I recently opened a store with the starter plan spotlight theme. I sell custom photo magnets/photo keychains so I need an option to have customers upload their photos. I have gone thru all the apps in the Shopify store and all related to file/photo/image/custom upload say they are not compatible with my store. I assume that is because it is a starter plan. I have tried the chat and was given apps to use but they are not compatible. I even looked into editing code but doesn’t seem that is an option on this plan as well. Does anyone know an app or something I can do with a starter plan or be honest and tell me it’s not possible so I can deactivate and move on.
Topic summary
A store owner using Shopify’s Starter Plan with the Spotlight theme needs customers to upload photos for custom magnets and keychains. However, all file upload apps in the Shopify store show as incompatible with the Starter Plan.
Key limitation identified:
The Starter Plan restricts theme code editing and blocks most third-party app installations, making native file upload functionality impossible.
Suggested workarounds:
- Upgrade to Basic Plan – Enables app compatibility and code customization, allowing use of apps like UploadKit, Easify Product Options, or File Upload by Uploadery
- External solutions – Use Google Forms, Typeform, or Dropbox links embedded on product pages for manual photo collection
- Email-based workflow – Request customers email photos after purchase, potentially automated through confirmation email templates
Current status: The store owner confirmed that recommended apps (including Easify) remain incompatible with the Starter Plan, leaving upgrade or external workarounds as the only viable options.
Hey @VictoriaB1 please try this once, i believe this should work and will also be compatible with your theme as spotlight is also i believe a free by within Shopify.
https://youtu.be/3SNoIYeRWSs?si=zmNC3O3DhXXqWlg1
In case you need any help, you have my personal links in the signature below.
Best
Shadab
With the Starter Plan, Shopify restricts customizations, including file uploads and app compatibility. Unfortunately, since you cannot modify the theme code or use most third-party apps, adding a customer photo upload feature isn’t possible on this plan.
Your best option would be to upgrade to the Basic plan, which allows theme editing and supports file upload apps like UploadKit or Form Builder with File Upload. If upgrading isn’t an option, consider using an external form (like Google Forms or Typeform) and linking it on your product pages to collect customer photos manually.
Hi @VictoriaB1
Unfortunately, the Starter plan has significant limitations, including the inability to install most third-party apps and edit code, which makes adding a file upload feature very difficult.
Here are your options:
- Upgrade to the Basic Plan – This unlocks app compatibility and allows custom code, so you can use apps like UploadKit or File Upload by Uploadery for customer uploads.
- Workaround via Email – Ask customers to email their images after purchase and provide order details. You can automate this with a confirmation email template.
- Google Forms or Dropbox – Embed a link on your product page where customers can upload images separately. Not ideal, but it works!
Hi @VictoriaB1
I recommend you try the Easify Product Options app. It lets customers upload photos easily, requires no coding, and is simple to set up. Here’s how it works:
- This is the result:
- This is the app setting:
Easify is a hassle-free solution, and I think you’ll love it. Reach out to Easify if you need any help with the setup! 
I looked into Easify and unfortunately, like all the others they are not compatible. Only with basic plan. Thank you though