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Theme update
CAUTION
Theme updates are not covered by OpenThinking's complimentary support.
IMPORTANT
If no code changes were made (by you or any third-party app) and no new settings were added, Shopify can automatically transfer your settings during a theme update.
IMPORTANT
Shopify can't carry over some settings or custom setups. You’ll need to manually update each setting after installing the new version.
IMPORTANT
If you or a developer edited core theme files, those changes won’t transfer. You’ll need to manually reapply them. Some custom code may also need to be adjusted due to changes in the updated theme.
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.
From Shopify admin, go to
Online Store → ThemesLocate
your theme, then click • Bullet version 1.2.3 available.Click Add to theme library
This will install a “fresh” copy of the theme in an unpublished state on your store.
IMPORTANT
Shopify theme updates aren’t applied automatically.
Each theme is a self-contained package, and updates to the Theme Store won’t affect any of your existing or customized themes unless you manually install a new version.
Even then, the new version exists separately and doesn’t modify your current live theme in any way. In other words, once a theme is added to your store, it remains isolated from future theme updates unless you explicitly install and publish a newer version.
There’s no automatic change, and nothing in the Theme Store update process can alter your current theme.
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.
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.
Use the top search bar and search:
OpenThinkingor click hereFrom there, select your
OpenThinkingtheme.Click Add latest theme version or Add theme
This will install a “fresh” copy of the theme in an unpublished state on your store.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
- From Shopify admin, go to your published theme
- Click ••• → Edit code
- In the search bar, type
settings_data.json - Open the file, then select and copy all the code inside
To NEW version
- From Shopify admin, go to the theme you installed in Step 1
- Click ••• → Edit code
- In the search bar, type
settings_data.json - Open the file, then select and delete all the code inside
- 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 changedIMPORTANT
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
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:
Check the theme changelog
Visit the theme changelog to see if a new version is available.Shopify theme store
Visit the Shopify Theme Store to check for the latest version.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.