SKULabs can import Shopify order metafields, show them on the order, and use them in shipping rules, print templates and exports. For example, a ship-by date or gift note that a Shopify app saves as an order metafield can tag the order, pick a shipping method, or print on the packing slip.
Which Shopify metafields SKULabs imports
SKULabs imports order metafields from the namespaces you list in the store settings. By default it imports only the skulabs namespace.
Go to Settings > Stores and edit your Shopify store.
In Import metafields with the following namespaces, enter one namespace per line, for example skulabs and custom.
Optional: check Import order SKULabs metafields as note to also add the metafields to the order's internal notes.
Save. New and updated orders import the metafields on the next order sync.
SKULabs removes the namespace from the key. For example, the metafield custom.ship_date shows as ship_date. A metafield with the key delivery_instructions is also added to the order's delivery instructions.
Where to see order metafields
Order page: the Metafields panel lists each key and value.
Orders export: the Metafields column lists them as key: value pairs.
Print templates: use the orderMetafields variable, for example {{ orderMetafields.ship_date }} on a packing slip.
How to use a Shopify metafield in a shipping rule
Go to Settings > Shipping > Rules and add or edit a rule.
Click Add filter and choose Shopify order metafields.
Pick an operator, then enter the Key (exact match) as shown in the Metafields panel, and the value to compare.
Add the actions and save.
Operators:
equals and is not equal to: compare the value. Numbers are compared as numbers.
is greater than, is greater than or equal to, is less than and is less than or equal to: compare numbers or dates.
contains the following text and does not contain the following text: look for text inside the value.
is in the following list and is not in the following list: check the value against a list. Enter one value per line.
is blank and is not blank: check whether the order has the metafield at all. No value is needed.
Date metafields: ship-by and delivery dates
When the metafield holds a date (for example 2026-11-20) and the rule value is a relative date, SKULabs compares the two as dates. You can use today, tomorrow, yesterday, next 3 days or 2 days ago.
Example: to tag orders that must ship today or earlier, add the filter Shopify order metafields, operator is less than or equal to, key ship_date, value today, and the action Set order tag.