1. What is Block in Block?
Block in Block is a layout system in the Maximize theme that lets you build complex, custom content arrangements by nesting blocks inside container blocks - without writing any code.
At its core, it introduces two special container blocks - Group and Item list - that you can add to certain sections. Inside these containers, you place the actual content blocks (headings, text, images, buttons, icons, and more) and control exactly how they are arranged, sized, and spaced.
Think of it this way: if a section is a page, a Group is a column or a row on that page, and the blocks inside it are the content elements that fill that space.
💡 Why does this matter? Without Block in Block, every section has a fixed layout - you can change the content but not the structure. Block in Block removes that constraint. It's what lets you replicate the multi-column, grid, and carousel layouts you see in the Maximize demo store. This is also the innovative part of the Shopify Summer Edition 2025, introduced on the Horizon theme.
2. The two container blocks
There are two containers you will work with. Understanding the difference between them is the key to using this system effectively.
📦 Group
A flexible container that holds blocks and arranges them in a single direction.
- Stack blocks vertically (top to bottom) - the default
- Or line them up horizontally (side by side)
- Control size, spacing, padding, border, and color scheme
- Can be nested inside another Group
👇Identifier:
🔲 Item list
Like Group, but designed for repeating items that need a structured display format.
- Display items as a Grid (rows and columns)
- Or as a Carousel (horizontally scrollable)
- Control the number of columns and scroll behavior
- Best for collections of similar things: category cards, feature tiles, promo blocks
👇Identifier:
Simple rule of thumb: Use Group when you want to compose a custom layout with different types of content. Use Item list when you have a set of similar, repeating items and want them in a grid or carousel.
⚠️Note: Sometimes, the name of the block shown is different based on the Section you use. For example, inside the Stats counter section, the Header or Stat is actually a Group, while the Stat list is actually an Item list. Different name, same function. Be aware of the icon before the block's name to identify.
3. What blocks can go inside a container?
Once you add a Group or Item list to a section, you can place the following content blocks inside it. They are organized into the same groups you'll see in the Theme Editor:
| Block | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Basic | |
| Button | A call-to-action button with Primary, Secondary, or Text link styles. |
| Heading | A title line with font size, tag (H1–H6), highlight effects, and text transform options. |
| Icon | A standalone icon - from the built-in library or a custom image. |
| Separator | A visual divider or blank spacing element between blocks. |
| Subheading | A smaller supporting text line, typically placed above or below a heading. |
| Table of information | A two-column table for structured details such as specs, ingredients, or dimensions. |
| Text | A body text block with font size, content height control, and tooltip support. |
| Forms | |
| Back in stock alert | A form for customers to subscribe and receive an email when a product is back in stock. |
| Newsletter signup | An email signup form for customers to join your mailing list. |
| Layout | |
| Collapsible tab | An accordion-style expandable panel - similar to Group but with a toggle to show or hide its contents. |
| Group (nested) | Another Group container inside the current one - for building multi-level layouts. Max practical depth: 7 levels. |
| Item list (nested) | A grid or carousel of repeating items inside a parent Group. |
| Links | |
| Interactive link | A text link or button that, when clicked, opens the blocks nested inside it in a pop-up or drawer. |
| Media | |
| Image | An image with aspect ratio and padding controls. |
| Video | A video with autoplay and sound control options. |
| Metrics | |
| Counter | A number that animates upward when scrolled into view - ideal for displaying stats or figures. |
| Product - only available in product-related sections (e.g. Product showcase) | |
| Buy buttons | Add to cart and Buy now buttons. |
| Countdown timer | A running countdown for promotions or limited-time offers. |
| Custom HTML | A free-form HTML block for advanced custom content. |
| Estimated delivery time | The expected delivery timeframe, configured in Theme Settings. |
| Inventory status | Shows current stock availability for the product. |
| Payment methods | Displays accepted payment method icons. |
| Price | Displays the product price, including sale and compare-at price. |
| Product title | Displays the product name dynamically based on the current product. |
| Rating | Displays the product's star rating. |
| SKU/Barcode | Displays the product SKU and barcode. |
| Social sharing | Clickable social media sharing icons. |
| Variant picker | Allows customers to select product variants (size, color, etc.). |
| Vendor | Displays the product's vendor name. |
4. Which sections support Block in Block?
Block in Block is currently available in the following sections:
- Stat counter
- Product showcase
- Image with text
- Product three columns
- Video with text
⚠️ Note: This list may expand in future theme updates as more sections gain Block in Block support.
5. Common Use Cases
🤔 When should I use a Group block?
Reach for a Group when you want to compose a custom piece of content by combining different building blocks - and control how they sit relative to each other.
Some examples of what a Group makes possible:
- An icon sitting to the left of a heading and a short text line - all three horizontally aligned in a row
- A heading, subheading, paragraph, and button stacked vertically inside a defined-width column
- A colored card with its own border and color scheme, containing a counter number and label
- A two-column layout by placing two Groups side by side inside a parent Group set to Horizontal direction
In short: if you're building a custom "card" or "column" made of multiple content elements, Group is what you use.
🤔 When should I use an Item list block?
Reach for an Item list when you have a set of similar, repeating items and want them displayed in a consistent grid or scrollable carousel.
Some examples of what an Item list makes possible:
- A grid of category tiles - each showing an image and a label - laid out in 3 or 4 columns
- A horizontally scrollable carousel of product highlights that customers can swipe through
- A row of feature icons with short text beneath each one, evenly distributed across the width
The key difference from Group: with Item list, the blocks inside behave as equal repeating units. You set the number of columns or enable carousel mode, and the items distribute themselves automatically.
🤔 How deep can I nest blocks?
You can nest containers up to 7 levels deep in practice. The system technically allows 8 levels, but the 8th level can only hold an empty Group with nothing inside it - so it has no practical use. (This is also the current limitations of the Shopify side - same situation with the Horizon theme)
For the vast majority of layouts, you will only ever need 2–3 levels:
- Level 1: A Group or Item list directly inside the section
- Level 2: Content blocks (heading, text, image, etc.) inside that Group
- Level 3: A nested Group inside the first Group, for a more complex arrangement within a column or card
Going deeper than 3 levels is rarely needed for standard store layouts.
6. Ready to build?
The best way to learn Block in Block is to see a finished layout and follow the steps to recreate it. Head to our layout library to pick a look you like and get a step-by-step guide:
Need help? Contact our support team at Omni Themes Support.
