Shopify Launchpad lets merchants schedule sales events and theme changes, but it is only available on Shopify Plus. If you are on another plan, you need an app to do the same job. Maestro Theme Scheduler is built for exactly that, and it adds section-level scheduling that Launchpad doesn't offer.
Key takeaways
- Launchpad requires Shopify Plus. Maestro works on every plan.
- Maestro schedules whole themes and individual sections and blocks.
- Use Shopify's native discount dates alongside Maestro for complete campaigns.
Why merchants look for a Launchpad alternative
Plan requirement
Launchpad requires Shopify Plus, a big step up in cost for most growing stores.
Whole themes only
Launchpad swaps entire themes. One sale banner still needs a full theme copy.
Out-of-sync copies
Keeping a duplicated campaign theme in sync with your live theme takes time and causes mistakes.
What Maestro gives you instead
| Maestro Theme Scheduler | Shopify Launchpad | |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify plan needed | Any plan | Shopify Plus |
| Scheduled theme publishing | Yes | Yes |
| Section and block scheduling | Yes | No |
| Recurring schedules | Yes | Event based |
| Theme publish history | Yes | Event reporting |
| Discounts and product visibility | No | Yes |
Details are based on the public Shopify App Store listings at the time of writing.
How to replace Launchpad in your workflow
- Install MaestroStart the free trial from the Shopify App Store.
- Prepare the storefrontBuild a campaign theme, or add the campaign section to your live theme.
- Schedule start and endSet when the theme or section goes live and when it ends.
- Set discount dates in ShopifyUse Shopify's built-in start and end dates on your discounts so pricing and storefront change together.
- Let it runNo one needs to be online at launch time.
New to Maestro? Read the full getting started guide.
What Maestro doesn't do
Maestro focuses on your storefront theme. It doesn't schedule discounts or product availability. For discounts, use Shopify's native start and end dates. For product changes, see our sister app Maestro Products Scheduler.
Pricing
| Plan | Advanced | Maestro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99/month ($102/year) | $49/month ($468/year) |
| Theme publish schedules | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Section and block schedules | 1 | Unlimited |
| Content and visibility schedules | Included | Unlimited |
| Recurring schedules | Yes | Unlimited |
| Theme publish history | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Live chat | Priority chat |
| Free trial | 3 days | 7 days |
Prices are taken from the Shopify App Store listing at the time of writing. Check the listing for current plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Launchpad alternative for non-Plus stores?
Yes. Maestro Theme Scheduler brings scheduled theme publishing, plus section and block scheduling, to every Shopify plan.
Does Maestro schedule discounts like Launchpad?
No. Maestro focuses on the storefront theme. Use Shopify's built-in discount start and end dates for discounts.
Can I try Maestro before paying?
Yes. The Advanced plan has a 3-day free trial and the Maestro plan has a 7-day free trial.