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How to insert some JavaScript to your theme

Last updated: October 07 2024

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

Inserting JavaScript into your Shopify theme is a powerful way to enhance your store’s functionality and user experience. Whether you want to add custom features or integrate third-party tools, understanding how to properly insert JavaScript into your theme is crucial. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods for integrating JavaScript into your Shopify store, ensuring a smooth and efficient customization process.

How to insert JavaScript to your theme

Add Custom JavaScript to your site

There are so many methods to add custom JavaScript to your site, every individual has its own uses.

- Embed a new Javascript file to your template for any pages, such as for adding a third-party service like Google Analytics

- Insert a script into select pages using a plugin like Headers and Footers

- Employ functions.php to add it as part of the output of the template

Embed JavaScript in your Template

To repeatedly use JavaScript within your site, you may have created a script or need to insert a third party script in all pages. You are allowed to set the call for the JavaScript, or the script itself, in the head of your header.php template file. This should be added between the style sheet link and the meta tags. This is exactly the same as if you were inserting JavaScript in any HTML page.

To “add” the JavaScript file into your site, in the head, please use the code: below

<script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdn.collectiveray.com/scripts/myscript.js"></script>

Please note that your site will not be valid until you are certain that you have defined the type correctly. You can then add any reference to functions used within the file you just added to the HTML where you need to use it.

For instance, this is an example of using the function you just added.

<h3 class="heading3">
<a href="/<?php the_permalink() ?>" >
Heading goes here</a></h3>
<div>
<script type="text/javascript">
<!--
myscript();
//--></script>
</div>

Add Javascript to your site using functions.php {how-to-add-javascript-to-your-site-using-functionsphp}

We highly recommend you to add a javascript file to your WordPress theme is by using functions.php file with wp_enqueue_script.

Please follow the guide below.

Open your functions.php file and copy the below code snippet to it. Make sure you replace the template URL with yours before saving.


function my_theme_scripts_function() {

  wp_enqueue_script( 'myscript', get_template_directory_uri() . '/js/myscript.js');

}

add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts','my_theme_scripts_function');

In case you are using a child theme, instead of using get_template_directory_uri(), you may need to use get_stylesheet_directory_uri().

Conclusion

In summary, adding custom JavaScript to your Shopify theme opens up new possibilities for enhancing functionality and personalizing your store. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly integrate JavaScript to improve user experience and add valuable features. With the right approach, these customizations will help your store stand out and operate more efficiently, providing a better overall experience for your customers.

Sam
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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.