In 2025, building Shopify templates requires more than writing functional code or designing attractive layouts. The platform continues to evolve, offering more built-in tools, structured content options, and advanced theme customization features. With these shifts, many developers still repeat the same old mistakes—some simply due to outdated habits, while others result from ignoring newer standards and capabilities.
When you overlook these changes, Shopify template issues show up in performance metrics, mobile behavior, and even app compatibility. From rigid structures to unnecessary code bloat, small decisions during theme development can lead to bigger challenges later.
This guide walks through the most common Shopify template errors developers still make in 2025. It also includes practical ways to fix them using current tools and practices that align with Shopify template best practices.
Top 10 Shopify Template Design Mistakes to Avoid in 2025 (And What to Do Instead)
Even with better tools and documentation, developers continue to make the same mistakes when working on Shopify template projects. In 2025, Shopify offers advanced features like Metaobjects, JSON templates, App Blocks, and Shopify Functions—but many templates still don’t fully support them.
Below are 10 real-world mistakes developers still make during Shopify template development—explained clearly with bullet points, real implications, and fixes.
Mistake #1: Hardcoding Sections Instead of Using JSON Templates
Shopify theme development has changed with Online Store 2.0. Yet some developers still build custom Shopify design templates using rigid Liquid files. Hardcoding sections in theme.liquid creates layout limits, especially for merchants who want drag-and-drop control over content.
Hardcoded templates can cause Shopify store template errors when teams try to update content without developer help. This defeats the purpose of dynamic theme architecture.
Avoid: Locking content into rigid layouts
Do This Instead:
Use templates/*.json for all custom pages
Structure schema to support flexible drag-and-drop layout editing
Keep logic modular with reusable sections
This shift supports cleaner Shopify template development and simplifies maintenance. JSON templates help solve long-standing Shopify custom template mistakes by giving merchants real control.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Shopify’s Native Metaobjects
Shopify introduced Metaobjects to reduce reliance on workarounds like bulky metafield sets or third-party apps. Still, many developers continue using outdated solutions for structured content, adding bloat and complexity where it’s not needed.
Metaobjects give structure to common content types like team bios, FAQs, or policy pages. They allow easy updates directly from the Shopify admin panel, cutting down the need for hardcoded or app-based content.
Avoid: Using metafields for structured content
Do This Instead:
Create Metaobjects for reusable data like bios, features, or store policies
Link Metaobjects with dynamic sources in theme sections
Make them editable in the admin without code updates
This improves efficiency and avoids common Shopify template development issues caused by inconsistent content handling.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Built-in Filtering and Search Tools
Predictive search and faceted filtering are no longer luxury features. Shopify’s native tools have matured, offering solid performance without relying on custom JavaScript or paid third-party apps. Yet many themes still use outdated search logic that affects load time and stability.
Custom filter scripts often lead to Shopify design errors that are hard to troubleshoot. They may clash with new updates or cause layout shifts during interaction.
Avoid: Writing custom JS filters or overusing filter apps
Do This Instead:
Use the built-in Search & Discovery app for product filters
Apply predictive search with Shopify’s API
Reduce JavaScript and improve native functionality
This keeps your templates lighter and helps avoid Shopify template mistakes that impact both performance and user experience.
Elevate Your Shopify Store with a Custom Design.
CartCoders designs modern, responsive, and conversion-focused Shopify templates for every niche.
Mistake #4: Poor Integration with Shopify Markets & Multi-Currency Features
Shopify Markets has become essential for global stores. If your theme doesn’t support multi-region selling, language adjustments, and currency switching, the storefront may break in international contexts.
One of the most common problems with Shopify themes is hardcoded currency or language that doesn’t reflect the shopper’s region. This causes pricing confusion and poor localization.
Avoid: Static currency symbols and untranslated strings
Do This Instead:
Use Liquid variables like {{ cart.currency }} and {{ localization.country }}
Create dynamic content blocks with language support
Test templates across multiple regions and devices
Supporting Shopify Markets isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a core part of Shopify template best practices.
Mistake #5: Misusing Dynamic Sources in Theme Editor
Shopify allows merchants to assign metafields and metaobjects directly to sections using dynamic sources. However, developers often overlook this feature and create a separate section for every use case. This creates bloat and makes the theme harder to maintain.
It also introduces Shopify custom template mistakes by limiting what merchants can update themselves. Instead of flexible section logic, they get static designs with little room for adjustment.
Avoid: Overloading themes with one-off content blocks
Do This Instead:
Build general-purpose sections using dynamic sources
Pull data from metafields or Metaobjects
Connect sections directly in the theme editor for better reuse
This approach simplifies updates and reduces Shopify template issues related to theme flexibility.
One of the biggest changes in Shopify template design and development is how apps integrate into templates. In 2025, most modern apps use App Blocks to insert functionality directly into sections. Still, many developers build rigid templates with no room for this integration. As a result, layouts break or fail to support essential features.
This leads to common Shopify template errors, especially when merchants install apps expecting seamless block support. Without proper containers, these app elements won’t display correctly, or at all.
Avoid: Building static templates with no app-ready areas
Do This Instead:
Include {{ content_for_header }} and {{ content_for_layout }} in layout files
Reserve editable blocks in key sections for app placement
Test with common apps to catch layout conflicts early
Planning for App Blocks early helps avoid Shopify store template errors and keeps your layouts compatible with future apps. It also supports clean integration without manual intervention.
Mistake #7: Skipping the Theme Check CLI
Shopify now includes a Theme Check CLI tool to help developers catch issues like deprecated tags, poor performance logic, and broken structure. Yet many skip this step entirely, pushing unvalidated code live or submitting themes to the store without testing.
This results in Shopify template mistakes that slow down approval processes, create bugs, or affect storefront reliability. Some errors might seem small—unused snippets, unoptimized loops—but they add up fast.
Avoid: Deploying themes without linting or checks
Do This Instead:
Run the Theme Check CLI before each version release
Integrate it into your local workflow or CI process
Fix issues as they appear instead of waiting for QA
Running Theme Check regularly reduces Shopify template issues and improves the quality of both custom and commercial themes.
CartCoders delivers pixel-perfect, mobile-friendly Shopify templates built for performance and style.
Mistake #8: Forgetting to Optimize Images with Liquid Filters
Images are critical to store performance and user experience. Even though Shopify’s CDN helps with delivery, it can’t fix poor developer choices. A common issue is raw image rendering without responsive filters. This affects load time, especially on mobile, and damages core performance scores.
Many Shopify custom template mistakes start with simple things like using {{ product.featured_image.src }} instead of adding width and size constraints. This causes layout shifts, pixelation, or slow image rendering.
Serve responsive images that match the device screen size
These filters support better performance without adding extra JavaScript or styling hacks. They’re a vital part of Shopify template design best practices in 2025.
Mistake #9: Overriding Shopify’s Default Class Naming Conventions
Another mistake developers make when building Shopify templatesis rewriting core class names. Shopify themes rely on a shared set of class names (product _ _ media, button, grid, etc.) used by apps and internal components. Removing or changing these classes causes display problems and breaks app compatibility.
One of the more common Shopify design errors is styling everything from scratch and ignoring Shopify’s structure. This may look fine in a local test, but once an app is installed or a new feature is activated, layout issues appear.
Avoid: Changing or deleting Shopify’s base class names
Do This Instead:
Keep core class names like product _ _ media, button, grid, etc.
Add custom classes using wrappers or modifiers
Extend styling without breaking native functionality
This helps maintain consistency and prevents common problems with Shopify themes, especially during upgrades or app installations.
Mistake #10: Ignoring Shopify Functions and Dynamic Logic
Shopify Functions power things like dynamic discounts, advanced shipping logic, and checkout rules. Themes that assume fixed business logic, such as a static discount model or rigid cart rules, can’t support these functions properly.
This leads to Shopify template issues that surface only after launch. For example, a merchant might try to run a function-based discount rule, but the template fails to display it correctly.
Avoid: Coding templates with hardwired pricing or logic
Do This Instead:
Build layouts that support conditional display logic
Design sections that can reflect function-based outcomes (e.g., dynamic pricing)
Why Choose CartCoders for Custom Shopify Template Design
When it comes to creating high-quality, flexible, and scalable Shopify templates, CartCoders stands out. Our team focuses on building templates that align with Shopify’s latest capabilities—including JSON layouts, App Blocks, Shopify Functions, and Metaobjects. We don’t just create themes—we build structured systems that support your store’s growth.
Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading an existing store, CartCoders delivers:
Fully custom template designs based on your brand, industry, and user goals
JSON-based layouts for drag-and-drop editing and dynamic content
Mobile-first, responsive design tested across all major devices and browsers
Native integration with Shopify features like Markets, filtering, and Search & Discovery
Built-in support for App Blocks and advanced merchant control
Clean, theme-store-ready code reviewed with Theme Check and performance-tested
With years of experience in Shopify template design, our team understands how to avoid the common pitfalls—no rigid layouts, no bloated sections, and no broken integrations.
We build templates with long-term value in mind. You won’t need to overhaul your theme every time Shopify adds new features. CartCoders creates systems that are easy to manage, adapt, and expand, making day-to-day operations smoother for your team.
Conclusion
Building Shopify templates in 2025 goes beyond layout and styling. With features like Metaobjects, App Blocks, Shopify Markets, and Functions, themes must support more than just design—they need to work with the platform’s core tools.
Many template issues today stem from skipping these essentials. Poor structure, hardcoded elements, and outdated methods limit flexibility and slow growth.
At CartCoders, we build Shopify templates that follow the latest standards, support dynamic content, and adapt to evolving store needs. Whether you’re creating a client project or submitting to the Theme Store, a smart, scalable template makes all the difference.
When built right, your Shopify theme becomes a solid base for performance, growth, and long-term success. If you’re looking for reliable Custom Shopify design templates services built for 2025 and beyond, CartCoders is here to help.
As the CTO at Shiv Technolabs & CartCoders, I am liable for instigating, planning, integrating, and implementing the organization's strategic orientation.
I gather the most significant tech news in addition to sharing the information I gained while serving as the CTO of Shiv Technolabs, a renowned web and mobile app development company. I am pleased to answer questions as a most valuable expert for Shiv Technolabs Private Limited and to share my experience. I offer a keen insider's perspective on technical advancements.
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