Block Star: Theme Blocks vs Picture It: AR & Art Previewsfor Shopify (2026)
Block Star: Theme Blocks and Picture It: AR & Art Previews, while both falling under the broader 'Image gallery' category on Shopify, serve distinctly different purposes and target different merchant segments. Block Star focuses on enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of a Shopify store through customizable theme blocks, aiming to improve conversions with urgency-building elements, rich media blocks, and social proof badges. Its primary strength lies in ease of use, promising a no-code solution for deep customizations of various page elements to tell a product story. In contrast, Picture It: AR & Art Previews is specifically designed for art galleries, art stores, or decor shops. Its value proposition is centered around leveraging augmented reality (AR) to boost customer confidence and increase sales by allowing customers to visualize artwork in their own spaces before purchasing, offering features like virtual showrooms and automatic framing.
At a Glance
Block Star: Theme Blocks
0 reviews
Picture It: AR & Art Previews
35 reviews
Detailed Overview
Block Star: Theme Blocks
Upgrade your theme design with Block Star. Quickly add images, videos, media blocks and badges.
Key Features
- Add beautiful badges to show social proof.
- Add rich media blocks (slideshows, shop-the-look, etc.) to inform and delight.
- No coding needed. Simply select the section and hit publish.
- Make it your own with deep customizations for each block.
- Tested to meet rigorous speed and quality metrics. Talk to Matt for support!
Picture It: AR & Art Previews
Live 3D previews for wall art in augmented reality. View your artwork on a wall or virtual room
Key Features
- Live augmented reality (AR) previews to boost art sales and conversions
- Automatically import dimensions, frames, and variant styles
- Virtual showroom add-on to preview art or furniture in different rooms
- Fully customizable button embedded into your art store with one-click
- Track popular product previews, sales, and trends with built-in analytics
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 0/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Block Star: Theme Blocks0/5 Picture It: AR & Art Previews5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 0 | 35 |
Reviews Block Star: Theme Blocks0 Picture It: AR & Art Previews35 | ||
| Target Merchant | General Shopify merchants seeking design improvements | Art galleries, art stores, decor shops |
Target Merchant Block Star: Theme BlocksGeneral Shopify merchants seeking design improvements Picture It: AR & Art PreviewsArt galleries, art stores, decor shops | ||
| Core Functionality | Theme block customization (images, videos, badges) | Augmented Reality (AR) art previews and virtual showrooms |
Core Functionality Block Star: Theme BlocksTheme block customization (images, videos, badges) Picture It: AR & Art PreviewsAugmented Reality (AR) art previews and virtual showrooms | ||
| Ease of Use | No coding needed | No 3D models or coding required, automated import of dimensions and frames |
Ease of Use Block Star: Theme BlocksNo coding needed Picture It: AR & Art PreviewsNo 3D models or coding required, automated import of dimensions and frames | ||
| Value Proposition | Improved design, conversions, and customer confidence through visual storytelling and urgency | Increased customer confidence and sales through realistic AR previews and visualization tools |
Value Proposition Block Star: Theme BlocksImproved design, conversions, and customer confidence through visual storytelling and urgency Picture It: AR & Art PreviewsIncreased customer confidence and sales through realistic AR previews and visualization tools | ||
| Customization | Deep customizations for each block | Customizable button, virtual showrooms, and variants |
Customization Block Star: Theme BlocksDeep customizations for each block Picture It: AR & Art PreviewsCustomizable button, virtual showrooms, and variants | ||
| Key Features | Badges, rich media blocks, deep customizations | Live AR previews, auto-framing, virtual showrooms, built-in analytics |
Key Features Block Star: Theme BlocksBadges, rich media blocks, deep customizations Picture It: AR & Art PreviewsLive AR previews, auto-framing, virtual showrooms, built-in analytics | ||
Our Verdict
Picture It: AR & Art Previews is the clear choice for merchants selling art or decor who want to offer a highly engaging and confident buying experience by using AR technology. The app’s high rating and numerous reviews suggest a proven track record of success. Block Star: Theme Blocks, while potentially useful for general store design enhancements, suffers from a complete lack of reviews, making it a riskier proposition. If a merchant isn't in the art/decor space, *and* they are comfortable being an early adopter of a potentially unproven app, Block Star could be considered. Otherwise, its current lack of user feedback makes it difficult to recommend over established alternatives for general theme customization.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to set up?
Both apps claim ease of use by not needing code, but Picture It offers automated import of dimensions and frames, which may make the setup for art products slightly faster.
Which app is better for increasing sales?
Picture It directly aims to increase art sales using augmented reality. Block Star aims to increase general sales through theme block enhancements. The better option will depend on the nature of the products being sold.
Which app requires more technical knowledge?
Neither app claims to require coding experience, but Block Star might involve more design-related decisions, requiring aesthetic sensibilities to effectively utilize the customizable blocks.
If I sell furniture, which app is more suitable?
Picture It: AR & Art Previews is explicitly designed for showing artwork and decor in AR. The description mentions visualizing furniture in different rooms using its virtual showroom feature, making it the more suitable option for furniture retailers.
How can I tell which app is right for my store?
Consider your product type. If you sell art or decor, Picture It is the likely choice. If you're looking for broader store design customization options, assess if you are willing to take a risk on a new app with no reviews like Block Star.
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