How to Create Webhook in Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Webhooks
3. Setting Up Webhooks in Shopify
4. Managing Webhooks
5. Testing and Verifying Webhooks
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Webhooks revolutionize how data flows between systems by allowing you to retrieve and store data triggered by specific events. Imagine a scenario where every time an order is placed in your Shopify store, specific updates are instantly reflected in your customer relationship management (CRM) system without any manual intervention. Sounds efficient, right? This is the power of webhooks, and today we'll walk you through how to create one in Shopify, covering manual and code-based approaches.

This guide will delve into the essential steps for creating webhooks in Shopify, examine the intricacies involved, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Whether you are a store owner looking to automate tasks or a developer aiming to integrate Shopify with external applications, this comprehensive guide will serve as your go-to resource.

By the end of this blog post, you will know how to create, manage, and test webhooks in Shopify using both the Shopify Admin Dashboard and the Shopify API.

Understanding Webhooks

What Are Webhooks?

Webhooks are automated messages sent from apps when something happens. They have a message—or payload—and are sent to a unique URL—essentially like a phone number or address for your API. Webhooks can be used for various needs, such as notifying you when a user signs up, an order is placed, or a product is updated.

Why Use Webhooks?

Webhooks are essential for integrating Shopify with other applications and services. They allow your systems to communicate in real-time, reducing the need for repetitive polling or manual updates. Here’s why using webhooks is beneficial:

• Real-time Updates: Immediate notifications improve responsiveness.
• Efficiency: Reduces API calls, making your app more efficient.
• Automation: Automates workflows, reducing manual intervention.

Setting Up Webhooks in Shopify

Creating Webhooks via Shopify Admin Dashboard

Steps:

1. Log in to Shopify Admin: Navigate to your Shopify admin panel.

2. Navigate to Notifications:

   • Go to Settings -> Notifications.

3. Create a Webhook:

   • Scroll down to the Webhooks section and click Create webhook.

4. Configure Webhook:

   • Select the Event for which the webhook will trigger, such as "orders/create".
   • Choose the Format (JSON or XML).
   • Enter the URL where the webhook data should be sent.

5. Save the Webhook:

   • Click Save to create the webhook. Shopify will begin sending data to the specified URL whenever the selected event occurs.

Creating Webhooks Using Shopify API

For more flexibility and control, especially in automated environments, you can use the Shopify API to create webhooks programmatically.

Prerequisites:

• API Key and Password: Obtain these from your private app settings in the Shopify admin.
• HTTP Client: Tools like Postman or Curl, or directly within your application code.

Steps:

1. Generate API Credentials:

   • Create a private app in your Shopify admin and note down the API key, password, and shared secret.

2. Set Up Your Development Environment:

   • Ensure you have a running API endpoint that can receive webhook data.

3. Send POST Request to Shopify API:

   • Use an HTTP client or your application code to send a POST request to https://<your-store>.myshopify.com/admin/api/2021-07/webhooks.json.

Here's an example using Curl:

curl -X POST "https://<your-store>.myshopify.com/admin/api/2021-07/webhooks.json" \
-H "X-Shopify-Access-Token: <your-access-token>" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
  "webhook": {
    "topic": "orders/create",
    "address": "https://your-server.com/webhook",
    "format": "json"
  }
}'

4. Verify the Response:

   • Ensure the response status is 200 OK, indicating a successful webhook creation.

5. Test the Webhook:

   • Trigger the event (e.g., place an order) and verify that your API endpoint receives the webhook data.

Managing Webhooks

Updating a Webhook

You can update the webhook address or format by sending a PUT request to the Shopify API endpoint.

Example:

curl -X PUT "https://<your-store>.myshopify.com/admin/api/2021-07/webhooks/123456789.json" \
-H "X-Shopify-Access-Token: <your-access-token>" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
  "webhook": {
    "address": "https://new-server.com/webhook",
    "format": "json"
  }
}'

Deleting a Webhook

To delete a webhook, send a DELETE request to the appropriate API endpoint.

Example:

curl -X DELETE "https://<your-store>.myshopify.com/admin/api/2021-07/webhooks/123456789.json" \
-H "X-Shopify-Access-Token: <your-access-token>"

Testing and Verifying Webhooks

Test Your Webhook Endpoint

To ensure your webhook is set up correctly, simulate the event and verify that the webhook data is received as expected.

Security Verification

Use the X-Shopify-Hmac-Sha256 header sent by Shopify to verify the integrity of the webhook payload:

const crypto = require('crypto');

function verifyWebhook(req, res, next) {
  const hmac = req.headers['x-shopify-hmac-sha256'];
  const body = JSON.stringify(req.body);
  const secret = process.env.SHOPIFY_SHARED_SECRET;

  const hash = crypto
    .createHmac('sha256', secret)
    .update(body, 'utf8')
    .digest('base64');

  if (hash === hmac) {
    console.log('Webhook verified');
    next(); // Continue to handle the webhook payload
  } else {
    console.warn('Webhook verification failed');
    res.status(401).send('Webhook Verification Failed');
  }
}

Conclusion

Shopify webhooks offer a powerful way to automate workflows and integrate your store with external systems. Whether you create them via the Shopify Admin Dashboard or programmatically using the Shopify API, webhooks help streamline operations and keep your applications in sync.

In this comprehensive guide, you learned how to create, manage, and test webhooks in Shopify. You now have the knowledge to efficiently utilize webhooks to make your Shopify store more responsive and integrated with your other systems.

FAQ

What are the common events for which webhooks can be set up in Shopify?

Common events include:

• orders/create
• orders/paid
• products/update
• customers/create

How can I ensure the webhook payloads are secure?

Shopify provides the X-Shopify-Hmac-Sha256 header to help you verify the integrity of the webhook payload. Use this header along with your shared secret to validate incoming data.

Can I create custom webhook events?

No, Shopify restricts webhooks to predefined events. However, you can use app proxy or other custom solutions to achieve similar functionality.

How can I debug webhook problems?

Check your server logs for errors, verify the API endpoints, and ensure proper handling of the payload. Shopify also sends email notifications to store owners when a webhook fails.

Can I create webhooks from the Shopify admin for private apps?

Webhooks created from the Shopify admin are solely associated with the shop and won't appear in API calls. For programmatic needs, create webhooks using the Shopify API.

By incorporating these practices, you can seamlessly integrate webhooks into your workflows, enhancing your store's performance and operational efficiency.