How to Use Shopify's Generative AI to Build Custom Sections in Your Theme

Step-by-step tutorial on using Shopify's Generative AI to build custom sections in your theme without coding. Learn to create testimonials, product highlights, and more.

🎯 Introduction

Shopify's new Generative AI makes it possible to design and customize sections inside your theme without touching code. Instead of relying on expensive premium themes or hiring a developer, you can now generate layouts and blocks tailored to your brand in just a few clicks.

This guide walks you through how to use Shopify's AI to build sections, with practical steps and examples you can try today.

Open Your Theme Editor

  • Log in to your Shopify admin.
  • Go to Online Store > Themes.
  • Click Customize on your active theme.

    • You'll now be in the Shopify Theme Editor where you can add, rearrange, and edit sections.

    Start a New Section with AI

  • In the Theme Editor sidebar, scroll to where you want to add a section.
  • Click Add Section.
  • Choose Generate with AI (new option).

    • Here, Shopify will prompt you to describe the section you want.

    Write an Effective Prompt

    AI relies on clear prompts. Here are examples you can copy:

    💬 For Testimonials

    "Create a testimonial section with 3 customer reviews, star ratings, and headshots."

    ⭐ For Product Highlights

    "Generate a product feature grid with icons, short descriptions, and a call-to-action button."

    📖 For Storytelling

    "Build a section with a large image on the left, headline and paragraph on the right, plus a 'Learn More' button."

    💡 Tip: Be specific about number of columns, design style (minimal, bold, modern), and content type.

    Review and Refine

  • Shopify AI will generate a preview in your theme.
  • If it looks good, click Add Section to publish it.
  • If not, tweak your prompt and regenerate.

    • Refinement Examples:

    Too plain?

    Add "with bold headings and background color."

    Too busy?

    Try "clean, minimalist, single column."

    You can regenerate until you're happy with the result.

    Customize the Content

    Once added, the section is fully editable like any other Shopify block. You can:

  • Replace placeholder text with your own copy.
  • Swap stock images for branded visuals.
  • Adjust padding, spacing, or alignment in the editor.

    • Test Responsiveness

    Always check your new section on:

    Desktop

    (wide screen)

    Tablet

    (medium width)

    Mobile

    (narrow view)

    This ensures your AI-built section looks great across all devices.

    Example Use Cases

    👗 Fashion Store

    Add a "Shop the Look" carousel with AI in minutes.

    💊 Health Brand

    Generate an FAQ section answering top product questions.

    🍳 Food Store

    Create a recipe/tutorial block aligned with seasonal products.

    Best Practices

  • Start with free themes like Dawn or Refresh—use AI to add the advanced sections you need.
  • Iterate often: AI makes it cheap and fast to test new layouts.
  • Don't overload: Too many sections can slow down performance.
  • Keep it on-brand: Adjust fonts, colors, and imagery so AI-built sections match your identity.

    • Conclusion

    Shopify's Generative AI for theme sections gives every merchant design flexibility once reserved for premium themes or custom code. By learning how to prompt effectively and refine outputs, you can build unique, high-converting storefronts faster than ever.

    The future of Shopify design isn't just drag-and-drop—it's generate, test, and launch.

    Ready to Master Shopify's Generative AI?

    Get expert guidance on implementing AI-powered sections and creating custom layouts that convert. Our team can help you maximize this powerful new feature.