Updating to the latest version without the Theme Updater App is a manual process.
To update your theme, get the new theme version, then transfer content to the latest version (update theme settings, migrate custom code, and compare files).
Get the new theme version
The source of the new theme version depends on where the theme was originally purchased.
Shopify Theme Store purchases
If you bought the theme through the Shopify Theme Store, then you can also visit the Themes Store while logged into your Shopify account, locate your theme, and click on Add latest version.
The blank theme will be added to the Themes page of your Shopify admin for you to carry over content manually.
Pixel Union website purchases
If you purchased the theme from pixelunion.net, contact Pixel Union Theme Support to request the latest version release.
Please include a copy or screenshot image of the original purchase receipt.
We also require you to register your theme to validate your purchase. This can be done through the Theme Updater App in your free first year.
Registering your Shopify theme
Transfer content to the latest version
The new version is in its default state. Before publishing the theme, content must be transferred to the new theme to match the previous settings, appearance, customizations, etc.
Update theme settings
Open the theme editor for both versions of the theme in separate windows (to do this, right-click the Customize link next to each theme, then select Open in new tab).
By placing them side-by-side in separate windows, you can go section by section and match the settings, copy, and content.
To match Colors settings, for instance, click on the swatch. In the bottom right of the popup modal, you'll see a six-value code. Copy this code and paste it into the matching color field in the new version.
Migrate custom code
Next, you'll need to migrate any custom code added to your Liquid files. Ideally, custom code will be documented so you can easily find it. However, if this is not the case, you can use the file comparison tool Diffchecker to help you remember where you've added custom code.
Compare files
Follow the link to Diffchecker. Copy and paste the liquid file that you believe had custom code added to it into the Original Text field. Then copy and paste the corresponding file of the new version into the Changed Text field. Click Find Difference.
In the Original Text field, any code that does not appear in the Changed Text field will be highlighted in red (this will include changes we've made to the theme, but of course you only need to worry about copying over custom code additions you've made).
Prepare for future updates
For any custom code carried over or future additions made, adding a comment that is easily searchable allows you to search and locate any custom code quickly when making future updates. Comments will not affect the code. Simply add <!-- and --> on either side of your comment, like so:
<!-- This is a comment. Custom code.-->
Be specific in your comment—add a note for the purpose, date, author, etc.
If you're adding code to the theme.scss.liquid file, we recommend inserting it at the bottom of the page.
Pro tip: When on the theme.scss.liquid page, press command + ↓ to jump down to the bottom of the file.
Reinstall apps
Any apps that add code to your theme's files may need to be reinstalled, depending on the app developer. You'll need to find the app documentation to follow the installation instructions. If you're unsure how, you can go to Apps and click View details to find the support email for that Shopify app.
Please note that our theme support team does not support third-party apps.
Publish
Once you've migrated all your settings and custom code, you're set to go. Hit Publish on the new version of the theme.