How-to's · Shopify · 2 min read
Can You Sell Digital Products on Shopify? A Definitive Guide
Short answer
Yes. Shopify supports digital products such as ebooks, templates, music, software keys and courses. The free Shopify Digital Downloads app attaches files to products and emails download links after purchase; other apps add course hosting, licence keys, streaming and memberships.
Digital products are attractive: no inventory, no shipping and instant delivery. Shopify handles them well, especially with the right app.
What you can sell
- Ebooks and guides. See how to sell an ebook on Shopify.
- Templates (Canva, Notion, spreadsheets).
- Printables and planners.
- Music, sound packs and presets.
- Photography and stock assets.
- Software licences and keys.
- Online courses and memberships.
Using Shopify Digital Downloads
- Install the free Digital Downloads app by Shopify.
- Create a product and uncheck "This is a physical product".
- In the product page, use the app's option to add a digital attachment.
- Upload your file.
- Set download limits if you want.
- Test with a purchase.
After checkout, customers see a download link on the order status page and receive it by email.
Other apps
| Need | App types |
|---|---|
| Courses | Course apps that host lessons in your store |
| Licence keys | Apps that issue unique keys per order |
| Large files and streaming | Digital delivery apps with external hosting |
| Memberships | Membership and subscription apps |
| PDF stamping | Apps that watermark files with buyer details |
Pricing digital products
- Price by value delivered, not file size.
- Offer bundles (all templates, full collection).
- Consider tiers: basic, standard, premium. See good-better-best pricing.
Taxes
Digital goods tax rules vary. In the EU, VAT applies based on the customer's location. In the US, rules vary by state. Use Shopify's tax settings and get professional advice.
Protecting your files
You cannot fully stop sharing, but download limits, expiring links and licence terms help.
Writing a product page for a digital product
Digital buyers cannot touch the product, so the page has to show exactly what they get.
- Show inside pages: screenshots or preview images of the template, ebook pages or course modules.
- List file formats and what software is needed (PDF, Canva link, Notion template, Excel).
- State delivery: "Instant download after checkout" plus where to find the link.
- Explain usage rights: personal use, commercial use, number of users.
- Answer refund questions: many digital sellers limit refunds; say so clearly and follow consumer law where you sell.
- Include a small free sample if you can, such as a free chapter or one free template.
Delivery and customer service
Most problems with digital products are about access, not quality:
| Issue | Prevention |
|---|---|
| "I didn't get my file" | Clear download instructions on the thank-you page and in the email |
| Link expired | Reasonable download limits and a quick resend process |
| Wrong format | List formats and requirements on the product page |
| Can't open in Canva/Notion | Short setup guide included with the download |
Create saved replies for these and you can handle most tickets in seconds.
Combining digital and physical
Many stores sell digital add-ons alongside physical goods: a recipe ebook with kitchen tools, printable planners with stationery, instructional videos with craft kits. Bundles like these raise average order value and give customers more value at little extra cost. Shopify handles mixed carts, charging shipping only on physical items.
Avoiding piracy headaches
You will never prevent all sharing. Focus on making buying easy, pricing fairly and updating products regularly, which gives paying customers ongoing value that a pirated copy lacks.
Marketing digital products
Email, content and social media work well, as do free samples (a free chapter or template). Read 3 legit ways to make money with Shopify and easiest ways to make money online.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop Shopify from charging shipping on digital products?
When editing the product, uncheck the option that says it is a physical product, so it does not require shipping.
Is there a file size limit for Shopify Digital Downloads?
Yes, the app has a per-file size limit. Check Shopify's help center for the current limit; larger files may need a different app or hosting.
Do I charge tax on digital products?
Often yes. Digital goods are taxable in many places, including EU VAT rules based on the buyer's location. Check Shopify's tax settings and get tax advice.
Sources and further reading
Platform features, prices and policies change. Check the official help pages linked above before you act on a detail that matters to your store.