How NINEMAGS Templates Work

What is a NINEMAGS Template?

A NINEMAGS template is a special logic inside the NINEMAGS app that controls how customers upload images, customize a product, and how this data is saved inside a Shopify order.

A template defines:

• how many images a customer can upload
• which sizes and aspect ratios are used
• how the upload interface looks
• how final images are attached to a Shopify order

Why a Template Is Required for a Product

A standard Shopify product cannot work with customer-uploaded images.

NINEMAGS templates solve this limitation and allow you to sell fully customized products.

A template is required to:

• let customers upload photos directly on the product page
• link uploaded images to a specific product and variant
• automatically save images inside the Shopify order
• prepare files in the correct format for printing
• avoid production errors (wrong size, format, or quantity)

Without a NINEMAGS template:

• Shopify does not know which images belong to the order
• production has nothing to print
• image upload and print preparation logic is missing

NINEMAGS Templates vs Shopify Theme Templates

1. Purpose

Shopify theme templates

• control only the page appearance (layout, blocks, buttons)
• do not work with production or files

NINEMAGS templates

• control product customization logic
• manage images, orders, and print-ready files

2. Working With Images

Shopify

• images are static product images
• customers cannot upload files by default

NINEMAGS

• customers upload their own photos
• images are automatically attached to the order
• uploaded images replace standard product images in cart and order

3. Connection to the Order

Shopify

• order contains only text data (variant, quantity)

NINEMAGS

• order contains:
  • all uploaded images
  • product configuration data
  • files ready for production
• NINEMAGS processes only paid and unfulfilled orders

4. Production Logic

Shopify

• does not know anything about print sizes, margins, or formats

NINEMAGS

• supports magnet / button dimensions
• applies correct margins and bleed
• generates print-ready files automatically

In Short: The Key Difference

• Shopify theme template = visual appearance
• NINEMAGS template = Shopify template + NINEMAGS logic for uploads, orders, and production

They work together, but solve different tasks.