Custom CSS Shopify (how to add & edit custom CSS in Shopify)

Shopify store design can be tricky, especially if you want to make your store stand out. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing your Shopify store had that extra bit of flair, custom CSS might be the answer. This article will help you understand how to add and edit custom CSS in Shopify, giving you the tools to make your store unique.

To simplify things, we’ll introduce you to Instant’s solution: the Shopify product page builder. This tool can help you master custom CSS and take your store design to the next level.

Table of Contents

• What is a custom CSS?

• Can you add custom CSS to Shopify?

• 4 ways to customize your Shopify store

• Getting ready to add a custom CSS to your Shopify site, what you need to do

• Custom CSS Shopify: How to add custom CSS in Shopify

• Custom CSS Shopify: How to edit custom CSS in Shopify

• Customizing Shopify store without code

• Five best practices for adding and editing custom CSS in Shopify

• Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page builder

What is a custom CSS?

Custom CSS is your tool for a unique Shopify store design. It extends HTML with styling rules, defining how your site looks. Think of HTML as the structure of a house, while CSS adds the paint, window sizes, and hallway widths. It lets you tweak colors, fonts, and more to match your brand. Have you ever wondered how to make text red? Use CSS. If HTML is the foundation, CSS is the flair.

Breaking down CSS: Selectors, properties, and values

Selectors, properties, and values guide your design in the CSS world. Selectors target the HTML element you want to style. For instance, use "p" as your selector to style paragraphs. Properties tell CSS what to change, such as:

• Color

• Font size

• Background

Values are the desired outcome. Want red text? Your CSS looks like this:

css
p {
  color: red;
}

This code turns all paragraph text red. It's that straightforward!

How does custom CSS impact Shopify?

In the Shopify realm, custom CSS enhances your store design. Shopify themes come with default styles, but custom CSS lets you tailor these to your liking. You can adjust your store's visual elements, ensuring a consistent brand image. With custom CSS, you can modify font styles, button colors, and more, making your Shopify store truly yours.

Why is custom CSS essential for your Shopify store?

Custom CSS is crucial for Shopify stores. It ensures your site stands out in a crowded market. Default themes may not reflect your brand's unique personality, but custom CSS allows you to fix that. By tailoring your store's appearance, you can create a cohesive and memorable customer shopping experience. In short, custom CSS is key to a standout Shopify store.

Can you add custom CSS to Shopify?

You can add custom CSS to a Shopify store, offering significant flexibility in styling and design. This allows store owners to align their online presence with branding and aesthetic preferences. Custom CSS can enhance various elements like fonts, colors, layouts, and spacing, creating a unique look that sets your shop apart.

Checkout page limitation

Custom CSS can't be applied to the Checkout page regardless of your plan. This limitation maintains a consistent and secure checkout experience across all Shopify stores. While you can customize product pages, collections, and other areas, the checkout process will stay uniform with Shopify's default design.

Technical know-how requires

Implementing custom CSS requires a basic understanding of CSS and HTML and familiarity with Shopify's theme structure. These customizations suit those with a web development or design background. While Shopify provides documentation and community support, you should know that their customer service may only partially cover issues from custom code changes.

4 ways to customize your Shopify store

1. Make easy CSS changes with Shopify’s theme editor

Want to tweak your store's style without the fuss? Shopify's theme editor is your go-to tool. This feature lets you apply custom CSS to your store straightforwardly. You can access it by navigating to your Shopify admin, selecting the theme you want to customize, and clicking Customize. 

From there, head to the Edit code screen, and you’ll find a section for adding custom CSS. The best part? You get live previews to see how your changes look in real-time. It’s an efficient way to manage CSS without diving too deep into the code.

2. Take control by editing theme files directly

Are you comfortable with a bit of coding? Editing theme files directly gives you more control over your Shopify store's design. Access the CSS file in your theme's assets folder via the Shopify admin under Themes and Edit code. 

Locate the CSS file with a .css or .scss.liquid extension. Make your changes, but remember to save a backup before diving in. This method is perfect for those who want to make more intricate design adjustments.

3. Streamline management with a custom CSS file

Frequent theme switcher? Creating a separate custom CSS file can simplify your life. Start by adding a new file in your theme’s assets folder. Name it something like custom-style.css. 

In your theme’s main CSS file, import your custom CSS file by adding @import 'custom-style.css' at the top. This will allow you to easily transfer your customizations when you update or change themes, ensuring a smoother transition.

4. Design without code using Instant

For those looking to create advanced pages without coding, Instant is a game-changer. This Shopify product page builder lets you design fully customizable pages with a simple drag-and-drop interface. It integrates seamlessly with Figma and other tools, making it a versatile option for enhancing your store's design. Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today!

Getting ready to add a custom CSS to your Shopify site, what you need to do

Before you add custom CSS to your Shopify store, make sure you duplicate your theme. This is your safety net. If something goes wrong, you can easily go back to the original. To duplicate, go to Online Store > Themes in your Shopify admin. Click on Actions next to your theme and select Duplicate. Rename it with something clear, like the date or "Backup."

Know the basics: CSS and HTML

You don’t need to be a coding wizard, but having a basic understanding of CSS and HTML is crucial. Familiarity with selectors, properties, and values will help you make precise changes without causing issues. This knowledge will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Keep theme updates in mind

Shopify themes receive regular updates, which can overwrite your customizations. Always keep a backup of your custom CSS code in a separate document or within your duplicated theme. This way, you can easily restore your changes after updates.

Understand shopify support limitations

Advanced CSS changes might be beyond what Shopify support can help you with. If you run into problems, you should troubleshoot independently or hire a third-party developer.

Test for browser compatibility

Make sure to test your custom CSS across different browsers like:

• Chrome

• Firefox

• Safari 

Check how it looks on both desktop and mobile devices. This ensures your store looks consistent and works well for everyone.

Custom CSS Shopify: How to add custom CSS in Shopify

Start by navigating to your Shopify admin dashboard. From there, head to Online Store > Themes. Once you spot the theme you want to modify, click “Actions” and select “Edit code.” This opens the code editor. Expand the “Assets” folder to find your theme’s CSS files. These files hold the keys to your store's styling and are ready for your modifications.

Creating your custom CSS file: A clean slate for style

While editing existing CSS files is possible, creating a custom CSS file is better. This keeps your changes organized and separate from the theme's code. Within the “Assets” folder, click “Add a new asset.” Choose “Create a blank file” and name it, like “custom.css.” Add your custom CSS code here. This separate file ensures your changes won't disappear when you update your theme.

Linking your custom CSS: Making it all work

To ensure your custom CSS file works, link it in your theme's main Liquid file. Go to the “Layout” folder and open the “theme.liquid” file. Look for the line that links the base CSS file, something like `{{ 'base.css' | asset_url | stylesheet_tag }}`. Copy and paste that line below, replacing the filename with your custom CSS file, such as `{{ 'custom.css' | asset_url | stylesheet_tag }}`. Linking your custom CSS file ensures your store reflects your defined styles.

Custom CSS Shopify: How to edit custom CSS in Shopify

Editing custom CSS in Shopify can be straightforward if you know where to look. Start by finding the CSS file you want to change. The Dawn theme is typically called base.css but might also be named main.css or theme.css for different themes. 

Navigate to the Assets section and open this file. It will appear on the main editor screen with a tab above it, so you don’t lose it while working on other files.

Identifying the element you want to change

To target the right element, you’ll need its name. You might already know this, but if not, you can easily do some detective work in your browser. Open your store, right-click the element you want to change and select Inspect. 

This brings up the inspector window, where you can see the CSS attributes. You can even tweak them to preview changes. This step helps you pinpoint the element’s class or ID, which is crucial for making precise edits.

Searching for the element in your CSS file

With the element’s name in hand, you can search your base.css file to locate where it’s defined. Use Control + F (on PCs) or Command + F (on Macs) to search the file. This will help you find the exact spot to edit, ensuring you change the right part of your site’s design.

Applying your CSS edits

Once you’ve located the element, go ahead and make your changes. After you’re satisfied, click the green Save button in the upper right corner. To see how your edits look in real-time, hit the Preview button. This allows you to ensure everything appears as intended before finalizing your changes.

Customizing Shopify store without code

Page builders are lifesavers for anyone looking to customize a Shopify store without touching a line of code. Think of them as your digital toolkit: drag-and-drop interfaces let you easily tweak and enhance your store’s pages. Start by installing a page builder app from the Shopify App Store. Once set up, the fun begins, creating and editing custom pages effortlessly.

Navigating the page builder interface

Once your page builder is ready, you'll find yourself in a user-friendly dashboard. You can view and tweak different sections of your store. Switch between pages like the homepage and product pages with a few clicks. This flexibility lets you see how changes impact various devices, ensuring a responsive design.

Customizing page layouts

Page builders let you build custom layouts by adding sections and blocks to your pages. Insert elements like:

• Images

• Text

• Buttons

• Product lists

Into your layout. Want to add new sections? Find the “add section” button and pick from various content types. This setup allows you to experiment until you find the perfect design for your brand.

Fine-tuning design elements

With a page builder, you can control design elements like colors, fonts, and spacing. Use these options to make sure your store matches your brand identity. Small tweaks can make a big difference in the look and feel of your site, boosting user experience along the way.

Utilizing templates

Most page builders come with pre-designed templates, which you can use as a starting point for your custom pages. Choose a template that fits your needs and tweak it to your liking. This feature is convenient for quickly creating landing pages or promotional content. You can also create your templates for a unique store look.

Previewing changes

Before you hit publish, use the preview function to see how your changes will look on desktop and mobile devices. This step ensures your site is visually appealing and functional across all platforms.

Publishing your pages

When you’re happy with your design and layout, save or publish them directly through the page builder interface. Some builders even offer options for A/B testing to help you optimize your store’s performance. 

Page builders provide an accessible way to enhance your online store without coding or hiring a developer. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro, page builders let you bring your creative vision to life without extensive coding knowledge.

Five best practices for adding and editing custom CSS in Shopify

1. Master specificity with CSS prefixes

Crafting precise CSS ensures your styles hit their mark without wreaking havoc elsewhere. When you use unique class or ID selectors, you tell your styles exactly where to go and what to change. Take this example:

css
.template-product .collection-hero__title {
  font-size: 24px;
  background-color: #EFEFEF;
}

This rule only touches the product template’s title, leaving other areas untouched. Keeping things specific helps your Shopify store stay sleek and consistent.

2. Backup your CSS changes like a pro

Before you start tweaking your CSS, make sure you have a backup. Having a copy of your custom CSS is like insurance against unexpected mishaps. 

Whether a theme update goes awry or your changes don’t work out, you’ll have a lifeline to restore your site to its former glory. Don’t skip this step. It’s your safety net.

3. Optimize your CSS for peak performance

People prefer a slow-loading site. To keep your Shopify store snappy, keep your CSS lean and mean. Trim the fat by removing unnecessary whitespace and comments. 

Stick with efficient selectors to avoid bogging down the browser’s rendering. And if you have multiple CSS files, consider combining them to reduce HTTP requests. Small changes can make a big difference in how quickly your site loads.

4. Apply styles globally, efficiently

When you need a consistent look across your site, global styles are your friend. Just make sure they’re efficient and not overkill. Check out this example:

css
button {
  background-color: #FF5733;
  color: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: 5px;
  padding: 10px 20px;
  border: none;
}

This snippet changes all your buttons in one go, giving your store a cohesive feel without unnecessary repetition.

5. Test your changes on all fronts

Once you’ve implemented your custom CSS, don’t assume it’ll look good everywhere. Test it across different browsers like:

• Chrome

• Firefox

• Safari

And don’t forget about mobile; your style should look just as good on a phone as on a desktop. This step ensures everyone gets the same polished experience, no matter how they’re browsing.

Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page builder

Imagine having a tool that lets you shape your Shopify store’s product pages without needing a developer. Instant is a game-changer for eCommerce teams and agencies. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, Instant makes it simple to design and publish:

• High-converting landing pages

• Blog posts

• Custom Shopify themes 

You control your store’s look and feel without touching code. It’s a powerful way to boost conversions and improve the customer experience.

Integration with Figma and more

Could you bring your Figma designs directly into your Shopify store? Instant makes that wish come true. It integrates seamlessly with Figma, allowing you to import your designs without losing any detail. 

This means you can easily plan your pages in Figma and then bring them to life in Shopify. Instant also plays nice with other eCommerce tools, giving you the flexibility to use your favorite tools and workflows.

Empowering non-technical teams

Instant isn’t just for developers. It’s designed for everyone on your eCommerce team. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for anyone to create and customize pages. 

This empowers your team to be more flexible and responsive, allowing you to make changes and updates without waiting on a developer. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.