When you install Altera, Shopify will display a screen to grant our app permissions to access your store data. This article explains what permissions we need and why.

Overview

OAuth access scopes define what data and operations our app can access in your Shopify store. Each scope grants permission to read or write specific types of data through the Shopify API.

Altera is a comprehensive data import/export tool which means we need access to many store data types to provide full functionality. The app requests only the permissions necessary to read, process, and update your store data through spreadsheets.

Shopify uses a "managed installation" process where all stores using an app must have the same permissions, even if your store doesn't use all features. This means you'll see permissions for features you might not currently use.

Required Permissions

Products & Catalog

Permission	Why it's required
`read_products`, `write_products`	Essential for viewing and updating all product information including titles, descriptions, prices, tags, SEO settings, and product structure.

Store Content & Navigation

Permission	Why it's required
`read_online_store_pages`, `read_content`, `write_content`	Allows management of store pages, blog posts, articles, and other content through spreadsheet import/export.
`read_online_store_navigation`, `write_online_store_navigation`	Enables bulk editing of navigation menus and store structure.

Files & Media

Permission	Why it's required
`read_files`, `write_files`	Required for managing product images, downloadable files, and other media assets attached to products or content.

Orders & Sales

Permission	Why it's required
`read_orders`, `write_orders`	Necessary for exporting order data, updating order information, and managing order fulfillment details.
`read_all_orders`	Provides access to view all orders regardless of fulfillment status for comprehensive reporting.
`read_draft_orders`, `write_draft_orders`	Enables management of draft orders for bulk order creation and editing workflows.

Customer Management

Permission	Why it's required
`read_customers`, `write_customers`	Required for importing and exporting customer data, managing customer information, and updating customer records.

Returns & Exchanges

Permission	Why it's required
`read_returns`, `write_returns`	Allows processing and management of return requests and exchange data.

Inventory & Locations

Permission	Why it's required
`read_locations`	Provides access to store location information needed for inventory management across multiple locations.
`read_inventory`, `write_inventory`	Essential for viewing and updating inventory levels, tracking, and availability across all store locations.

Sales Channels & Visibility

Permission	Why it's required
`read_publications`, `write_publications`	Enables management of product visibility across different sales channels like online store, POS, and apps.

Custom Data & Metaobjects

Permission	Why it's required
`read_metaobject_definitions`, `write_metaobject_definitions`	Required for working with custom data structures and metaobject schemas.
`read_metaobjects`, `write_metaobjects`	Allows bulk editing of custom metaobjects and their data through spreadsheets.

Store Policies

Permission	Why it's required
`read_legal_policies`	Provides access to store policies (privacy, terms of service, etc.) for compliance and data export purposes.

International Markets

Permission	Why it's required
`read_markets`, `write_markets`	Enables management of international market settings, pricing, and localization data.

Fulfillment Management

Permission	Why it's required
`read_assigned_fulfillment_orders`, `write_assigned_fulfillment_orders`	Required for managing fulfillment orders assigned to your locations.
`read_merchant_managed_fulfillment_orders`, `write_merchant_managed_fulfillment_orders`	Allows processing of fulfillment orders managed directly by the merchant.
`read_third_party_fulfillment_orders`, `write_third_party_fulfillment_orders`	Enables management of orders fulfilled by third-party services.
`read_fulfillments`, `write_fulfillments`	Essential for viewing and updating fulfillment status, tracking information, and shipping details.
`read_payment_terms`, `write_payment_terms`	Enables management of B2B payment terms and credit settings.

Discounts & Promotions

Permission	Why it's required
`read_discounts`, `write_discounts`	Required for importing and exporting discount codes, automatic discounts, and promotional campaigns.

Payment Management

Permission	Why it's required
`read_shopify_payments_accounts`	Provides access to Shopify Payments account information for financial reporting.
`read_shopify_payments_payouts`	Allows viewing payout information for reconciliation and accounting purposes.

Data Security

Altera takes data security seriously. We only access the data necessary for the specific operations you perform and do not store sensitive information unnecessarily. All data transfers are encrypted and follow Shopify's security best practices.

If you have questions about any specific permission or how we use your data, please contact our support team.

Error and Warning Codes

How to Transfer Metafields Between Shopify Stores

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Metafields

Differences between Altera and Matrixify