Using Shopify’s AI block generator on any theme

Written by

Andy Russell

May 27, 2025

2 min read

Switch to light mode

Switch to dark mode

Shopify Editions dropped last week, packed with exciting new features, including an AI-powered block generator inside their new Horizon theme.

This feature lets merchants generate custom sections on the fly by typing natural language prompts, making it easier than ever to extend a storefront without touching code. But there’s a catch - by default, the AI block generator only works inside Horizon and other newly released Shopify themes.

However, we've come up with a workaround, that allows you to enable the AI block generator in any Shopify theme, not just Horizon.

How does it work?

At its core, the AI block generator is just a section schema and block loop that leverages Shopify’s new AI integration. By creating a custom section and dropping in the following Liquid template, you can enable the same AI functionality anywhere:

{% for block in section.blocks %}
  {% render block %}
{% endfor %}
{% schema %}
{
  "name": "Blink AI",
  "settings": [
    {
      "type": "header",
      "content": "AI Block Generation",
      "info": "Select ADD BLOCK and then click GENERATE and enter your prompt to create an AI powered block."
    }
  ],
  "blocks": [
    {
      "type": "@theme"
    }
  ],
  "presets": [
    {
      "name": "Blink AI"
    }
  ]
}
{% endschema %}

Once you add this section, it appears in the theme customiser as a new block generation section. You can then type in a prompt like “create a section with three side-by-side images and a background”, hit generate, and Shopify’s AI will build it for you.

Why does this matter?

For merchants, this workaround opens up access to one of Shopify’s most interesting new features - without the need to overhaul your theme or rebuild on Horizon.

For developers and agencies, it’s another signal of how quickly Shopify is moving to integrate AI across the platform, and how adaptable Liquid remains for adding new functionality.

At Blink, we’re closely watching these changes because they reshape how product data, content, and storefront structure are created and managed. As Shopify leans further into AI-powered experiences, brands that combine strong foundational SEO with flexible, AI-driven content will have a distinct advantage.

Andy Russell - Senior Developer

Andy has over 30 years of experience in front end development, and has been working with Shopify for well over a decade. His work is essential to the culture of innovation at Blink.