Can I use Shopify apps with website built with Hydrogen?

Yes, you can use Shopify apps with a website built using Hydrogen, but there are some important considerations:

How Shopify Apps Work with Hydrogen

Unlike traditional Shopify themes, Hydrogen is a headless framework, meaning it doesn’t natively support Shopify apps in the same way a Liquid-based theme does. However, you can still integrate many Shopify apps into your Hydrogen storefront using APIs.

Ways to Use Shopify Apps with Hydrogen

1. GraphQL Storefront API

• Many Shopify apps expose their data via Shopify’s GraphQL Storefront API or Admin API.

• If an app provides data relevant to your storefront (e.g., reviews, product recommendations, or subscriptions), you can fetch that data and display it in Hydrogen.

2. App Proxies

• Some apps support app proxies, which allow third-party apps to expose their functionality through a Shopify store’s domain.

• You can use this to embed certain app functionalities in Hydrogen.

3. Custom Integrations via Webhooks

• Many Shopify apps provide webhooks to sync data with external systems.

• You can use these webhooks to fetch and display real-time app data in your Hydrogen storefront.

4. Embedding Widgets and Scripts

• Some Shopify apps provide JavaScript widgets (e.g., chatbots, pop-ups, tracking scripts) that you can include in your Hydrogen project like any other web script.

Limitations

• No Direct App UI in Shopify Admin: Many Shopify apps integrate directly into Shopify’s Liquid storefront, which Hydrogen does not use. So, some apps may require workarounds.

• Checkout Extensions: Hydrogen storefronts use Shopify Checkout, so any apps modifying the checkout process must use Shopify Functions or Checkout Extensibility.

• Limited Plug-and-Play Apps: Unlike Liquid-based themes, most Shopify apps won’t work automatically with Hydrogen; they may require API-based custom integration.

Best Practices for Using Shopify Apps with Hydrogen

• Check if the app provides API support for storefront integration.

• Use Shopify App Proxies when available.

• Implement GraphQL API calls to fetch data from apps that support it.

• Use Hydrogen middleware for dynamic data fetching.

• Rely on Shopify Functions for checkout customizations.

Conclusion

Yes, you can use Shopify apps with a Hydrogen storefront, but it often requires custom API integration instead of traditional app installations. If you’re heavily reliant on Shopify apps, ensure they provide API endpoints or alternative methods to work with a headless setup.