Hey everyone,
I’m currently building a Shopify embedded app, and I have a question regarding the design review and approval process for publishing on the Shopify App Store.
I understand that Shopify recommends using the Polaris design system to ensure a seamless and consistent experience within the admin dashboard — which makes sense for apps that aim to blend in closely with Shopify’s native interface.
However, I’ve taken a different direction.
About my app:- I’m building a visually rich and modern UI with multiple custom colors, gradients, and components.
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The overall design does not follow Shopify’s typical minimalistic or monochrome UI style.
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I’m using a completely custom design system — not Polaris — because my app’s experience is meant to feel creative and brand-driven.
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The app still works as an embedded app inside the Shopify admin, uses App Bridge properly, and follows good UX practices — but it looks and feels very different from Shopify’s native design.
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It is not a sales channel app — it’s a utility/productivity tool used entirely within the Shopify admin.
My concerns:- Will my app get rejected during the app store review because it doesn’t follow Polaris or Shopify’s design language?
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Are there any strict visual design requirements for embedded apps that are not sales channel apps?
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Is there a way to get feedback or pre-validation from Shopify before I finish the entire app, just to be sure I won’t be rejected due to the design?
I’m putting a lot of time and effort into building something polished and high-quality, but I don’t want it to be rejected just because it looks different.
Any official guidance or insights from devs who’ve published apps with custom UI (not Polaris) would be really helpful!
Thanks