How to Migrate from Magento to Shopify (Step-by-Step 2026 Guide)

Planning to migrate your Magento store to Shopify in 2026 but not sure how the data will behave during the shift? Many owners reach this stage when server tasks, manual patches, and extension conflicts create extra workload. Shopify avoids these tasks with a stable cloud setup. But the migration path requires a structured plan because the internal models of both systems differ at every layer.

Magento uses an EAV structure. EAV stands for entity–attribute–value. It stores product data in multiple linked tables. Shopify uses a flat product model. It accepts simple fields, a limit of three options, and a maximum of one hundred variants per product.

This difference affects how configurable products, bundles, and attribute sets move during migration. A clean mapping strategy reduces errors when the import runs.

Store owners studying the shift often view the Magento to Shopify migration services page to understand how variant limits, metafields, and collection rules behave after import. This gives a clear idea of what changes during the transition.

Why Magento to Shopify Migration Needs Technical Planning

Magento allows unlimited attributes. These attributes sit inside sets that define product structure. A store may have sets like “Clothing,” “Shoes,” “Accessories,” or “Electronics,” each with unique fields. Shopify does not support attribute sets. It uses standard fields and metafields for extra values. Some Magento fields can shift directly into Shopify variants. Others convert to metafields. Some must merge or drop.

Magento also handles configurable products through parent–child links. The parent item stores the logic. The children store the variations. Shopify stores everything in one product. The import must merge these values without breaking the variant chain. If attribute values do not match the allowed format, Shopify will not build the variants correctly.

Stores with custom logic often rely on data adjustments explained in Shopify development services. These adjustments help when a catalog needs custom fields, metafield groups, or template-level changes.

Checklist Before You Start the Migration

The preparation stage controls most of the risk. A clear checklist supports both the export and the import.

1. Backup the Magento environment

Magento stores data in many tables. Product data sits in catalog_product_entity tables. Category data sits in catalog_category_entity. URL rewrites sit in url_rewrite. Images sit in pub/media. You need a full backup. This includes database export and the entire media folder.

2. Confirm the Magento version

Magento 1 and Magento 2 store data differently. Magento 2 splits fields into entity tables, value tables, and linked references. Shopify accepts flat data. Version checks decide which export method suits your catalog.

3. Audit attribute sets

Some stores carry old attribute sets that no longer serve the catalog. Remove unused sets. Merge sets with similar fields. Plan which fields convert to variants. Plan which fields convert to metafields. This reduces mapping issues.

4. Review category structure

Magento uses a deep tree. Shopify uses collections. Collections can use rules or manual grouping. If your Magento store uses layered navigation, you must decide how filters will behave inside Shopify.

5. Export the full URL list

Magento stores rewrites in separate tables. Shopify creates new URLs. If the URLs do not match, redirects are required. Export every URL. This includes products, categories, CMS pages, and blog posts. Missing redirects cause traffic loss.

6. Note module-based fields

Some stores use custom modules for size charts, warranty notes, shipping notes, and other values. Shopify may accept these as metafields. You must list these fields before exporting.

Early Technical Stages Before Moving the Data

The migration begins with cleanup. Clean data reduces conflicts and import failures.

Step 1: Remove unused items

Delete draft products. Remove old categories. Remove empty attributes. This lowers the size of the export file and reduces processing time.

Step 2: Normalize SKU and option data

Magento accepts long SKUs, special characters, and variations created through modules. Shopify prefers clean SKUs. Variants must follow simple patterns. Normalizing SKUs early removes conflicts when Shopify tries to create variant combinations.

Step 3: Decide the migration method

Some stores use apps. Some use manual CSV. Some use assisted mapping. The method depends on catalog size, variant count, and number of images. If the store needs theme setup and structural work after migration, owners review the workflow shown in Shopify store setup services.

Step 4: Export from Magento

Export products, configurable links, customers, orders, and pages. Magento supports CSV export for most fields. Some advanced fields require module-based export. You must keep the exported files readable. Large files must be split into smaller batches so the import does not fail.

Once the Magento store is cleaned and the export files are ready, the migration enters the main execution phase. This part focuses on the technical steps that decide how your products, variants, categories, customers, and orders reach Shopify without breaking structure. Each step needs attention because both platforms treat data in different ways. A small mismatch can break variant links or create empty handles. A clear sequence reduces these issues.

The steps below follow the same order used by engineers when handling large catalog migrations. These steps apply to single-store and multi-store setups. Multi-store projects need extra checks because URLs, currencies, and store views behave differently after import.

Understanding How Magento Data Moves Into Shopify

Magento uses EAV tables. Shopify uses flat tables. Shopify does not read Magento’s table structure directly. It accepts CSV, API-based imports, or migration-app formatted data. When the import begins, Shopify expects each product to have a handle, title, body, image links, options, and variants. Anything outside these fields must be converted into metafields.

Magento stores product text, attributes, and images in different tables. Shopify expects them in one place. That is why the export must flatten the data. Flattening combines values into one file so Shopify can read them without guessing relationships.

Store owners who want to understand how Shopify interprets handles, options, and metafields often review the examples shown in Shopify migration services. It helps them see which fields shift smoothly and which fields need manual mapping.

Step 1: Prepare Your Shopify Store Structure

Your Shopify store must be ready before the import. This includes:

• Basic settings
• Currency
• Payment rules
• Tax rules
• File size limits
• Staff permissions

Shopify also uses a predictable URL format. Product URLs always use /products/handle. Category URLs always use /collections/handle. This helps during redirect mapping later.

If your store needs structural adjustments after import, such as layout changes or metafield-based templates, the examples inside Shopify development services give clear guidance.

Step 2: Create Product Skeletons Through CSV or APIs

Shopify accepts products through CSV or through API-based imports. Large catalogs usually need CSV because API imports can hit rate limits. Shopify has strict API throttle rules. These limits control how many records you can send per second. CSV avoids throttle issues, but the file must follow Shopify’s accepted structure.

The product CSV must contain:

• Handle
• Title
• Body
• Image link
• Option values
• Variant SKU
• Variant price
• Variant image
• Inventory values

Magento stores attributes in separate tables. The export must flatten this. If you skip flattening, Shopify may create incomplete products.

Step 3: Handle Variant Conversion

Magento configurable products link parent and child SKUs through relational tables. Shopify converts these into variant rows. Each variant row must repeat the product handle. If a variant does not follow this rule, Shopify treats it as a separate product.

Variant limits also matter. Shopify allows:

• 3 options
• 100 variants

If your Magento catalog exceeds these limits, you must reduce the variant map. This reduction is common in clothing, footwear, or home décor catalogs with many size and color combinations.

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Step 4: Prepare Media Files and Image Paths

Magento stores images in pub/media/catalog/product. Each file may have multiple resized versions. Shopify uses a CDN and creates optimized versions automatically.

During migration, you must:

• Export only the original image
• Keep filenames consistent
• Avoid special characters
• Maintain stable image URLs for the import

Shopify imports images from external URLs. If the image hosts are slow, Shopify delays the import. Large catalogs must upload images in batches.

Step 5: Move Collections and Rebuild Category Logic

Magento categories follow a tree structure. Shopify uses collections. Collections can be manual or automated. Automated collections use rules. For example:

• “Color contains Black”
• “Vendor equals Nike”
• “Tag contains Organic”

To match Magento’s deeper tree, many stores create automated collections using tags. Tags replicate filter logic without creating complex layers.

Stores that rebuild navigation through new templates often refer to patterns shown in Shopify store setup services. These patterns help align menus, filters, and collection rules after import.

Step 6: Import Customers and Orders

Magento stores customer addresses, groups, and order history in different tables. Shopify imports customers through CSV. But Shopify does not import passwords. Customers must reset passwords after launch.

Order imports face limits because Shopify treats orders created through migration as “archived imports.” They do not trigger emails or automated workflows. You must:

• Export orders with all line items
• Maintain consistent SKUs
• Map order status to Shopify-supported values

If custom order fields exist, store them in metafields.

Step 7: Build CMS Pages and Blog Posts

Magento CMS pages sit in separate tables. Shopify’s Pages tab accepts text and image content. Magento blocks such as size charts or trust badges must convert into sections or custom templates inside Shopify.

Once products, variants, collections, customers, and orders reach Shopify, the next stage focuses on SEO, redirect mapping, and launch checks. This part plays a major role in traffic stability. Magento and Shopify use different URL formats, so old URLs must map to new ones. This mapping phase influences organic visibility after the switch.

This section also covers country-wise migration cost, which helps set realistic expectations for global brands. Finally, it includes enterprise-grade tools used for large store migrations.

How SEO Data Behaves During Magento to Shopify Migration

Magento stores SEO meta titles, meta descriptions, and URL rewrites inside separate tables. Shopify stores SEO fields inside each product, page, or collection. Shopify does not import Magento’s rewrite history. It also does not import custom SEO modules or layered navigation URLs.

During the migration, these changes occur:

1. URL structure changes

Magento product URLs may include category paths. Example:

• /men/shirts/cotton-shirt.html

Shopify uses:

• /products/cotton-shirt

This shift requires redirect mapping.

2. Collection URL format changes

Magento categories:

• /men/shirts/

Shopify collections:

• /collections/shirts

3. Meta fields must transfer manually

You must export Magento’s meta fields into CSV and map them to Shopify’s fields.

4. Structured data shifts

Magento themes can hold custom schema tags. Shopify themes handle schema differently. You must rebuild these inside the new theme.

Redirect Mapping and Why It Matters

The redirect map protects your search positions. Each old Magento URL must point to a new Shopify URL.

A clean redirect plan reduces 404 errors. It also maintains authority signals built over time.

The redirect process involves:

• Exporting all old URLs
• Matching each URL to the correct Shopify handle
• Removing query parameters
• Matching product URLs with identical SKUs
• Testing redirects before launch
• Running a final crawler scan

Shopify supports bulk redirect imports through CSV. Large stores must break redirects into smaller batches to avoid timeouts. Some store owners study the redirect flow used in Magento to Shopify migration services to understand how product handles align.

Country-Wise Cost for Magento to Shopify Migration (2026)

Migration cost varies by region. Each region follows different hourly rates, infrastructure costs, and team structures. The table below reflects common ranges for mid-size catalogs:

Migration Cost Table (Country-Wise)

Country / Region	Typical Hourly Rate (USD)	Mid-Size Migration Range
USA	$60 – $150	$6,000 – $25,000
Canada	$50 – $120	$5,000 – $22,000
UK	$50 – $130	$5,500 – $24,000
Australia	$55 – $140	$6,000 – $26,000
New Zealand	$45 – $110	$4,500 – $18,000
Germany	$50 – $120	$5,000 – $20,000
France	$45 – $110	$4,500 – $18,000
Netherlands	$45 – $105	$4,500 – $17,000
Spain	$35 – $90	$3,000 – $12,000
UAE	$40 – $120	$4,500 – $20,000
Singapore	$50 – $140	$6,000 – $24,000
India	$15 – $40	$1,500 – $8,000
Eastern Europe	$25 – $60	$2,000 – $10,000

These ranges reflect common patterns seen in global outsourcing and local agency models. Complex catalogs with many variants fall on the higher side.

Enterprise-Level Tools Used During Migration

Large Magento stores need advanced tools to handle variant logic, large CSV files, metafields, or image mapping. Shopify offers partner apps that help this process.

1. Matrixify

Matrixify supports bulk imports with large datasets. It handles metafields, collections, redirects, and customer data.
Link: Matrixify

2. LitExtension Migration App

LitExtension supports migration from Magento 1 and Magento 2. It handles products, customers, orders, reviews, and URLs.
Link: LitExtension Shopify Migration

3. Cart2Cart

Cart2Cart automates the transfer of catalog items, customers, and orders. It reads Magento data without manual coding.
Link: Cart2Cart Migration

4. Rewind Backups

Rewind protects Shopify data during import. If a file creates errors, Rewind can restore the previous state.
Link: Rewind Backups

5. Shopify Store Migration App

Shopify’s own migration tool helps move basic product data. It works well for small catalogs or early testing.
Link: Shopify Migration App

Handling Large Catalogs and Media Files

Magento stores thousands of images across multiple directories. Shopify requires clean URLs during import. Enterprise stores must:

• Remove unused images
• Upload large batches during off-peak hours
• Keep filenames stable
• Maintain product-to-image alignment through CSV

If Magento used custom scripts for image resizing, these images must be replaced with original sources.

Post-Import SEO Checks Before Launch

A final SEO pass ensures stability. This includes:

• Running crawler scans
• Checking missing alt text
• Reviewing meta fields
• Testing URL redirects
• Validating internal linking
• Regenerating sitemaps
• Submitting sitemaps to search tools

This pass reduces indexing issues during the first few weeks after launch.

Once the imported data is inside Shopify, the final phase focuses on QA, theme checks, redirect testing, and operational stability. This stage decides how the store behaves during the first week after launch. A clear launch plan protects both traffic and user experience. It also helps reduce the chance of downtime during the cutover.

This section outlines how engineers examine the imported store, fix structural mismatches, rebuild missing elements, and prepare for the final launch switch.

Why the QA Stage Matters Before Go-Live

Magento and Shopify treat data in different ways. Even after a clean import, some values may shift. Variant order may change. Image positions may differ. Collection rules may behave differently. This makes the QA stage important.

A typical QA pass checks:

• Product visibility
• Variant mapping
• Image linking
• SEO fields
• Collection rules
• Inventory levels
• Customer tags
• Order structure

A structured QA path avoids last-minute issues during launch.

Reviewing Products After Import

Imported products must be reviewed one by one or through a filtered audit. This includes:

1. Handle checks

Every product in Shopify uses a handle. Magento does not rely on handles in the same way. If a handle is missing, Shopify generates one from the product name. Engineers cross-check these handles against redirect requirements.

2. Variant alignment

Magento’s configurable products depend on parent-child links. After import, Shopify stores every variant inside one product. Each variant row must match its option values. If a mismatch occurs, Shopify may place the variant under the wrong option.

3. Price and inventory mapping

Magento stores inventory in separate tables. After import, the inventory level must match Shopify’s accepted fields. Backorders behave differently on Shopify. This must be tested.

4. Image placement

Magento uses image roles: base, small, thumbnail. Shopify does not. Shopify uses a single image list. After import, each product must show correct images in the correct order.

Reviewing Collections and Navigation

Magento’s category tree may not match the new navigation. Shopify uses collections, tags, and automated rules. Engineers must confirm:

• Correct rule-based grouping
• Stable display order
• Correct tags
• Correct handles
• Functional navigation links

If the store has complex navigation, examples inside Shopify store setup services help understand how menus and templates shift after data import.

Testing the Theme and Storefront Behavior

The theme must be checked on desktop and mobile. Shopify supports Online Store 2.0 themes. These themes use sections and blocks inside templates. Magento CMS blocks do not shift directly. Any old Magento blocks must convert into theme sections.

Common theme checks include:

• Homepage layout
• Collection filters
• Product template mapping
• Metafield-driven sections
• Cart behavior
• Checkout settings
• Load speed
• Responsive design

Theme-level metafields must also be checked. They hold values such as icons, labels, size charts, and secondary media.

Preparing the Redirect Map

The redirect file contains all old Magento URLs mapped to new Shopify URLs. Engineers must verify:

• No duplicate entries
• No circular redirects
• Correct product-to-product mapping
• Correct category-to-collection mapping
• Correct page-to-page mapping

Once tested, the redirect file can be uploaded in batches. Shopify accepts many redirects, but large files must be split.

Owners who want to see how redirect logic works in real migration cases often look at patterns documented inside Shopify migration services.

Cutover Planning and Freeze Window

Cutover is the final switch from Magento to Shopify. This phase needs a freeze window. During this window, the Magento store must stop receiving catalog updates. If updates continue, exported data becomes outdated.

Typical freeze window tasks include:

• Disable new product creation
• Limit new order processing
• Export last batch of orders
• Export last batch of customers
• Re-sync inventory
• Lock any module-based data fields

Once synced, the DNS switch can happen.

DNS Switch and Go-Live Checks

When Shopify becomes the primary store, DNS records must point to Shopify’s IPs. DNS changes may take minutes or hours depending on the registrar. During this period, users may see either the old store or the new one.

After DNS switch, engineers test:

• Homepage load
• Product pages
• Cart
• Checkout
• Redirects
• Tracking scripts
• Payment tests
• Order flow

This confirms that the store runs without broken paths.

Post-Migration Tasks After Launch

The first week after launch is important. Monitoring prevents traffic loss or customer issues.

Post-launch tasks include:

• Monitor 404 logs
• Check missing images
• Track redirects
• Confirm sitemap submission
• Track indexing behavior
• Watch load patterns
• Validate payment logs
• Review customer login behavior
• Rebuild missing metafields
• Fix orphaned handles

Shopify analytics must also be checked for device patterns, bounce rates, and page speeds.

If the migration involved many metafields or theme-level field groups, teams often review the layout logic shown inside Shopify development partner to align the store further.

When the Migration Is Fully Complete

The migration ends when:

• All redirects stabilize
• SEO fields index correctly
• Catalog runs without errors
• Orders sync without gaps
• Theme structures stay stable
• No 404 clusters appear
• Customers access accounts without issues

This allows the store to operate on Shopify without depending on Magento’s structure.

Professional Magento To Shopify Migration Support

Migration becomes complex when a store carries many variants, deep category paths, layered filters, or custom module data. A structured approach helps, but larger catalogs often need support for data mapping, metafields, redirect logic, and theme structure. Many store owners review the approach used inside Shopify migration services to understand how clean imports and correct mapping protect the catalog.

Teams working on multi-store Magento setups or heavy variant catalogs often depend on formats used inside Shopify development services. These formats support metafield groups, template rules, collection logic, and layout blocks after the migration.

If the store needs a fresh layout, owners also follow patterns explained in Shopify store setup services. This helps rebuild menus, filters, and pages after the shift. These workflows give stores a stable path from complex Magento structures to a simpler Shopify setup.

Conclusion

Migrating from Magento to Shopify in 2026 demands a controlled plan because both platforms treat catalogs, URLs, variants, and SEO in different ways. The shift becomes smoother when data cleanup, attribute mapping, variant reduction, URL exports, and theme preparation follow a clear sequence. A stable result comes from clean files, strong redirect rules, and steady QA before the store goes live.

Shopify offers a cloud setup that removes server tasks and reduces technical maintenance. This gives owners more time to focus on products, content, and operations. With correct mapping, clean URLs, and aligned templates, a Shopify store can run without the legacy constraints of Magento. The complete process gives long-term stability and growth potential for global brands.

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