Each Pixel Union Shopify theme purchase includes all future versions of that theme. Regular releases for new versions provide bug fixes, added features, platform requirements, or other improvements.
In this article:
- What does updating a theme involve?
- Using the Theme Updater App to update
- Updating themes without the Theme Updater App
What does updating a theme involve?
Updating a theme is basically moving content (added images, copy, etc.) and customizations (settings, modifications, etc.) to an improved version of the theme. This is a manual process involving two separate theme files: the original theme with content and the latest version without content.
Why isn't this automatic?
This process is standard for Shopify platform themes. However, certain theme versions are compatible with the Theme Updater App's features.
Steps to take before updating
Before setting up the new version, there are a few things to keep close at hand:
- Your featured and logo images in a local folder
- Any relevant app documentation
- A duplicate of your old theme
Duplicate current theme for backup and reference
To duplicate your published theme, click the Actions dropdown next to Current theme (accessed from Online Store > Themes in your Shopify admin). Select the Duplicate option. The duplicated theme will appear unpublished below, titled something like "Copy of Theme v0-0-0".
Find the duplicate below and click the Actions dropdown next to it. Select Edit code. Keep this window open for later reference.
Use the Theme Updater App to get the latest version
Basic plan
The Basic plan will allow you to get notifications when we release an update so you don’t have to keep tabs on release notes or reach out to support.
Pro plan
The Pro plan adds to the Basic by giving you access to Priority Support if you write in through the Theme Updater App admin. This plan also adds a file comparison feature to show you changes in the code side-by-side.
Using the app
Migrating content and settings
The app will install the latest theme as an unpublished (Draft) theme on the Themes page of your dashboard, carrying over as much content as possible from the previous theme.
Which theme versions are compatible with the Theme Updater App?
Obtaining a default copy of the latest version
No plan is needed if you're only after the latest version in its default state.
Installing a default copy of the latest theme version
File modifications
Files that have been modified will be flagged by the app, so take a screenshot image or write down the files it identifies. These files will need to be modified again in the updated version.
For strategies on updating with customizations, check out How do I update a modified theme to the latest version?