Getting started
Installation & getting started
Install the theme, make it yours and get ready to launch. You won't need to write any code: almost everything happens in the Shopify Theme Editor.
Installing the theme ZIP#
You'll receive the theme as a single ZIP file. Upload it exactly as it is. Don't unzip it first, because Shopify needs the ZIP file itself.
- Open your themesIn Shopify admin, go to Online Store → Themes.
- Upload the ZIPIn Theme library, choose Add theme → Upload zip file and select the theme ZIP.
- Customize before publishingWhen the upload finishes, click Customize on the new theme. Your current theme stays live while you work.
- Publish when you're readyOpen the theme's ⋯ menu and choose Publish.
Initial Shopify setup#
A few store settings affect how the theme looks and works. Set these up early.
| Setting | Where | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Search & Discovery app | Shopify App Store (free, by Shopify) | Needed for collection and search filters such as colour, size and price. |
| Main menu | Online Store → Navigation | Builds the header menu and dropdowns. |
| Policies | Settings → Policies | Policy links appear in the footer. The Production & delivery block can link to your shipping and refund policies. |
| Shipping rates | Settings → Shipping and delivery | Match them to your print provider's shipping costs. |
| Store time zone | Settings → General | Seasonal notices start and end at midnight in this time zone. |
| Customer accounts | Settings → Customer accounts | The header account link appears when accounts are turned on and Header → Show account link is on. |
Branding, logos, fonts and colours#
Open Customize → Theme settings (the paintbrush icon).
Colours#
The theme uses colour schemes. Edit a scheme once and every section that uses it updates. Each section has a Color scheme setting so you can choose which scheme it uses.
Fonts#
Under Typography, choose heading and body fonts from Shopify's font library. Fonts are served by Shopify, so there's nothing extra to install.
Logo#
- Click the Header section and upload a Logo image.
- Set separate widths for desktop and mobile.
- Choose Logo position: Left gives long menus more room.
Without a logo image, your store name is shown. Logo text override changes that text for this theme only.
Other theme settings#
- Layout: page width, corner style and button shape.
- Product cards: image ratio (portrait, square or adapt to image), second image on hover, and whether to show the vendor.
- Social media: add your profile links. Icons appear in the footer.
- Favicon: upload a small square image for browser tabs.
Homepage configuration#
In Customize, choose Add section on the homepage. Drag sections to reorder them.
| Section | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Editorial hero | A large opening image and headline, with an arch or rectangle image shape. |
| Collection list | Collections as a mosaic, editorial layout, grid or index list. |
| Product discovery | Products in tabs, with optional quick add. |
| Brand story | An image and text about your shop. |
| How it's made | Numbered steps, for example design → print → ship. |
| Shoppable lookbook | A scene image with numbered product hotspots. |
| Featured product | One product with its options and buy buttons. |
| Editorial statement | A large quote or statement. |
| Customer voices | Testimonials that you enter. The theme never adds reviews of its own. |
| Journal | Your latest blog posts. |
| Newsletter | Email signup using Shopify's customer marketing. |
| Apps | Space for app blocks. |
| Custom Liquid | Your own code, if you need it. |
Sections you haven't filled in show setup hints in the Theme Editor only. Customers never see empty placeholders.
Announcement bar#
Show up to three messages that rotate, with a pause button. Rotation stops for visitors who have asked their device to reduce motion.
Header behaviour#
- Sticky header: Off, Always, or Reveal when scrolling up.
- Transparent over homepage hero: works when the first homepage section is an Editorial hero with an image. You can set the text colour and an optional light version of your logo.
Launch checklist#
Work through this list before you publish.
- Logo, colours and fonts set
- Main menu built and chosen in Header → Menu; dropdowns and mega menus checked on desktop and phone
- Search & Discovery installed and filters set up
- Colour swatches checked on each provider product; overrides added where needed
- Size guides set up for apparel
- Production times and shipping text match your print provider
- Policies written: refund, shipping, privacy and terms of service
- Personalized products: manual review set up with your provider, and a test order checked
- Any provider personalization app tested end to end with a real order
- Theme previewed on a phone and on a desktop computer
- Published from Online Store → Themes