Goal: Set up the Altera CLI with Claude Code so you can manage your Shopify store data using natural language. Once connected, you can ask Claude to export, import, and update store data for you.
Video walkthrough: Watch the step-by-step video
Prerequisites:
You have Altera installed on your Shopify store
You have Claude Code installed on your computer
You have a terminal open (Terminal on Mac, or a terminal in VS Code)
Step 1 - Generate an API key
In your Shopify admin, open Apps > Altera, then go to Settings > API keys.
Enter your email address. This is only used so we can contact you if there are unexpected issues with the API.
Click Create API key. Choose which permissions the key should have. If you want Claude to handle both imports and exports, select all permissions. If you only want read access, select export-only permissions.
Click Save. You will see a setup command and your API key on screen. Keep this page open for the next step.
Step 2 - Connect the CLI to your store
Copy the setup command shown on the API key page and paste it into your terminal. This downloads the Altera CLI if it is not already installed.
When prompted, paste your API key and press Enter. You should see a confirmation that the store has been added.
Step 3 - Initialize Claude Code
Open Claude Code in a new directory where you want to manage your store data. Run the /init command to create a CLAUDE.md file. When Claude asks what this project is for, tell it something like: "This is used for managing Shopify data with npx altera. Look at the command for options."
Claude will run the npx altera command to discover available options and create guidelines in the CLAUDE.md file. Review the file and approve the changes when prompted.
Step 4 - Verify the connection
Test the setup by asking Claude a simple question about your store, such as "What locations do I have?" Claude will use the Altera CLI to pull data from your store and return the answer.
Outcome
Claude Code is now connected to your Shopify store through the Altera CLI. You can ask Claude to perform tasks like exporting products, updating SEO descriptions, bulk-editing inventory, or any other operation supported by Altera. All changes are saved as CSV files in the Matrixify format, giving you a record of every update that you can review or roll back.
Next steps
Read the Altera CLI reference for a full list of available commands
Try asking Claude to export your products or update collection SEO descriptions