When you want to set detailed conditions for discounts, shipping, and payment methods in Shopify, there are times when the standard features alone cannot handle the situation. In that case, Shopify Functions is an option.
In this article, we will summarize the overview of Shopify Functions, what it can do, how it differs from Shopify Scripts, and how to introduce it.
What are Shopify Functions?
Shopify Functions is a system that allows you to insert unique rules for each store into the judgment process that Shopify automatically performs behind the scenes at the time of purchase (which discount to apply, which shipping method to display, whether to confirm the order, etc.).
It is not a function that changes the appearance of the screen, but is characterized by the ability to intervene in Shopify's internal processing itself, and is used in areas such as discounts, shipping, payments, and validation that are difficult to handle with standard functions alone.
Source: Shopify's official YouTube channel
Reference information
- Extend checkout in more ways with the latest from Shopify Functions and checkout UI extensions｜Shopify's official YouTube channel
- About Shopify Functions｜Shopify dev
Positioning of Shopify Functions
When you want to adjust the checkout area in Shopify, there is more than one way to do it. If you want to change the appearance, you can adjust the logo, colors, fonts, etc. in checkout and in the account editor. Additionally, there are ways to expand functionality by adding apps.
Among these, Shopify Functions is an option when you want more control over discounts, shipping, payments, and purchase conditions. It is mainly used for the following customizations.
- Discount condition settings
- Display/hide and sort shipping methods
- Show/hide and sort payment methods
- Checking conditions at cart and checkout
Shopify Functions is basically used through an app.
Using Shopify Functions doesn't necessarily require store owners to write code. Basically, the app provider provides an app that incorporates Functions, and the store installs and configures the app.
The first thing you need to think about is organizing what you want to control within your cart and checkout pages. Once you have a clear idea of what you want to do, it will be easier to decide whether an existing app is sufficient or whether you need to develop it individually.
See what you can do with Shopify Functions by application
Shopify Functions can do different things depending on the purpose. Check out the scenarios that apply to your store.
Discounts can be customized in detail
One of the typical uses of Shopify Functions is discounts. It becomes easier to assemble discount logic that is difficult to express using standard functions alone, such as discounts based on purchase quantity, discounts that apply only to carts with specific conditions, and rules that combine with order and delivery conditions.
You can separate shipping and payments
Shipping and payment controls are also common areas where Shopify Functions are used. You can narrow down delivery methods based on purchase details and customer conditions, hide specific payment methods, and change the sort order. Conditions that were previously checked manually after receiving an order can be reflected before purchase, which also helps reduce the operational burden.
Check purchase conditions
Shopify Functions also supports conditional checks at cart and checkout. For example, operations such as stopping purchases for certain combinations or implementing controls based on order amount and product conditions. Stores that require more post-purchase checks and corrections will be able to lower response costs by establishing rules in advance.
Differences with Shopify Scripts
When investigating Shopify Functions, be sure to also check the differences from Shopify Scripts.
Especially for stores that have traditionally used Scripts on Shopify Plus, it's important to understand not only the differences in functionality, but also the need to migrate.
Key differences between Shopify Functions and Shopify Scripts
The main differences between the two are:
| item | Shopify Scripts | Shopify Functions |
|---|---|---|
| How to provide | Create and manage with the Script Editor app | Distribute and manage via app |
| How to use | Code editing required | No code editing required when using the app |
| Usage period | Abolished on June 30, 2026 | Current recommendations |
| Number of simultaneous releases | Only one of each type | Multiple activations possible at the same time (*Upper limit applies) |
| Supported functions | ・Line item discount ・Customize delivery method ・Customize payment method |
・Line item discount ・Customize delivery method ・Customize payment method ・Checkout validation |
| limit | Buy Button/Facebook sales channel not supported | no limit |
Available plans
The availability of Shopify Functions depends on the type of app.
Functions included in public apps distributed in the Shopify App Store are available on all plans. However, if you want to use Functions in a custom app that addresses your store's specific requirements, you'll need a Shopify Plus plan.
Additionally, some features, such as setting payment terms (such as online payments), are exclusive to Shopify Plus.
Shopify Scripts is scheduled to end on June 30, 2026
Shopify Scripts is scheduled to be retired on June 30, 2026, after which it will no longer work. If your store currently uses Scripts to customize discounts, shipping, and payments, it's important to organize your migration strategy now.
If you have Script Editor installed, you can check where scripts are currently being used from the report. For instructions on how to migrate, see the Shopify help page "Migrating from Shopify Scripts to Shopify FunctionsPlease check.
How to implement Shopify Functions
There are two main ways to implement Shopify Functions. Public app deployment is available on all plans and requires Shopify Plus for custom app development. First, check whether the standard functions are compatible, and then decide which one to choose after sorting out the necessary conditions.
Install a public app using Shopify Functions
If standard functionality is not enough, but your requirements are not too complex, it is practical to check the public app first. The Shopify App Store has apps for checkout extensions and apps that support Shopify Functions. The advantage is that even non-engineers can easily configure settings from the management screen, reducing the hurdles to implementation.
Apps that are compatible with Shopify Functions can be found in the app store.Checkout extension app"or"Shopify FunctionsYou can check from the page.
In addition, the following apps in our Shopify app series "RuffRuff" are compatible with Shopify Functions. Please try it.
- RuffRuff Order Limits:Shopify app that allows you to implement any purchase restrictions
- RuffRuff Order Bonus: All kinds of promotional measures (discounts and gift distribution)Shopify apps that can make it happen
- RuffRuff 予約販売:Shopify app that allows you to perform all kinds of sales (pre-order sales, limited-time sales, member-only sales, etc.)
- RuffRuff Selling Periods:Shopify app that allows you to realize release announcements and limited-time sales
If you have many unique rules, consider a custom app.
If a public app doesn't meet your requirements, you should consider a custom app for your company. For example, if you want to make a judgment by combining multiple product attributes, customer categories, delivery conditions, payment conditions, etc.
However, to use Shopify Functions in your custom app, you need Shopify Plus. First of all, it is easy to understand the flow of checking whether the existing application is sufficient, and if it is still difficult, proceeding to individual development.
summary
Shopify Functions is a mechanism that allows you to insert your own rules into Shopify's internal processing, making it a powerful option in situations where standard functions alone are insufficient, such as adjusting discounts, shipping, payment, and checkout conditions.
In particular, if you are currently customizing with Shopify Scripts, it is important to consider migrating to Functions or compatible apps by June 30, 2026.
When considering new checkout customizations, it will be easier to make decisions if you organize them in this order: standard functions first, then public apps, and if that is still difficult, custom apps.
