# Prerequisites

Before creating a pre-registration, ensure you have the following:

| Requirement                                                             | Details                                                       |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Shopify Partner account](#1-shopify-partner-account)                   | Required to create custom apps                                |
| [Violet Channel Dashboard access](#2-violet-channel-dashboard-access)   | Where you'll create pre-registrations                         |
| [Your Violet App Alias](#3-violet-app-alias)                            | Needed for App URL and Redirect URI configuration             |
| [Shopify app configured correctly](#4-shopify-app-configured-correctly) | One custom app per merchant with custom distribution selected |

***

## 1. Shopify Partner Account

You need a Shopify Partner account to create custom apps for your merchants.

**How to check if you have one:** Try logging in at [partners.shopify.com](https://partners.shopify.com). If you can access the Partner Dashboard, you're set.

**Don't have an account?** Shopify's Partner Program is free to join: → [Become a Shopify Partner](https://www.shopify.com/partners) (official Shopify guide)

{% hint style="info" %}
**Keep this open:** You'll need the [Shopify Partner Dashboard](https://partners.shopify.com) open while setting up your custom app.
{% endhint %}

***

## 2. Violet Channel Dashboard Access

The Channel Dashboard is where you'll create and manage merchant pre-registrations.

**What you'll use it for:**

* Creating pre-registrations for each merchant
* Copying your App Alias for Shopify configuration
* Tracking merchant onboarding status
* Managing connected merchants

**How to check your access:** Go to [channel.violet.io](https://channel.violet.io) and log in. If you can see your app and the Merchants section, you have the right access.

**Don't have access?** Contact your Violet representative or email <support@violet.io>.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Keep this open:** You'll need the [Channel Dashboard](https://channel.violet.io) open to copy your App Alias and create pre-registrations.
{% endhint %}

***

## 3. Violet App Alias

Your App Alias is a unique identifier for your Violet Connect integration. You'll need it when configuring your Shopify custom app.

**What is it?** A short string (like `your-channel-name`) that's part of your Violet Connect URL.

**Why you need it:** The App Alias goes into both the **App URL** and **Redirect URI** fields when creating your Shopify custom app. These URLs must use Violet's domain with your alias.

**How to find it:**

1. Go to [Channel Dashboard](https://channel.violet.io)
2. Navigate to **App Settings** → **Violet Connect**
3. Copy your App Alias

**When you'll use it:** During [Shopify App Setup](/ecom-platforms/shopify/shopify-app-setup.md) when configuring the App URL and Redirect URI fields.

***

## 4. Shopify App Configured Correctly

For each merchant you onboard, you need to create a custom app in Shopify Partner Dashboard with the correct configuration.

**What you'll configure:**

* App URL and Redirect URI (must use Violet's domain)
* All 20 required API scopes
* Custom distribution method (required to generate the Install Link)
* Install Link (copy from Distribution page after selecting custom distribution)
* Client ID and Client Secret (copy these immediately)

**How to do it:** Follow the [Shopify App Setup Guide](/ecom-platforms/shopify/shopify-app-setup.md) for step-by-step instructions.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Most issues stem from this step.** Incorrectly configured App URL or Redirect URI causes errors during merchant onboarding. Forgetting to select custom distribution means you won't have the Install Link needed for pre-registration. Have questions or running into issues? See [Troubleshooting & FAQs](/ecom-platforms/shopify/troubleshooting-faqs.md) for common problems and solutions.
{% endhint %}

***


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