Shopify REST API Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Through the REST API, you gain access to key resources like products, customers, orders, and inventory. If you’re new to Shopify setup, you may also want to check our guide on Customizing Your Shopify Store. 

Through the REST API, you gain access to Shopify’s essential resources, including products, customers, orders, and inventory.

In this guide, we’ll cover the fundamentals of the Shopify REST API:

• How it works
• The different authentication methods
• The most commonly used endpoints
•  Proven best practices to ensure your integrations are efficient, secure, and scalable.

What is the Shopify REST API?

The Shopify REST API enables developers to securely interact with store data using JSON over HTTPS. By using standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE you can:

• Add, edit, or remove products.
• Handle customer accounts, orders, and checkout processes.
• Update inventory levels and manage fulfillment workflows.
• Retrieve insights, apply discounts, and much more.

This API is especially useful for developers who prefer a straightforward,resource-driven structure compared to Shopify’s GraphQL API.

How the Shopify REST API Works

The REST API works around the standard REST principles:

• Endpoints represent resources like (/products, /orders, /customers etc).
• JSON responses are returned for every request.
• HTTP methods determine the action being performed:
• GET is used to retrieve data.
• POST is used to create data.
• DELETE is used to delete data.
• PUT is used to update data.

For example, to retrieve all product data using this REST API 

  
    GET /admin/api/2025-01/products.json
  

Authentication & Access

To use the REST API, your app or script must authenticate with Shopify. There are two types of methods through which Shopify Authenticates the REST API.

1. Private Apps
2. Custom Apps

Private Apps

Previously, Shopify supported private apps that used API keys and passwords for authentication. However, this method is being deprecated. Shopify now recommends creating Custom Apps, which use more secure authentication methods (such as access tokens) and provide greater flexibility for managing integrations.

Custom Apps

To create a custom app, Navigate to Shopify Admin > Apps > Develop apps. Once the app is set up, you’ll receive an Admin API access token, which serves as the key to authenticate your requests. This token must be included in the request headers whenever you interact with the Shopify REST API. Follow these steps to create a custom app.

Step 1: Navigate to Shopify Admin > Apps 

Step 2: Click on the Apps and sales channel settings button.

Step 3: Go to the Develop Apps section

Step 4: Click on the Create App button.

Step 5: Add the app name and click on Create app. 

Step 6: Choose the scope either Admin API or Storefront API

Step 7: Add the permissions that you want to use in this app.

Step 8: Save the changes.

Step 9: After all the configuration click Install app

Step 10: Reveal and copy your access token and save it somewhere safe.

Example request with token:

  
    GET https://your-store.myshopify.com/admin/api/2025-01/orders.json
  Headers:
    X-Shopify-Access-Token: your-access-token
  

Key REST API Endpoints

Some of the most frequently used resources in the Shopify REST API include products, orders, customers, and inventory. 

1. Products

• GET /admin/api/2025-01/products.json 

• POST /admin/api/2025-01/products.json

• PUT /admin/api/2025-01/products/{product_id}.json

• DELETE /admin/api/2025-01/products/{product_id}.json
  
  

2. Orders

• GET /admin/api/2025-01/orders.json 

• POST /admin/api/2025-01/orders.json

• PUT /admin/api/2025-01/orders/{order_id}.json
  
  

3. Customers

• GET /admin/api/2025-01/customers.json

• POST /admin/api/2025-01/customers.json
  
  

4. Inventory

• GET /admin/api/2025-01/inventory_levels.json

• POST /admin/api/2025-01/inventory_levels/set.json

Example: Create a Product with REST API

  
    POST https://your-store.myshopify.com/admin/api/2025-01/products.json
    Headers:
      X-Shopify-Access-Token: your-access-token
      Content-Type: application/json

    Body:
    {
      "product": {
        "title": "New Product",
        "body_html": "Great product!",
        "vendor": "Your Brand",
        "product_type": "Shirts",
        "variants": [
          {
            "option1": "First",
            "price": "19.99",
            "sku": "123"
          }
        ]
      }
    }

  

Also Read: Shopify Theme SEO Friendly Check: Optimize Your Store

Bottom Line

The Shopify REST API makes it easy to connect your store with other apps, manage store data, and automate day-to-day operations. By understanding authentication, using the right endpoints, and following best practices, you can build reliable integrations that save time, boost efficiency, and unlock new possibilities for your business.

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