s official program for developers, agencies, and service providers.
Step 1: Go to Shopify Partners
Visit the Shopify Partners website and sign up. The signup process is free.
You will need:
- An email address
- Basic business or personal details
- A reason for joining (choose development or client work)
You do not need a registered company to join, but agencies should use their official business information.
Step 2: Confirm your email and log in
Once your email is verified, log in to the Partner Dashboard. This is where all development stores, apps, and client projects are managed.
This dashboard is what separates professional Shopify work from casual store creation.
Start Creating A New Development Store
Once inside the Partner Dashboard, you can create your first development store.
Step 3: Click “Stores” in the dashboard
In the left-hand menu, click “Stores.”
Then click “Add store.”
You will see two options:
- Create a development store
- Add an existing store
Choose “Create a development store.”
Step 4: Select the store purpose
Shopify will ask why you are creating the store.
Choose the option that best fits:
- Building a new store for a client
- Testing or building a theme
- Developing or testing apps
This selection does not lock functionality, but it helps Shopify understand usage patterns.
Enter Basic Store Details
Step 5: Name the development store
You will be asked to enter a store name.
This name:
- Does not have to be final
- Can be changed later
- Will be used to generate the .myshopify.com URL
Use something clear and practical, such as:
- client-name-dev
- brandname-staging
- projectname-test
Avoid random names. Clean naming helps later when managing multiple stores.
Step 6: Set the store URL
Shopify automatically generates the URL based on the name.
Example: yourstorename.myshopify.com
This URL is permanent, so choose carefully. Clients will see this during handover.
Step 7: Choose a store password setting
Development stores are password-protected by default. This is good practice.
Keep the password enabled until the store is ready for review or transfer.
Choose The Store Configuration
Step 8: Select country and default settings
Choose the country where the business will operate. This affects:
- Default tax rules
- Currency
- Shipping settings
Even in development, setting this correctly avoids rework later.
Step 9: Confirm store creation
Once all fields are filled, click “Create development store.”
Shopify will take a few seconds to generate the store. When it’s done, you will be redirected to the Shopify admin panel.
At this point, your development store is live and ready for setup.
Understanding Development Store Limitations
Development stores are powerful, but they have some limits.
You should know:
- You cannot process real payments unless using Shopify test payments
- You cannot remove the “development store” status until upgrading
- Some paid apps may have limitations or require approval
These limits are intentional. They keep development safe and controlled.
A Shopify ecommerce development agency works within these limits daily and plans around them during builds.
Set Up Basic Store Settings First
Before adding products or themes, configure the core settings.
Step 10: Review general settings
Go to Settings > General.
Check:
- Store name
- Contact email
- Business address
- Currency
Even for development, accuracy matters.
Step 11: Configure users and permissions
If multiple people are working on the store:
- Go to Settings > Users and permissions
- Add team members
- Assign appropriate access levels
This is essential for agencies and teams.
Add Test Products For Development
Step 12: Create sample products
Go to Products > Add product.
Create test products with:
- Sample titles
- Placeholder descriptions
- Dummy prices
- Stock quantities
These products are used to:
- Test layouts
- Configure collections
- Validate checkout flows
Do not skip this. A store without products hides real design issues.
Install And Test A Theme
Step 13: Choose a base theme
Go to Online Store > Themes.
You can:
- Install a free Shopify theme
- Upload a custom theme
- Clone a theme for development
Most agencies start with a base theme and customize from there.
Step 14: Customize the theme
Use the theme editor to:
- Adjust layout
- Set colors and fonts
- Configure homepage sections
- Test navigation
This is where most visual development happens.
Set Up Navigation And Pages
Step 15: Create essential pages
Create basic pages such as:
- About
- Contact
- Policies (placeholders are fine)
These pages help test navigation and layout behavior.
Step 16: Configure menus
Go to Online Store > Navigation.
Set up:
- Main menu
- Footer menu
Use realistic structure so the store feels real during testing.
Configure Apps And Integrations
Step 17: Install required apps
Development stores allow app testing.
Install apps for:
- SEO
- Reviews
- Analytics
- Custom features
Some paid apps offer free development access. Others require approval.
This is normal.
Set Up Test Payments And Checkout
Step 18: Enable test payment methods
Go to Settings > Payments.
Enable:
- Shopify Bogus Gateway
- Test credit card numbers
This allows you to test checkout without real transactions.
Never use real payment details in a development store.
This is usually the point where builds slow down if the setup was rushed earlier. Clean development stores save hours later.
If you want this handled properly from the start, TCU can set up and configure your Shopify development store, structure it for growth, and prepare it for smooth client handover. As a Shopify ecommerce development agency, TCU focuses on clean builds, correct configurations, and long-term scalability rather than rushed setups.
Testing Before Client Review
Step 19: Test user flows
Before sharing access:
- Browse as a customer
- Add products to cart
- Test checkout
- Test mobile layout
Write down issues. Fix them now.
Step 20: Review store settings again
Double-check:
- Taxes
- Shipping zones
- Email notifications
- Legal pages
Development stores allow safe testing, so use that advantage.
Preparing For Client Transfer Or Launch
Step 21: Transfer ownership when ready
When the store is approved:
- Go to Settings > Users
- Transfer store ownership to the client
The client will then choose a Shopify plan.
Step 22: Remove development restrictions
Once upgraded:
- Real payments can be enabled
- Password protection can be removed
- Store can go live
This transition should be smooth if the development setup was done correctly.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many problems come from skipping basics.
Avoid:
- Using random store names
- Ignoring settings until the end
- Testing without products
- Forgetting user permissions
- Rushing transfer without final checks
A professional setup prevents these issues.
Why Agencies Follow A Strict Setup Process
A Shopify ecommerce development agency does not improvise store creation. It follows a repeatable process because mistakes cost time and trust.
Clean development stores:
- Reduce bugs
- Speed up builds
- Improve client confidence
- Make future updates easier
That discipline starts with proper setup.
Final Thoughts!
Setting up a Shopify development store is not complicated, but it does require attention to detail. The process is straightforward if you follow the correct steps and understand why each one matters.
Whether you are a solo developer, a growing business, or working with a Shopify ecommerce development agency, knowing how development stores work helps you avoid confusion and wasted effort.
If you want a store that is built properly from day one, supported by a team that understands Shopify inside out, TCU can help you set up, configure, and prepare your Shopify development store the right way. A well-built development environment is the first step toward a successful live store, and Shopify ecommerce development agency support makes that process smoother and more reliable.
