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Theme update ​

CAUTION

Theme updates are not covered by OpenThinking support.

IMPORTANT

When no code changes have been made to your theme (by you or any installed third-party app) and no new settings have been added, Shopify themes will update automatically.

IMPORTANT

Shopify isn't designed to transfer over certain setups and settings, therefore the only way to get past this is to manually go through and update each setting one by one.

IMPORTANT

It's also important to note that any modifications you or a developer made to the theme code will need to be manually transferred into the updated version. The developer's customizations might need to be modified because the theme code might have changed in the upgrade.

Step ① Update ​

First you need to obtain the latest theme version of the theme you purchased.

Via Shopify admin ​

If you purchased Bullet via the official Shopify theme store, you will be notified that a new version is available directly in your Shopify admin area.

  1. From Shopify admin, go to Online Store → Themes

  2. Locate your theme, then click • Bullet version 1.2.3 available.

  3. Click Add to theme library

  4. This will install a “fresh” copy of the theme in an unpublished state on your store.

IMPORTANT

When you manually add an updated version of a theme, a second version of the theme is added to your online store. The new version is in its default state, with none of your customizations applied. The older version is unaffected by the update, and still has all of your code customizations.

Via Shopify theme store ​

A new version message may occasionally not appear in the Shopify admin area. Take these actions if this is the case.

  1. Visit the Shopify Theme Store and click Log in

    WARNING

    It is important to log in to the account that you used to purchase the theme. This will prevent you from being asked to purchase the theme again.

  2. Use the top search bar and search: OpenThinking or click here

  3. From there, select your OpenThinking theme.

  4. Click Add latest theme version or Add theme

  5. This will install a “fresh” copy of the theme in an unpublished state on your store.

Step ② Set up ​

While some basic information, such as your store name, collections, and product names will appear in this version if you preview it using the ••• (Actions) menu for the unpublished version, you’ll likely notice that your theme is in its default state.

Theme editor ​

IMPORTANT

This method is recommended. You won't run into errors or incompatibilities.

You will need to go through and manually customize your theme again. Select options such as fonts, colors, and other settings within the Theme editor under Edit theme — as well as rebuild any sections on the home page and all other pages you use. Treat it like it's a new theme installation.

File migration ​

IMPORTANT

You might run into potential errors and/or incompatibilities.

We do not provide support for this method if an error arises.

This method requires you to copy the code from your old theme's files into your new theme's version files.

From OLD version ​

  1. From Shopify admin, go to your published theme
  2. Click ••• → Edit code
  3. In the search bar, type settings_data.json
  4. Open the file, then select and copy all the code inside

To NEW version ​

  1. From Shopify admin, go to the theme you installed in Step 1
  2. Click ••• → Edit code
  3. In the search bar, type settings_data.json
  4. Open the file, then select and delete all the code inside
  5. Paste the code you copied earlier

Next ​

Repeat these steps for all files in the /templates/ directory that have a reference in the Timeline tab.

Files that you need to copy.

shell
Theme
├── ▼ Config
│   └── settings_data.json
└── ▼ Templates
    ├── index.json
    ├── product.json
    ├── cart.json
    └── ... All other files that have been changed

IMPORTANT

If the Timeline tab is empty, it usually means one of two things: You’ve switched to a different theme or You’ve duplicated the theme, and edits were made in the copy. In both cases, Shopify doesn’t carry over your section changes, so there won’t be any files listed to migrate. To continue with file migration, make sure you're using the original theme that you customized using the Theme editor (not a copy (duplicate) or a newly installed version).

🖼️ Screenshot
A browser screenshot

Video tutorial available

Step ③ Publish ​

Test the new theme extensively and make sure everything works as expected. Once you're ready, simply publish the new theme as the main theme.

CAUTION

We strongly advise against deleting the previous theme and recommend retaining it for a period of two to three months. This will provide you with a reliable backup option should any unforeseen circumstances arise.

FAQs ​

Why is there no theme update option in my admin area?

Merchants are typically excluded from automatic upgrades when:

  • The code of the theme has been edited.
  • A third-party app that modifies the code has been installed.
  • The upgrade is a major version.
Do I need to start fresh each time there's an update?

It depends. Manual upgrade is required for major version changes, but automatic upgrade is possible for minor version changes that are backwards compatible (subject to the conditions listed above).

How do I know there's a new update available?

You have several options to check for updates:

  1. Check the theme changelog
    Visit the theme changelog to see if a new version is available.

  2. Shopify theme store
    Visit the Shopify Theme Store to check for the latest version.

  3. Shopify admin notifications
    Shopify will notify you directly in the admin area when a new version of your theme is available.

How often do I need to update my theme?

It depends on your needs, but we recommend updating your theme every 6 to 12 months max. This ensures you have access to the latest features and it will be easier for you to update.

External links