Using Shopify to Distribute Free Software (and Future Paid Licensing)?

Shopify Discussion
1

I’ve been working on a desktop launcher project called blxstrap that’s currently free to download. Right now, the setup is:

  • Custom build to handle downloads.
  • WordPress site for the blog/documentation.

Looking ahead, I’d like to eventually introduce some kind of paid licensing or premium features while still keeping the free version available.

My questions:

  1. Can Shopify handle free digital downloads, or is it strictly for paid products?
  2. If I add paid tiers later, is there a good app or workflow for license key distribution?
  3. Can Shopify be used alongside my existing WordPress blog, or would I need to migrate everything?

Has anyone here set up Shopify for digital products like software or launchers? Any recommendations on apps or best practices would be really helpful.

Thanks!

2

Hey @amanda5598,
Great questions — you’re thinking about this the right way.

Here’s how Shopify fits into your plans with blxstrap:

  1. Free downloads: Yes, Shopify allows $0 products (with checkout). For smoother UX, host free build on GitHub/your site and keep Shopify for paid tiers.

  2. Paid tiers & license keys: Use apps like SendOwl, Sky Pilot, or Software License Manager (free) to deliver files + keys.

  3. WordPress integration: No need to migrate. Run Shopify on a subdomain (store.blxstrap.com) or embed Buy Buttons directly in WordPress.

Best flow: Keep blog/docs on WordPress → Free build on GitHub → Shopify for premium tiers with license key app.
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