--- title: Create dev stores description: Learn how dev stores can be used to build and test Shopify apps. source_url: html: 'https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores' md: 'https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md' --- ExpandOn this page * [Dev stores vs client transfer stores](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#dev-stores-vs-client-transfer-stores) * [Requirements](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#requirements) * [Create a dev store](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#create-a-dev-store) * [Store access](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#store-access) * [Feature previews](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#feature-previews) * [Limitations](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#limitations) # Create dev stores Dev stores are a crucial part of the Shopify development process. They let you build and test your apps in a safe environment without affecting production stores. You can connect directly to a dev store from Shopify CLI using the `shopify app dev` command. Running `app dev` previews changes to your app without deploying a new version to production stores. *** ## Dev stores vs client transfer stores If you’re building or testing an app, use a dev store. If you’re preparing a store to hand off to a client, use a client transfer store. | Store type | Primary use | Managed in | Transferable to a merchant | | - | - | - | - | | Dev store | App development and testing with Shopify CLI. | Dev Dashboard | No ❌ | | Client transfer store | Build a store to hand off to a client (formerly affiliate/transferrable). | Partner Dashboard | Yes ✅ | *** ## Requirements Before you begin, ensure you have the following: * A Shopify store or Partner account. * [Permissions](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/user-permissions) to access the Dev Dashboard and create stores. You will need the **Create and manage dev stores** permission to create a dev store. * Dev stores can be created on any Shopify plan. *** ## Create a dev store 1. Log in to the [Dev Dashboard](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard#accessing-the-dev-dashboard). 2. Click **Dev stores**. 3. Click **Add dev store** to begin the store creation process. 4. Enter a name for your dev store. This name is used to identify the store in the Dev Dashboard. 5. Select a plan for your dev store. You can choose from the following options: * **Basic** * **Grow** * **Advanced** * **Plus** 1. Optional: Select **Test a feature preview**. You can choose a [feature preview](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/feature-previews) to test capabilities that aren't available to all stores yet. 2. Click **Create store**. Your store is created with the selected plan and build version. 3. Log in to your dev store. *** ## Store access The CLI and Dev Dashboard display a list of dev stores in which the user is a member. When a user creates a dev store, they are automatically designated as the [store's owner](https://help.shopify.com/manual/your-account/users/roles/roles-managed-by-shopify/owner-roles). Additional users must be added to the store as [staff members](https://help.shopify.com/manual/your-account/users/invite-users). *** ## Feature previews You can enable a feature preview on a dev store to test capabilities that aren't available to all stores yet. Learn more about [feature previews](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/feature-previews). When a feature preview is enabled on a dev store, you don't have access to [domains](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/domains). *** ## Limitations Dev stores are intended for development and testing purposes only. They can't be used for production purposes and can't process real transactions. Dev stores have the following limitations: * You can only install free apps and partner-friendly apps. * You can't install custom or draft apps on client transfer stores. Create a dev store in the Dev Dashboard to build and test your app. * You can test orders using the [Bogus Test gateway](https://help.shopify.com/en/partners/manage-clients-stores/development-stores/test-orders-in-dev-stores#testing-using-bogus-gateway), or by [activating test mode for your payment provider](https://help.shopify.com/en/partners/manage-clients-stores/development-stores/test-orders-in-dev-stores#testing-orders-using-shopify-payments-test-mode). You can't test orders using real transactions through active payment providers. Learn more about testing orders in dev stores. * You can't remove the [password page](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/password-page), or show a custom password page. You can still customize the password page and preview it. *** * [Dev stores vs client transfer stores](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#dev-stores-vs-client-transfer-stores) * [Requirements](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#requirements) * [Create a dev store](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#create-a-dev-store) * [Store access](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#store-access) * [Feature previews](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#feature-previews) * [Limitations](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/development-stores.md#limitations)