Extensions
As a Shopware developer, your primary focus is on developing extensions that enhance or modify Shopware's functionality.
Shopware offers two extension types:
- Plugins: full system access (self-hosted only)
- Apps: based on an HTTP API and run externally; may require an external server to call Shopware APIs and handle webhooks; cloud-compatible
Plugins and apps are installed and activated for the whole Shopware instance.
INFO
Before choosing an extension type, review the recommended Code structure. Following the standard structure reduces upgrade friction and prevents long-term maintenance issues.
A storefront theme is not a separate extension type, but a stripped-down plugin consisting of a customized storefront UI. In cloud environments, storefront themes are delivered via apps.
Monetization
To sell an extension or offer paid features, see the Monetization guide for available models such as paid extensions, In-App Purchases, and commission-based integrations.
Which type to build?
This comparison table helps you decide which Shopware extension type best fits your use case.
| Task | Plugin (incl. Theme) | App | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change Storefront appearance | ✅ | ✅ | Themes are storefront-focused plugins. In Cloud, themes are delivered via Apps. |
| Add admin modules | ✅ | ✅ | Themes do not add admin modules. |
| Execute webhooks | ✅ | ✅ | Apps are webhook-first. Plugins can also call external services. |
| Add custom entities | ✅ | ✅ | — |
| Modify database structure | ✅ | ❌ | Apps cannot modify the database schema. |
| Integrate payment providers | ✅ | ✅ | — |
| Publish in the Shopware Store | ✅ | ✅ | — |
| Install in Shopware 6 Cloud shops | ❌ | ✅ | Plugins (including theme plugins) cannot run in Cloud. |
| Install in Shopware 6 self-hosted shops | ✅ | ✅ | Apps can be installed and used since Shopware 6.4.0.0. |
| Add custom logic/routes/commands | ✅ | ⚠️ | Apps implement logic externally via services and webhooks; they cannot add internal Symfony routes or CLI commands. |
| Control style/template inheritance | ✅ | ✅ | This capability is specific to theme plugins. |
Version compatibility
Extensions must explicitly support target Shopware versions. Review the Upgrades and Migrations section before releasing updates to ensure compatibility with upcoming core changes.
Extension guides
These guides provide essential information on how to create, configure, and extend your store with Shopware extensions:
