Skip to content
Knowledge base Subscriptions Setting up a Library Access subscription
Subscriptions

Setting up a Library Access subscription

6 min read 🗓 Updated February 19, 2026

A Library Access Subscription gives customers access to a library of digital files based on the access rules you configure. Access can be limited to an active subscription or retained after cancellation, depending on your settings.

Step 1: Create a New Library Access Subscription

  1. In your Shopify admin, go to Apps → Content Vault → Subscriptions.
  2. Click Create New Subscription.
  3. Choose Library Access as the subscription type.

Step 2: Basic Subscription Details

Subscription Name

Enter an internal name for the subscription (this is not shown to customers).

Example: Premium Library Membership

Subscription Product

Select the Shopify product customers will purchase to begin their subscription.

This product:

  • Appears on your storefront
  • Is where customers choose their tier
  • Triggers subscription creation when purchased

Subscription Settings

Choose whether to automatically fulfill subscription orders.

  • Automatically fulfill orders (enabled by default) Recommended for most digital subscriptions.
  • Disable this only if you need manual fulfillment logic.

Step 3: Configure Subscription Tiers

Each tier represents a different subscription option customers can choose on the product page (not at checkout).

You can add multiple tiers (e.g. Basic, Pro, VIP).

Each tier has its own:

  • Customer-facing name
  • Pricing rules
  • Billing frequency
  • File access & delivery settings

Tier Settings (Configured Per Tier)

Plan Name

This is what customers see on the product page.

Example: Starter, Pro, All-Access

Advanced Pricing Options

(Optional)

  • Fixed price – Override the product’s base price
  • Percentage discount – Apply a discount to the product price for a limited time

Subscription Frequency

Set how often customers are billed for this tier.

  • Frequency (e.g. every 1)
  • Interval (e.g. month, year)

Each tier can have a different billing frequency.

Step 4: File Access & Delivery Settings (Per Tier)

Each tier controls its own access rules.

You can configure:

  • Retain access after cancel/pause Decide whether customers keep access if they cancel

  • Download limits

    • IP address limit
    • Download limit per file

  • Link visibility

    • Thank You / Order Status page
    • Customer account page

  • Download emails

    • Automatically email download links on purchase

Step 5: Save the Subscription

Once all tiers are configured:

  1. Click Save subscription

After saving, you’ll see a confirmation modal prompting you to connect files for each tier.

Step 6: Connect Library Files (Per Tier)

For each tier:

  1. Click Configure files
  2. Upload or select files from your Content Vault
  3. Files added here are accessible only to subscribers of that tier

Each tier has its own file library — files are not shared automatically between tiers.

Step 7: Activate the Subscription

Once files are connected for all tiers:

  • Click Set Active

Your Library Access subscription is now live.

Customers can:

  • Select a tier on the product page
  • Subscribe
  • Immediately access the files assigned to their tier

Final Notes

  • Content Vault handles billing, access control, and delivery together
  • Library Access subscriptions unlock content immediately,
  • Access behavior is configurable per subscription and per tier.
  • Tiers allow multiple pricing plans without product duplication

If you need help choosing the best setup for your use case, feel free to reach out via live chat — we’re happy to help you get this dialed in.