Getting Started with Launch Scheduler
Alfred Launch Scheduler is a Shopify embedded app that automates your store's launch operations. Schedule theme activations, product status changes, price updates, and more — all timed to the minute in your timezone. Install from the Shopify App Store, create your first launch in under 2 minutes, and never stay up late for a product drop again.
Key Concepts
What is a Launch?
A launch is a collection of scheduled actions that execute automatically at specific times. For example, a product drop might include: activate a new theme at midnight, publish 5 new products at 12:01 AM, and update pricing on 3 existing products at 12:02 AM. All actions are grouped under one launch for easy management.
Action Types
Launch Scheduler supports 11 action types for Shopify stores: theme activation, product status changes, price updates, page visibility, blog post publishing, product tag updates, metafield updates, navigation menu changes, product/collection channel availability, and discount code management. Available actions depend on your plan.
Timezone-Aware Scheduling
Every launch has a timezone setting. Action times are displayed and executed in your chosen timezone — no UTC math required. Perfect for Shopify stores operating across multiple regions.
How to Use
Install from the Shopify App Store
Find Alfred Launch Scheduler in the Shopify App Store and click Install. Grant the requested permissions (themes, products, pages, navigation). The app opens in your Shopify admin as an embedded app — no separate login needed.
Create Your First Launch
Click 'Create launch' on the dashboard. Enter a title (e.g., 'Summer Collection Drop') and select your timezone. You'll land on the launch detail page where you can add actions.
Add Scheduled Actions
Click 'Add action' to open the action wizard. Select an action type (e.g., Theme Activation), configure the payload (select which theme), set the execution time, and save. Repeat for each action in your launch.
Schedule the Launch
Review your actions, verify the times look correct, and click 'Schedule launch'. Cloud Tasks queues each action for execution at its scheduled time. You'll receive a confirmation email.
Monitor Execution
On launch day, each action executes automatically. The launch detail page shows real-time status updates. You'll receive email alerts for completions and any failures.
Tips & Best Practices
- ✓Start with a simple launch (e.g., one theme activation) to get comfortable with the workflow before scheduling complex multi-action launches.
- ✓Set up your default timezone in Store Settings so new launches pre-fill with the correct timezone.
- ✓Add your team's email addresses to launch alerts so everyone knows when actions execute.
- ✓Use the Free plan to test — it includes 2 launches per month with 2 actions each. Upgrade to Starter or Pro when you need more.
- ✓For product drops, schedule the theme activation 1 minute before product status changes to ensure the landing page is live when products go active.