Shop Engine is a lightweight, dedicated desktop client designed to streamline data extraction between the Shopify Admin API and Microsoft Excel. Because it runs locally on your Windows machine, your store data and API credentials never pass through third-party servers or intermediaries.
Whether you are launching the software for the first time or troubleshooting a connection lock, this guide walks you through initial configuration, report management, and solutions to common questions.
Step 1: Initial Launch and Store Connection
When you launch Shop Engine for the first time, you will see the LINK SHOPIFY STORE setup card:
- Shopify Store URL: Enter your store domain handle (for example:
your-store.myshopify.com). You do not need to typehttps://, the client normalizes the address automatically. - Admin API Access Token: Paste your private access token starting with
shpat_...(generated via your Shopify store’s custom app settings). - Click the green Connect Store button.
Shop Engine performs a secure background handshake with the Shopify endpoint (/admin/api/2025-10/shop.json). Once verified, your credentials are saved locally, and the application immediately transitions to your active dashboard.
Step 2: Where Reports Are Saved in Windows
By default, Shop Engine structures your files logically so your accounting records remain organized year over year:
- Primary Storage Directory:
Documents\Shop Engine Reports\Reports\YYYY - Each report is automatically named by module and current month (for example:
Inv_Nov_2026.xlsx,Ord_Nov_2026.xlsx, orAudit_Nov_2026.xlsx). - Whenever a report finishes exporting, click Open Folder on the summary dialog or top dashboard bar to launch Windows File Explorer directly in that folder.
Step 3: Customizing Themes, Zoom, and Languages
The top navigation bar lets you tailor the interface to your display and workflow:
- EN / ES: Switch instantly between English and Spanish. All form labels, dialogs, and dropdowns update on the fly.
- THEME: Toggle between Light and Dark modes (the application also auto-detects your Windows system theme preference on startup).
- ZOOM: Scale the user interface for high-DPI displays (100% Normal, 110%, or 130%). You can also press
Ctrl + +,Ctrl + -, orCtrl + 0on your keyboard. - Switch Store: Need to manage multiple Shopify stores? Click Switch Store to wipe the local session cache and link a different domain.
Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)
1. Error: “The report file already exists and is open in Excel…”
- Cause: Windows applies a strict write lock on files currently opened in Microsoft Excel. If you generated an
Inv_Nov_2026.xlsxfile and left it open in Excel, Shop Engine cannot overwrite or update it with new data. - Fix: Simply close the workbook in Microsoft Excel (or save it under a different name) and click Generate Report again.
2. Error: “Could not connect to the store. Please verify URL and Token…”
- Check URL spelling: Make sure your URL follows the format
store-name.myshopify.comwithout typos, extra spaces, or trailing slashes. - Verify token scopes: Ensure your token was installed and has active
read_...permissions (products, orders, customers, inventory) enabled in your Shopify Admin. - Expired/Revoked Token: If the custom app was uninstalled or re-created in Shopify, copy and paste the newest
shpat_...key.
3. Where does Shop Engine store my saved credentials?
- Configuration is stored locally on your PC inside:
%APPDATA%\ShopEngine\store_config.json - If you ever need to manually reset the application, you can delete this JSON file or click Switch Store directly inside the app.
4. Why is the time period dropdown hidden for Inventory and Catalog Audit?
- Sales and Shipping logs require date windows (such as Last 30 days or Full current year).
- In contrast, Inventory and Catalog Audit scan your live stock levels and active products in real time, so date filtering is unnecessary.