How to Add Custom Code in Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Importance of Custom Code
3. How to Add Custom CSS in Shopify
4. How to Add Custom Liquid in Shopify
5. How to Add Custom HTML in Shopify
6. Best Practices for Theme Customizations
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Introduction

Curious about bringing unique features or personalized touches to your Shopify store? Imagine transforming your store's appearance and functionality by simply adding custom code. This might sound daunting, but it's more approachable than you think. Whether it's customizing your CSS for a unique look or adding interactive Liquid elements, learning how to add custom code in Shopify can significantly enhance your store. This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know, whether you're a novice or have some experience with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.

This blog post will cover foundational concepts, step-by-step instructions for adding different types of custom code, and essential tips to ensure that your customizations are both effective and sustainable. Stick around to discover how easy and rewarding it can be to add custom code to your Shopify store.

Understanding the Importance of Custom Code

Why Add Custom Code?

Shopify themes come with built-in settings for customization, but these pre-set options might not fulfill all your needs. Adding custom code allows:

• Enhanced Design Control: Go beyond the default theme settings and tailor your store to match your brand's unique look.
• Extra Features: Implement functionalities and interactive elements that are otherwise unavailable.
• Better User Experience: Improve site navigation and user interactions, crucial for boosting engagement and conversions.

Types of Custom Code You Can Add

1. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Used to change the appearance of your store by overriding default theme styles.
2. Liquid: Shopify's templating language used for adding custom logic to your themes.
3. HTML: For adding structural changes to your website.
4. JavaScript: To introduce advanced functionalities and interactions.

How to Add Custom CSS in Shopify

CSS helps manage the visual presentation of your store without altering its structure. Here's how you can add custom CSS to your Shopify store.

Adding CSS to Your Entire Theme

1. Navigate to Your Theme:

   • Go to your Shopify admin panel.
   • Click on “Online Store” and then “Themes.”
   • Select “Actions” and click “Edit code.”

2. Find the Existing CSS File:

   • Scroll down to the "Assets" folder and find the theme.scss.liquid file or create a new CSS file.

3. Add Your Custom CSS:

   • Input your CSS code at the bottom of the file to override the existing style rules.
   • Example:

     .custom-header {
         background-color: #ff0000;
         font-size: 20px;
     }
     

4. Save Changes:

   • Click the "Save" button to apply your changes.

Adding CSS to a Specific Section

If you want to target a specific section:

1. Identify the Section:

   • In the "Sections" folder, locate the liquid file for the specific section you wish to edit.

2. Add Inline CSS:

   • Insert your custom CSS code within the style tags inside the section file.
   • Example:

     <style>
     .custom-section {
         padding: 20px;
         border: 1px solid #000;
     }
     </style>
     

3. Save Changes:

   • As before, save your edits to make them live.

Considerations When Using Custom CSS

• Precedence: Custom CSS rules will override the default theme settings, ensuring your modifications are applied.
• Responsibility: If you face issues due to customizations, Shopify's support might not assist.

How to Add Custom Liquid in Shopify

Liquid is Shopify’s template language, allowing for dynamic content on your store.

Adding Liquid Code to a Template

1. Select a Theme File:

   • From the "Edit code" menu, navigate to the template folder.

2. Add Liquid Code:

   • Example: Creating a custom announcement bar.

     {% if current_tags contains 'sale' %}
     <div class="announcement-bar">
         Big Sale: Up to 50% off!
     </div>
     {% endif %}
     

3. Save Changes:

   • Ensure your changes save to see them reflected on your store.

Adding Liquid Blocks in Dawn Theme

1. Access the Dawn Theme:

   • Go to the Dawn theme directory where you wish to add collapsible content.

2. Insert Liquid Block:

   • Navigate to the specific section within your schema and insert the Liquid code before the closing bracket.

     {%- comment -%}
     Custom collapsible content block
     {%- endcomment -%}
     

3. Save Changes:

   • Ensure your input is saved to make the changes effective.

How to Add Custom HTML in Shopify

Adding custom HTML allows for structural changes and incorporating third-party content like videos or forms.

Creating a Custom HTML Section

1. Start in Your Admin Panel:

   • Go to “Online Store,” then “Themes,” and select “Customize.”

2. Edit Code:

   • Go to “Sections” and “Add a new section.”

3. Insert HTML Code:

   • Example for embedding a YouTube video:

     <div class="video-container">
         <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/example_video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
     </div>
     

4. Add Settings and Schema:

   • Include predefined settings and schema for better control.

     {% schema %}
     {
         "name": "Custom HTML",
         "settings": [
             {
                 "type": "textarea",
                 "id": "HTML_content",
                 "label": "HTML Content",
                 "default": "<p>Enter your custom HTML here</p>"
             }
         ]
     }
     {% endschema %}
     

5. Save and Preview:

   • Save your section and preview it to ensure everything is working as intended.

Using a Shopify Page Builder App

For those less familiar with coding, Shopify offers apps like EComposer:

1. Install EComposer:

   • Search for EComposer in the Shopify App Store and install it.

2. Use the Drag-and-Drop Editor:

   • Utilize the interface to craft your HTML blocks without touching the code directly.

3. Save and Publish:

   • Once satisfied, save and publish the changes to see them live on your store.

Best Practices for Theme Customizations

Documentation and Version Control

Keep clear documentation of changes and use version control systems to manage multiple versions of your theme. Regularly backup your theme files to prevent data loss.

Testing Changes

Always test theme customizations on a development or staging environment before applying them to your live store. This reduces the risk of disrupting your store’s functionality.

Leveraging Community Support

Shopify's community forums and resources are excellent places for troubleshooting issues and finding helpful customization tips from experienced developers.

Conclusion

Learning how to add custom code in Shopify can unlock a world of possibilities for your online store. From enhancing the visual appeal with custom CSS to adding interactive elements through Liquid and HTML, these customizations can significantly elevate the user experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make your Shopify store truly unique.

FAQ

Can I use custom code without advanced coding knowledge?

Yes, you can start with simpler tasks like adding custom CSS. For more complex functionalities, Shopify apps like EComposer offer easier ways to add custom HTML and JavaScript without needing deep coding knowledge.

Will custom code affect my Shopify store’s performance?

If not done correctly, custom code can affect site performance. Always test changes thoroughly and consider consulting a professional for more complex customizations.

What if a theme update erases my custom code?

Theme updates can revert custom changes. Maintain a separate backup of your custom code and consider using a version control system to track changes.

Is it safe to edit theme code myself?

Editing theme code carries some risk. Ensure you have basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Liquid before making changes. Alternatively, consider hiring a Shopify expert for more complex tasks.