Shopify Flow vs Shopify Scripts: When and How to Use Them

---

Introduction

Shopify offers two powerful tools to automate and customize your store: Shopify Flow and Shopify Scripts. While both aim to optimize operations and boost customer experience, they serve different purposes and work in different parts of your store.

In this blog, we’ll break down what each tool does, when to use them, and how they compare—so you can make informed decisions to grow your Shopify business.

---

What is Shopify Flow?

Shopify Flow is an automation tool that allows you to automate tasks and processes across your Shopify admin. It works like a visual workflow builder with "If this, then that" logic.

🔧 Key Use Cases:

• Tag customers based on order value or purchase frequency

• Get notified when high-risk orders are placed

• Automate restock emails to your team

• Auto-apply customer tags or discounts for VIP buyers

🧠 How it Works:

Flow uses three components:

• Trigger: An event (like "Order created")

• Condition: A rule (like "Order total > ₹5,000")

• Action: What should happen (like "Tag customer as VIP")

✅ Requires:

• Shopify Plus

• No coding skills (drag-and-drop interface)

---

What is Shopify Scripts?

Shopify Scripts are small pieces of Ruby code that allow you to create personalized discounts and custom logic in your Shopify store’s checkout.

🔧 Key Use Cases:

• Tiered or volume-based discounts

• BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals

• Free gift with purchase

• Payment gateway customization

• Shipping logic based on conditions

🧠 How it Works:

You write and deploy scripts through the Script Editor app, and they run at checkout, modifying:

• Line items

• Shipping rates

• Payment options

✅ Requires:

• Shopify Plus

• Some coding knowledge (Ruby)

---

Shopify Flow vs Shopify Scripts – Key Differences

Feature	Shopify Flow	Shopify Scripts
Use Case	Admin automation	Checkout customization
Skills Required	No coding (visual)	Coding (Ruby)
Where It Works	Backend/admin logic	Checkout page
Examples	Tag customers, send alerts	Create discounts, modify shipping
App Needed	Built into Plus plans	Requires Script Editor app
Flexibility	Moderate	High (custom logic)

---

When Should You Use Shopify Flow?

Use Flow when you want to automate internal operations and reduce manual work. For example:

• Auto-tag customers after they spend ₹10,000+

• Cancel high-risk orders automatically

• Add gift-with-purchase tags for post-order fulfillment

Flow saves time and ensures consistency—no coding needed.

---

When Should You Use Shopify Scripts?

Use Scripts when you want to customize the customer checkout experience in ways that normal discounts or Shopify admin settings can’t handle. For example:

• 10% off for orders over ₹5,000 and 20% off for orders over ₹10,000

• Free shipping only for loyalty program members

• Hide Cash on Delivery if cart contains digital products

Scripts give you fine control over the logic that runs right before a customer pays.

---

Can You Use Both Together?

Yes—and you should if you're on Shopify Plus.
Example:

• Use Flow to tag a VIP customer.

• Then use Scripts to automatically give them a 20% discount at checkout.

---

Conclusion

Both Shopify Flow and Shopify Scripts are powerful tools—but for different tasks. Use Flow for back-end automation and Scripts for checkout-level customization. When used together, they can drastically reduce manual work and increase conversions.