Repeated dynamic sources for theme blocks

Topic summary

Core Issue:
Theme blocks in Shopify lack the dynamic source connection button that’s available in local section blocks. This prevents users from linking repeated blocks to dynamic content like metaobjects.

Technical Constraint:
Sections must use either theme blocks OR section blocks exclusively—mixing isn’t possible. Choosing theme blocks eliminates the ability to create repeated, dynamically-powered content blocks.

Real-World Impact:
This limitation blocks common use cases like collection-specific “You May Also Like” sections that pull from metaobject entries. The only workaround involves hardcoding metaobject_list settings, which is fragile and relies on accurate metaobject keys—problematic when building themes for multiple merchants.

Current Status:
Multiple developers have encountered this roadblock. One user contacted Shopify Support requesting expanded dynamic source functionality for theme blocks. The issue remains unresolved and represents a significant barrier to theme block adoption.

Summarized with AI on October 25. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

Currently having an issue with using dynamic sources with theme blocks (NOT local section blocks). With local section blocks, you always have the dynamic source button where you can connect dynamic content. (see first screenshot) However, theme blocks (whether static or not) never show that option.

This is an issue for me. We have to be all-in per section on using theme blocks or section blocks, so I’m forced to choose. If a section uses any theme block at all, now section blocks aren’t an option, and that means that having repeated blocks powered by dynamic content isn’t possible. That throws a major wrench in my setup, as our themes always have collection and product specific sections and content.

For example, I need a collection section to function as a “You May Also Like” section such that when it is added to a collection template, it can optionally showcase metaobject entries that define other related collections. However, this isn’t possible through the customizer. (see second screenshot) The only option I have is to add a metaobject_list section setting and override things via the code. However that is very brittle because that setup relies on my metaobject keys being accurate. And that’s not something I want to have to assume or protect as we’re building many themes for many merchants.

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I’m having the same issue..

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This seems like a pretty huge potential roadblock to anyone adopting theme blocks. I’ve contact Shopify Support about it and asked for them to make it possible to use dynamic sources more thoroughly with theme blocks - hoping they’ll make that possible.

Have just run into this issue myself after a couple hours of work implementing theme blocks in a client’s theme. Ultimately the plan was to connect them to dynamic sources. What a brick wall to hit!

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