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Article3 min read

Yandex KIT Unveils Custom Sections: Where Design Configuration Ends and Store Development Begins

Yandex KIT users now have access to custom HTML and CSS blocks. I examine what problems this solves and how to identify platform limitations beforehand.

Packaging samples and materials on a store designer's desk
In this article

Online stores often need blocks not found in standard templates: collection history, material comparisons, unique selections, or detailed delivery explanations. When such blocks can be built within the platform, site development becomes simpler.

On September 3, 2026, Yandex opened custom sections to all KIT users in beta status. These sections support custom HTML and CSS. JavaScript and external scripts are not supported—a critical boundary if the task extends beyond styling.

First, define the buyer's action

"I need a beautiful block" is hard to verify. A more useful task is: help choose a size, explain differences between two materials, or show a set's composition. This clarifies exactly what data and elements are needed.

For text, photos, and simple layouts, a custom section may suffice. However, if a buyer must calculate costs based on multiple parameters or receive a personalized offer, you must verify the platform's available mechanisms and integrations.

Blocks that look identical can differ significantly internally. A static comparison table and an interactive selector require vastly different development efforts. It is better to identify this distinction during the task definition phase rather than after the design has been approved.

Unique designs also require maintenance.

Who updates prices, photos, and text? Can an editor do this independently? Does the layout remain intact after a title length changes? These questions determine the daily cost of maintaining a block.

Test on phones, tablets, and with text zoom. A design that looks good on one wide screen might cover a purchase button on another. Pay special attention to long specifications and missing images.

For a multi-language store, avoid embedding critical text directly into images. Text is easier to translate and maintain as part of the page content. This also helps preserve readability across different screen sizes.

Choose a platform based on required scenarios

Customizing the appearance does not equal the freedom to change all processes. Before launch, compile a list of mandatory features: tiered pricing, inventory synchronization, complex shipping rules, and personalized buyer conditions. Then verify their support independently of the design.

A ready-made platform is suitable when its capabilities are sufficient and the team understands its constraints. Individual development is justified when specific processes require different behavior. New sections expand KIT's design options, but the decision to evolve the store still begins with the buyer's needs and the team responsible for supporting it.

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