Atlas has updated how newly generated pages work. New pages now run on a Shopify app embed, the same way the Cart Drawer already does. This is a behind-the-scenes change with a real upside: you get more control over your pages directly inside Shopify, and the old Atlas Dependencies section is gone.
Your existing pages are completely unaffected. This change applies only to pages you generate from this update onward.
In this article:
What changed
Previously, every Atlas page relied on a separate Atlas Dependencies section that lived in your theme. Newly generated pages no longer use that section. Instead, they run on a single app embed called Atlas Page Builder that you enable once in your theme.
The embed is turned off by default, so there's a quick one-time step before you publish a new page. When you go to publish, the editor shows a message titled "Enable Atlas in your theme to publish" with an Activate app embed button that takes you straight to the right place in your theme. For the full walkthrough, see How to enable the Atlas Page Builder app embed.
Why this is better
Moving to an app embed unlocks things that weren't possible before:
You can delete sections in your Atlas pages directly in the Shopify Customizer
You can add Atlas sections into other templates across your theme
There's no more Atlas Dependencies section to manage
In short, your Atlas pages now behave more like native parts of your theme, giving you more flexibility over how they're built and edited.
What stays the same
Everything else works exactly as it did:
Pages generated before this update continue to work with no changes
Your live store is untouched
All other Atlas features (Bundle Deals, Cart Upsells, Sales Pages) are unaffected
NOTE: Older pages keep their existing Atlas Dependencies section and do not need the app embed enabled. You only enable the embed for pages generated after this update.
What this means for you
The next time you generate a new page in Atlas, you'll enable the Atlas Page Builder embed once before publishing. It's a single step, and the editor links you straight to it with the Activate app embed button. After that, your new page publishes as normal, the embed stays on for all your future pages on that theme, and you gain the added control described above.
If you're not generating new pages right now, there's nothing you need to do. Your current pages and store keep working as they always have.
Frequently asked questions
Will my existing pages stop working?
No. Pages generated before this update continue to work exactly as they do today, with no action needed.
Why is my Publish button greyed out on a new page?
The Atlas Page Builder embed is turned off by default, and the Publish button stays inactive until you enable it. Use the Activate app embed button in the editor to turn it on, then publishing becomes available. See How to enable the Atlas Page Builder app embed for steps.
Do I have to do this for every new page?
No. Enabling the embed is a one-time step per theme. Once it's on for your theme, all your future pages publish without repeating it.
What happened to the Atlas Dependencies section?
It's no longer used for newly generated pages. The app embed replaces it. Older pages that already have the Dependencies section keep it and continue working normally.
Can I now edit my Atlas pages in Shopify?
Yes. With the app embed, you can delete sections in the Shopify Customizer and add Atlas sections to other templates, which wasn't possible before.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions about this update, reach out to us through Intercom web chat (type "Talk to agent") or email us at support@helloatlas.io.