App Integrations
Learn how to integrate third-party apps with Brave. Covers common apps, best practices, and troubleshooting.
Overview
Brave works with most Shopify apps out of the box. This guide helps you integrate popular apps while maintaining theme performance and design consistency.
App Types
1. App Blocks (Recommended)
Modern apps use Shopify's App Blocks system. These:
- Insert automatically with no code changes
- Appear in the Theme Editor
- Are easy to position and configure
- Don't break during theme updates
Look for App Blocks support when choosing apps. Check the app listing for "Theme app extensions" or "App blocks".
2. Code Injection Apps
Older apps may require manual code insertion:
- JavaScript added to theme.liquid
- Snippets added to product templates
- Custom CSS modifications
These require more care during theme updates.
Common App Integrations
Reviews Apps
Popular options: Judge.me, Loox, Stamped.io, Yotpo
Use App Blocks if Available
Most review apps now offer app blocks. Add them directly in the Theme Editor to product pages.
Alternative: Use Brave's Reviews
Brave includes a native Reviews section. If you don't need advanced features (photo reviews, emails), consider using the built-in option.
Star Ratings on Product Cards
Some review apps add stars to product cards. Check their documentation for theme-specific instructions.
Performance impact: Review apps can add significant JavaScript. Test page speed before and after installation.
Email/Popup Apps
Popular options: Klaviyo, Omnisend, Privy, OptinMonster
Consider Brave's Built-in Popup
Brave includes a Newsletter Popup section with time-based and exit-intent triggers. This may eliminate the need for a third-party app.
Disable Conflicting Popups
If using an app popup AND Brave's popup, disable one to avoid double popups.
Email Provider Integration
Connect your email provider (Klaviyo, Mailchimp) via Shopify's customer notifications or app connections.
Wishlist Apps
Popular options: Wishlist Plus, Swym, Smart Wishlist
Check Heart Icon Support
Most wishlist apps hook into product card heart icons. Test that clicking wishlist buttons works correctly.
App Block Integration
Add wishlist app blocks to product pages for full functionality.
Size Guide Apps
Popular options: Kiwi Sizing, Size Matters
Add as App Block
Most size guide apps offer app blocks. Add to your product template near the variant selector.
Custom Integration
If manual setup is required, add the app snippet after the variant selector in the product template.
Live Chat Apps
Popular options: Tidio, Gorgias, Zendesk
Standard Installation
Chat apps typically work automatically after installation. The chat widget appears in the corner of every page.
Performance Consideration
Chat widgets can impact performance. Consider:
- Loading chat only after user interaction
- Delaying chat widget loading
- Using a simple contact form instead
Currency & Translation Apps
Popular options: Currency Converter Plus, Langify, Weglot
Currency Switcher
Brave includes a currency selector in the header. Most currency apps work with this.
Multi-Language
Translation apps typically replace text sitewide. Test all pages after installation.
Subscription Apps
Popular options: Recharge, Bold Subscriptions, Appstle
App Block on Product Page
Add subscription options via app blocks on the product template.
Cart Integration
Subscription apps modify cart behavior. Test the entire checkout flow.
Installing App Blocks
Install the App
Install and configure the app from the Shopify App Store.
Open Theme Editor
Go to Online Store → Themes → Customize.
Navigate to Relevant Page
Go to the page where you want the app (usually product page).
Add App Block
Click "Add block" and look for the app's blocks under "Apps".
Position and Configure
Drag the block to your preferred position. Configure settings as needed.
Troubleshooting App Issues
App Not Appearing
- Check installation — Is the app fully installed and enabled?
- Check theme support — Does the app support Shopify 2.0 themes?
- Add app block — Did you add the app block in the Theme Editor?
- Check visibility settings — Some apps hide on certain pages
App Breaks Theme Design
- Use app blocks — Native integration usually looks better
- Customize app styling — Most apps offer color/font customization
- Add custom CSS — Override app styles to match your theme
- Contact app support — They may have theme-specific instructions
App Slows Down Site
- Measure impact — Test PageSpeed before and after the app
- Delay loading — Some apps offer lazy loading options
- Remove unused features — Disable features you don't need
- Consider alternatives — Is there a lighter-weight option?
App Stopped Working After Theme Update
- Re-add app blocks — Sometimes blocks need to be re-added
- Check app documentation — Look for update instructions
- Contact app support — They can help debug
- Check code changes — If you modified code, redo changes
Best Practices
Before Installing Apps
- [ ] Do you really need this app?
- [ ] Can Brave's built-in features replace it?
- [ ] Does it support App Blocks?
- [ ] What's the performance impact?
- [ ] Is the app well-reviewed and maintained?
Maintaining App Integrations
- Document which apps you've installed
- Note any custom code changes made
- Test apps after theme updates
- Keep apps updated
- Remove apps you no longer use
Performance Recommendations
Summary
| App Type | Recommendation | |----------|----------------| | Reviews | Judge.me or Brave built-in | | Newsletter Popup | Brave built-in or Klaviyo (not both) | | Wishlist | Wishlist Plus (App Block version) | | Size Guide | Kiwi Sizing (App Block) | | Chat | Tidio or Gorgias with delayed loading | | Subscriptions | Recharge or Appstle (App Block) |
Less is more. Every app adds code to your store. Only install apps that provide clear value, and regularly audit your installed apps.