Partners: build a theme in a development store and export it

Use the standard theme editor in a sandbox store, then download the package you submit.

10 min read · Updated September 19, 2026 · Screenshots use demonstration accounts

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Before you start

You need a development store. There is no separate partner theme tool — you build in the same editor merchants use.

On a phone? Open the admin menu to find the same section. Screenshots below show the desktop view; tap “Open full size” for a closer look.
STEP 1

Open the theme

In the development store admin open Online Store. The live theme is at the top; the rest are under Draft themes. Choose Edit theme on a draft, or Customize on the live theme.

  • Work on a draft while you build, so the storefront preview stays stable.
Lulu Guide Demo
The Lulu theme editor open on a draft theme in a development store
Actual Lulu partner portal · Demonstration accountOpen full size ↗
STEP 2

Build the theme

Add, reorder and configure sections and blocks in the left-hand tree, and set theme settings. Save when the preview is right.

  • Custom code lives under the theme's “…” menu → Edit code: custom CSS, custom JavaScript up to 100,000 characters, and head snippets up to 20,000 characters.
  • Test the storefront itself, not only the editor preview.
STEP 3

Download the theme file

Return to Online Store, open the “…” menu on the theme and choose Download theme file. You receive theme_export__<store>__<theme>__<date>.zip.

  • Keep the download: a published theme package has no stored release history and no rollback.
Lulu Guide Demo
The theme actions menu in Online Store with Download theme file listed
Actual Lulu partner portal · Demonstration accountOpen full size ↗
STEP 4

Know what is inside the package

shopwise-theme.json at the root of the zip is the only file Lulu reads back. The config, templates, sections, assets and snippets files are generated for you to read.

  • Editing the generated files has no effect on a re-import.
  • A Shopify Liquid theme export is not a Lulu package and is refused on import with a message that says so.
  • The import limit is 5 MB.

CHECK YOUR WORK

You’re ready when…

  • The theme renders correctly on the development storefront.
  • You have the exported zip, or you know which development-store theme to snapshot.

IF SOMETHING DOESN’T LOOK RIGHT

Troubleshooting

Can I submit a Liquid theme from another platform?

No. Lulu imports its own export format, identified by shopwise-theme.json. A Liquid archive is rejected with a specific message rather than partly imported.

Why is a control missing or unavailable?

Confirm that you are in the correct store and that your role allows this action. Optional apps and channels may require installation, a plan, or activation. Share the screen name and error with support if access is still unclear.

Keep going

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