Changing the Shopify theme means switching the current design template to modify the layout of your online store. Shopify enables store owners to change themes without affecting their products, orders, or customer information.
Before switching, preview and test the new theme to ensure compatibility with existing content, navigation, and branding elements. This helps to keep a smooth shopping experience for your customers.
Why Change Your Shopify Theme?
All new Shopify stores are now set up with the default Dawn theme, which is part of the Online Store 2.0 update. This theme is a replacement of the previous default Debut theme. It is easy to use, improves store performance, and allows customization options, making it best for beginners. However, it has limitations such as fewer advanced features compared to premium themes and restrictions in customization options.
Changing your Shopify theme allows you to create a unique brand identity, enhance user experience, and improve conversions. Each theme offers different levels of customization, speed, and mobile optimization, all of which impact how customers interact with your store. A well-optimized theme ensures better navigation, faster load times, and an attractive storefront. Successful Shopify stores use paid themes to match their brand and provide a seamless shopping experience.
Shopify offers both free and paid themes, selecting the right one requires careful consideration of your industry, product type, and customer expectations. Once selected, you can customize the theme to match your needs.
What You Should Consider Before Changing Shopify Themes?
Before changing your Shopify theme, carefully analyze key factors to ensure a smooth transition and avoid issues with your store.
Assess your current theme to identify what works and what does not or what needs improvement. This helps in selecting a new theme that provides the positive aspects of your current theme while addressing its shortcomings.
Export and save a copy of your current theme to preserve any custom code or design elements. This ensures you can revert to the old theme without losing important data, if the new one doesn't meet your expectations or causes issues.
Review the new theme's speed, mobile responsiveness, and SEO performance to improve the search rankings. Test the new theme in a duplicate store or preview mode before making it live to identify and fix any issues.
How to Find New Shopify Themes for Your Store?
You can get a new Shopify theme in three ways:
- Shopify Theme Store
- Third-Party Theme Seller
- Custom Built for your Brand
If you want a theme from Shopify, go to the Shopify Theme Store and browse the available themes. You can filter themes based on industry, features, and pricing.
For stores with large product catalogs, look for themes that offer advanced filtering, product sorting, and customizable layouts to provide better customization and performance. Click on a theme to preview its demo store and explore its features.
To access themes in your Shopify dashboard, go to Online Store > Themes. Scroll down to the Theme Library section and click on Add theme. Select Visit Theme Store to select a theme.
You can also purchase themes from third-party theme sellers like ThemeForest and TemplateMonster. These themes offer unique designs and additional customization options.
You can hire a Shopify developer to build a custom theme specifically for your brand for a unique look and custom functionality. This is ideal for businesses that need exclusive branding, unique design elements, or advanced customizations.
How to Change Your Shopify Theme?
To change your Shopify theme, go to Online Store > Theme. The Dawn theme is seen by default in the current theme section for new stores.
Scroll down to the Theme library section to view all your downloaded themes. You can add up to 20 themes to your store.
To add a new theme, click Add theme, then choose from the Shopify theme store or upload a theme you have downloaded.
Before publishing, customize the theme by accessing the Shopify theme editor to make necessary adjustments.
How to Change Your Current Theme?
Changing your Shopify theme is easier than you think.
In the admin panel, go to Online Store > Theme to view the current and new themes.
Choose the theme from the Theme Library that you want to customize. Before publishing your theme, you have to preview it to make sure that everything looks good and works seamlessly. To do this, click the three dots and choose Preview from the dropdown menu.
This helps you to check that all the customizations are correct and function as expected.
