Create an embedded checkout
Set up your embedded checkout and choose between Inline or Stacked layouts for the buyer experience.
Create an embedded checkout to let buyers complete their purchase directly on your site. This guide walks you through creating the checkout and choosing your preferred payment method layout (Inline or Stacked).
The sections below explain how to create the checkout, compare the two layouts, and answer common questions. Select a section or use the TOC on the right to jump ahead.
Create your embedded checkout
To create an embedded checkout:
- In the FastSpring app, go to Checkouts > Embedded Checkouts.
- Click Create Embedded Checkout (top-right). The Create Embedded Checkout dialog opens.
- Under Company Sub-directory Checkout ID, enter a unique ID for your checkout. This ID becomes part of the checkout URL and can't contain spaces.
- Under Choose Your Payment Method Layout, select how payment options appear during checkout. Inline View is selected by default.
- Inline View: A horizontal payment method layout that supports all checkout fields (address, company, phone, billing contact, gifts, quotes).
- Stacked View: A vertical accordion layout optimized for fast, mobile-friendly checkouts that collect only basic buyer details.
- Click Create to save your new embedded checkout.
Warning: Stacked View requires Store Builder Library (SBL) version 1.0.2 or later. With an earlier version, Stacked View doesn't show the Apple Pay button. We recommend using the latest SBL version.
Tip: You can switch between layouts at any time in Settings > Checkout.
Compare payment method layouts
To understand the visual and functional differences between Inline View and Stacked View, use the comparison below to choose the option that best fits your store.
Layout summary
Horizontal payment method buttons that support the full set of checkout fields.
When to use this layout
- Collecting detailed buyer information
- Supporting B2B purchases that require invoices
- Stores that require address, company, or phone information
Supported fields
Supports all checkout fields, including:
- Address fields
- Company name
- Phone number
- Separate billing contact
- Gift purchases
- Generate quote
- Invoices
Layout summary
Vertical, mobile-friendly accordion for a fast checkout with basic buyer details.
When to use this layout
- Mobile-first experiences
- Simple, fast checkouts that collect only minimal buyer details
Unsupported fields
Does not support:
- Invoices
- Generate quote
- Separate billing contact
- Gift purchases
- Company field
- Collect physical address
- Collect phone number
UI behavior
The stacked layout prioritizes express payments for speed while keeping standard payment methods accessible in an expandable list.
Express payments
- Apple Pay and Google Pay (if available) appear at the top for fast, single-step purchases.
- For returning buyers, 1ClickPay may also display here as an additional express option.
- A divider labeled “OR” separates express payments from standard methods below.
Standard payments
- Standard methods (for example, Card, PayPal, Amazon Pay) display as stacked accordions below the divider and expand inline when selected.
- If your checkout has five or fewer standard payment methods, all of them display. With six or more, four display and the rest are grouped under More options. Apple Pay and Google Pay don't count toward this limit. If only one method is available, it appears as a single expanded section.
- All payment tiles inherit your checkout's theme styling, including dark-mode compatibility and color treatments.
FAQs
Which layout should I use for my store?
It depends on your checkout goals. Inline View works best when you need to collect detailed buyer information or support B2B purchases that require invoices or company details.
Stacked View is ideal for mobile-first or simplified checkouts that focus on speed and minimal fields. You can preview both and switch layouts at any time in Settings > Checkout.
Can I change the layout after creating my checkout?
Yes. You can switch between Inline View and Stacked View at any time from Settings > Checkout. The change applies instantly and doesn't affect your checkout's existing styling or configuration.
Why don't I see all payment methods in Stacked View?
Both layouts support the same standard payment methods. If your checkout has six or more standard payment methods, four display and the rest are grouped under a More options section.
The key difference is that B2B payment methods such as Quote and Invoice are not available in Stacked View. Switch to Inline View if you need to support those B2B options.
Updated 3 days ago