How to Edit HTML on Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Edit HTML on Shopify?
3. Preparing to Edit HTML
4. Steps to Edit HTML in Shopify
5. Best Practices for Editing HTML on Shopify
6. FAQs
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever felt the need to tweak the design or functionality of your Shopify store but were unsure how to dive into the code? Editing HTML on Shopify can seem daunting at first, but once you understand the process, it opens up a world of customization possibilities. From adjusting the layout to adding custom features, knowing how to edit HTML can help you create a unique and functional store.

In this post, we will walk you through the steps to edit HTML on Shopify, providing a comprehensive guide that combines practical steps with essential tips. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to access and modify your Shopify theme files, as well as some best practices to follow along the way.

Why Edit HTML on Shopify?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why editing HTML is important. HTML, standing for HyperText Markup Language, serves as the backbone of web pages. It defines the structure and content of a webpage, allowing you to modify everything from text formatting to the placement of images and interactive elements. While Shopify provides many customization options through its theme editor and apps, there are times when you need to make direct changes to the HTML for more specific requirements.

Whether you are looking to add custom features, improve your site's aesthetics, or enhance functionality, understanding how to edit HTML is an invaluable skill. Now, let's explore how you can efficiently edit HTML on your Shopify store.

Preparing to Edit HTML

Backup Your Theme

Before making any changes, it's crucial to backup your existing theme. This ensures that you can revert back to the original state in case something goes wrong. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your Shopify Admin.
2. Navigate to Online Store > Themes.
3. Click the ‘Actions’ button next to the theme you want to back up.
4. Choose ‘Duplicate’. This creates a copy of your theme that you can revert to if needed.

Understand Shopfiy's File Structure

Shopify themes consist of various files, including Liquid (Shopify's templating language), CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files. Here’s a brief overview:

• Layout Directory: Contains theme layout templates.
• Templates Directory: Includes page templates such as product pages, collection pages, and more.
• Snippets Directory: Holds reusable code snippets.
• Assets Directory: Contains stylesheets, JavaScript files, and images.
• Config Directory: Contains configuration files for theme settings.
• Locales Directory: Contains localization files for translations.

Understanding this structure will help you locate the correct files to edit.

Steps to Edit HTML in Shopify

Step 1: Access the Code Editor

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin.
2. Navigate to Online Store > Themes.
3. Find the theme you want to edit and click the ‘Actions’ button.
4. Select ‘Edit code’. This opens the code editor.

Step 2: Locate the HTML File

In Shopify, HTML is often embedded within Liquid files. To locate the correct template or snippet, use the directory on the left side of the editor. Files you might want to edit include:

• Templates: For structural changes to specific pages (e.g., product.liquid, index.liquid).
• Sections: For modular parts of pages, editable in the customizer.
• Snippets: For reusable code pieces that appear across multiple pages.

Step 3: Make Your Edits

Once you locate the correct file, click on it to view and edit the HTML code. Here are some common modifications:

• Adding Custom HTML: To add a new HTML block, you can paste your HTML code directly into the desired location within the template file.
• Modifying Existing HTML: To change existing HTML, simply find the HTML tags you want to modify and make your changes.

For instance, if you want to add a custom message to your product page:

1. Locate the product.liquid file in the Templates directory.
2. Open the file and find the section of the code where you want your message to appear.
3. Insert your HTML code. For example:

   <div class="custom-message">
       <p>Welcome to our store! Enjoy a special discount on your first purchase.</p>
   </div>
   

4. Click ‘Save’ to store your changes.

Step 4: Add a New Asset

If you need to add new CSS or JavaScript files:

1. In the Assets directory, click ‘Add a new asset’.
2. You can upload a file from your computer or create a new one directly in the code editor.
3. Include the new asset in your HTML file by referencing it properly.

Step 5: Preview and Test

After making changes, it is essential to preview them to ensure everything works as expected. Go to your storefront and refresh the page to see the updates. If something doesn’t look right, revisit the code editor to make adjustments.

Roll Back Changes

In case your edits break the site or don’t produce the desired result, you can revert to a previous version. Shopify allows you to roll back liquid files individually to a prior state:

1. Open the file you’ve edited.
2. Click the 'Older versions' link.
3. Choose the version you want and click ‘Save’.

Best Practices for Editing HTML on Shopify

• Consistency: Maintain consistent coding practices and follow Shopify’s theme guidelines.
• Comments: Use comments within your code to annotate changes. This helps unravel what changes were made and why.
• Keep It Simple: Make incremental changes and test them. Avoid making multiple changes simultaneously to quickly identify issues.

FAQs

How do I edit the metadata in Shopify?

To edit metadata, such as meta descriptions and titles, open the theme.liquid file in the Layout directory and locate the head tag. You can add or modify meta tags here.

Can I edit HTML without knowing Liquid?

While it’s possible to edit basic HTML, understanding Liquid will greatly enhance your ability to customize your Shopify store. Liquid tags and filters are essential for dynamically pulling and displaying shop data.

What if a theme update overwrites my changes?

Editing theme code means subsequent updates can overwrite your changes. For highly customized needs, consider creating a child theme or using a theme that supports custom coding.

Conclusion

Editing HTML on Shopify might seem complex, but it becomes manageable with a structured approach. By understanding Shopify’s file structure, navigating the code editor, and following best practices, you can make precise modifications that enhance your store’s functionality and aesthetics. Remember, always back up your work and test changes incrementally to ensure a smooth editing process. Happy coding!