Theme editor vs. code editor
Use Online Store → Themes → Customize for most visual edits: sections, blocks, and settings. The editor is safe, versioned, and fast to iterate.
Reserve the code editor for advanced work (schema, Liquid, or app integrations) to reduce risk. Always duplicate your theme before code changes.
Images, text, and sections
Swap images via the media picker, edit copy with rich text blocks, and drag sections to reorder. Prefer concise H2s/H3s and scannable bullet lists.
Compress images (AVIF/WebP when supported), set width/height, and lazy‑load below‑the‑fold media to improve Core Web Vitals.
Refs: Core Web Vitals, Performance basics.
When to use custom CSS or apps
If the editor can’t style a component, add small, scoped CSS overrides or consider a lightweight app. Scope rules to section IDs to avoid regressions across templates.
Audit app scripts regularly; remove unused ones to reduce JS bloat. For intrusive components (popups), follow Google’s interstitial guidance.
See also: Intrusive interstitials and our Shopify Custom CSS guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit without code?
Yes. Use the Customize editor for sections, content, and layout—no code needed.
Does editing affect SEO?
Yes. Keep headings structured and images compressed; avoid blocking critical content with popups.