eCommerce
Solution
If you want to make explicit changes to your online store, you can edit your Shopify theme code which includes CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files. Every Shopify store can allow you to install up to 20 themes at the same time. However, you can only publish one theme at a time, i.e., the Shopify theme that controls your live storefront. All other themes are called unpublished themes and they can be viewed by employing special preview links created in the shop admin.
The most vital thing that you can do before using the Shopify Theme code editor for Shopify store customization is to create a backup of your online store. This will allow you to roll back your Shopify files individually. We recommend you to hire Shopify developers if you want to use the Shopify Theme code editor.
Shopify Theme Code: An Overview
The entire functionality of your Shopify store is dependent on the Shopify Theme. These templates are actually theme files that are written in programming languages and they work in unison to deliver the experience that we find in online stores.
Shopify utilizes Liquid as its primary templating language along with Javascript, HTML, JSON, and CSS. With these programming languages, web developers can deliver Shopify theme customization as per the desired theme feel and look of their clients.
Also, when developers use the code editor to input logic or commands, they can modify their Shopify theme files to add features or change elements that are not natively found on Shopify theme editors.
It is important to note that the Shopify theme editor and the Shopify code editor are two different things. The Shopify theme editor allows you to access your store through the Shopify dashboard without the requirement to edit or input code. In contrast, the Shopify code editor allows you to access theme files after you type in the codes.
Caution:
Shopify warns that if you edit the Shopify theme code, you may make it ineligible for future updates. You should only opt for Shopify theme code edit if you can’t make the adjustments that you need using the Shopify theme editor or the Shopify app.
Things to Try Before Using Shopify Theme Code Editor
Committing mistakes while using the Shopify theme code editor can have detrimental consequences. This makes it essential to take precautions especially if you are dealing with a live Shopify website.
Here are 4 things that you can try out before using the Shopify theme code editor:
Use the Shopify Theme Editor
When customizing the functional ties of your Shopify store, using the Shopify theme code editor should be seen as the last option. Often, you can indulge in Shopify store customization by using the Shopify theme editor.
Step 1:
Go to the leftmost panel on your Shopify dashboard and click “Online Store”. By default, it will redirect you to the Themes menu wherein you can see your current theme as well as other themes under the ‘Theme Library’ option.
Step 2:
Now, click the option ‘Customize’ to successfully open the theme editor. Go to the ‘Homepage’ in your theme editor and explore the various Shopify themes. You can use the option ‘Theme Settings’ if you want to edit the buttons, colors, typography, and other variables of your Shopify store.
Lastly, click on the ‘Apps embeds’ button to install third-party apps in your Shopify online store.
Duplicate the Current Theme Settings
If you really want to opt for Shopify theme customization via the Shopify theme code editor, then we recommend saving your current theme settings. This will enable you to revert to your old theme settings that are working on your Shopify store in case things go wrong with the Shopify theme code editor.
Use a Custom CSS File
Under the Theme Settings menu, you will find the option Custom CSS to implement customizations quickly.
How to Use Shopify Theme Code Editor
Head to Themes
Sign into your Shopify account and then go to the Sales Channels section. Now, click on the option ‘Online Store’ and the system will automatically take you to the option ‘Themes’ from where you can move on to the next step.
Edit Theme Code
Now in the ‘Themes’ option, you will find two smaller categories:
- More Themes
- Current Theme
You need to choose one theme option from the above-mentioned ones. Next, besides your chosen theme, you will find an option ‘Action’. Press on it and now choose ‘Edit Code’ from the drop-down menu.
The editing page will now appear and you will find a menu on the left side and a space showing the adjustments beside it. To the right of the screen, you will find an icon that will allow you to expand the code editor by clicking it. You will find the icon right below the ‘Expert Theme Help’ option.
However, if you want to minimize the theme to the original size, you will find the collapse icon which will help you perform the function.
If you want to open a file, you can go to the directory on the left and directly press on the file name. You can open as well as adjust multiple files simultaneously. If any file is edited, you will find a tiny dot next to its title which will help you track the files that have been recently edited or changed.
After you have completed it, Click on the option ‘Save’ to store it.
When you edit your Shopify theme code in full-screen mode, you can also change the color of the page to dark by choosing the option ‘Dark’.
Reverting Changes
You can revert changes to your individual files in the Shopify Theme Code Editor. Shopify maintains a record of changes and also keeps a version history for each individual file to enable you to revert a Shopify file to its desired state.
To roll back an individual file to its original or previous state, you need to click the link ‘Older versions’ next to your file name. Next, you need to go to the dropdown menu and select a date to which you want your file to revert.
Conclusion
Shopify theme customization via the Shopify Theme Code Editor route can be a bit more complicated than using the basic Theme Editor. However, it facilitates more freedom in making changes to the functionality and appearance of your Shopify store on a greater scale.
Shopify store customization can help you create a more unique experience for your users. However, it is essential to note that using the Shopify Theme Code Editor would stop your store from taking advantage of automatic enhancements and updates.
Once you start editing Shopify theme codes, it will bring you ample opportunities to personalize your Shopify storefront. In the above post, we have offered all the inputs on editing the Shopify theme code. We have even mentioned the best practices to follow. So, get ready to have your Shopify storefront work wonders! Edit the Shopify theme and make the changes you’ve always dreamt of. Alternatively, you can hire a professional Shopify design and theme development company to help you out! The skilled and experienced team of professional Shopify designers and developers will surely help you transform the storefront!