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How to Edit Shopify Theme Code

Last updated: October 22 2024

Written and researched by experts at Avada Learn more about our methodology

Editing the theme code in Shopify allows you to customize the look and functionality of your store beyond the default options. Whether you want to make small design changes, add custom features, or integrate third-party tools, accessing and editing the theme code gives you greater control over your store’s appearance and user experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through safely editing Shopify theme code, even if you're not a coding expert.

Preparing to Edit Theme Code

When you're ready to make changes to your Shopify theme, it's essential to take certain steps before diving into the code. Here's how to get started:

1. Backup Your Theme

Duplicate the Theme Before Making Any Changes

A practical way to create a backup is by duplicating the theme. Shopify allows you to make a copy of your current theme, so if your edits don’t work out, you have a fallback option.

2. Understand Liquid, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript

Shopify themes use a combination of four coding languages:

  • Liquid - Shopify's template language: Control how your store's dynamic content displays.
  • CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Control the design, like colors, fonts, and layout.
  • HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The foundation of your website’s structure and content.
  • JavaScript: Add interactive elements, like popups or dynamic content.

Even though Shopify provides a simple editor, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of these languages before editing. This will help you make the right changes without causing issues on your website.

How to Edit Shopify Theme Code: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Step 1: Duplicate Your Theme for Backup

How to duplicate a theme:

  • Go to your Shopify admin.
  • Click "Online Store" and then "Themes."
  • Find your live theme, click "Actions," and select "Duplicate."
Duplicate Your Theme for Backup

Step 2: Access the Theme Code Editor

From the Themes section in your Shopify admin, click “Actions” next to your theme, then choose “Edit Code.”

This will open the Shopify theme code editor, where you can see the structure of your theme.

Access the Theme Code Editor

Step 3: Navigate Through Theme Files

On the left sidebar, you will see different folders like Layout, Templates, Sections, Snippets, Assets, and more.

  • Layout: Controls the overall structure (e.g., theme.liquid file).
  • Templates: Pages such as product, blog, and collection pages.
  • Sections: Specific sections that you can add or edit across pages.
  • Snippets: Reusable code blocks, like headers or footers.
  • Assets: Files like stylesheets (CSS) and JavaScript.
Navigate Through Theme Files

Step 4: Edit Theme Code

This article will mention in detail how to edit layout files and sections as following: 

  • Editing Layout Files (e.g., theme.liquid):
    • To add custom HTML, locate the theme.liquid file in the Layout folder.
    • Add your custom code where you want it to appear on your store (e.g., just below the <body> tag).
Editing Layout Files

  • Editing Sections:
    • If you want to edit specific parts of a page (like the header, product page, etc.), navigate to the Sections folder and select the corresponding file.
    • For example, editing the header.liquid file will let you modify what appears in the header section of your store.
Editing Sections

Editing other sections in Shopify follows the same process as editing any specific section. You simply need to access the theme editor, locate the section you want to customize, and make the necessary changes.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

Save Your Changes

Common Theme Code Edits

Changing Fonts and Colors

You can easily change the look of your store by editing the fonts and colors. These changes are made by modifying the theme's CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) files.

  • Fonts: Adjust font size, style, and family to match your brand’s identity.
  • Colors: Update color schemes across your website to keep everything visually appealing.

CSS controls how your website looks, from spacing to color and layout. By tweaking these files, you can create a unique look for your store.

  • Backgrounds: Modify background colors or images.
  • Spacing and Margins: Adjust spacing to ensure better readability and clean layouts.
  • Hover Effects: Add interactive effects when a user hovers over buttons or images.

Adding Custom Sections

Adding custom sections allows you to highlight different content or promotions on your pages. You can add banners, testimonials, or unique product showcases.

  • Home Page: Insert custom sections to promote new products or special offers.
  • Product Pages: Add tabs for reviews, FAQs, or size charts to enhance customer experience.

Liquid is Shopify’s templating language, and editing these files lets you fully customize your site.

  • Product Pages: Personalize the layout, include additional product information or custom reviews.
  • Banners: Create dynamic banners that update based on sales or promotions.
  • Footers: Adjust the footer to include custom links, social media icons, or newsletter signup forms.

Incorporating Custom JavaScript

JavaScript adds functionality to your Shopify store, enabling you to create interactive features.

  • Sliders: Implement image sliders to showcase products or promotions dynamically.
  • Pop-ups: Add custom pop-ups for collecting emails or showcasing offers.
  • Advanced Features: Use JavaScript for dynamic forms or to enhance user interactions, such as showing live inventory updates.

Adjusting Layout and Navigation

Changing the layout and navigation helps improve how visitors interact with your store. You can rearrange sections or add new menus to guide users through your site.

  • Header: Modify the header to add search bars or promotional banners.
  • Footer: Rearrange footer links for better organization and usability.
  • Navigation Menus: Simplify navigation by adding dropdown menus or reorganizing categories.

These common theme code edits will help you create a more engaging, customized Shopify store. Always back up your theme before making changes to avoid losing important data.

Final Thoughts 

By carefully following the steps and best practices for editing code, even non-experts can safely implement changes that make their Shopify store stand out. Always remember to back up your theme before making any changes to avoid potential issues.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.