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Shopify

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Oct 22, 2024

How to change, edit or create a custom Shopify product template

man in a meeting with developer - Shopify Product Templates
man in a meeting with developer - Shopify Product Templates
man in a meeting with developer - Shopify Product Templates

Instant Team

How to change, edit or create a custom Shopify product template

In the chaos of running a Shopify store, getting your product pages right can feel like a big task. A well-designed product page is key to grabbing your customers' attention. It's not just about looks; it's about creating a smooth, engaging shopping experience. If you've struggled to make your product pages work for you, you're in the right place. This article will show you how to change, edit, or create a custom Shopify store design that reflects your brand's personality and drives sales.

Instant's Shopify product page builder is a straightforward tool that helps you make the necessary changes without hassle.

Table of Contents

How does a Shopify product template work?

Shopify templates - Shopify Product Templates

A Shopify product template is your digital blueprint, dictating how product info appears on your store’s pages. Themes and collections of templates shape your online store's design:

  • Product pages

  • Templates handle images

  • Descriptions

  • Prices

  • Reviews

They ensure a consistent display across different products, saving time and effort in-store design.

Consistency and efficiency: How templates save you time

Think of product templates as molds. Once set up, they apply to multiple products without designing each page from scratch. For example, a clothing template might include:

  • Size

  • Color

  • Fabric options

This structure can be reused for all apparel, ensuring a consistent look and feel. Similarly, a simpler template can be created for accessories like earrings or scarves, with fewer customization options.

Tailoring the experience: Customization for different products

Despite their reusability, multiple templates allow for tailored presentations for different product categories. For example, in a clothing store, you might create one template for tops and another for accessories, each with a unique layout to match specific needs. This flexibility optimizes the customer experience by customizing each product's display.

Beyond products: Templates for other pages

Shopify templates extend beyond products to blogs or collections, helping differentiate content. A blog template might focus on articles, including:

  • Headings

  • Hero images

  • Links

Product template emphasizes:

  • Images

  • Descriptions

  • Purchase options

Collection templates can give each collection its feel, allowing for themed pages for seasonal products or curated categories.

User-friendly customization: The backend code and drag-and-drop editor

Shopify’s Liquid coding language determines how content is displayed. But you don’t need to be a coder. Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor allows visual template customization, altering layouts, colors, and sections without touching the code. This empowers non-technical users to create a personalized store experience.

Why create & use a custom Shopify product template

woman discussing ideas - Shopify Product Templates

Creating product pages from scratch is no picnic. Shopify product templates give you ready-made layouts that look good and save you tons of time. You can pick a template that fits your brand and tweak it as needed—freeing up time for other business tasks.

Keep your brand consistent

Brand consistency is key. Shopify product page templates ensure every product page looks the same, keeping your brand identity intact. Consistent design elements like fonts and colors help your customers easily navigate your store.

Make a great first impression

You only get one chance to make a first impression. A polished product page template can enhance your store's visual appeal and build trust with potential customers. A well-designed page can boost confidence in your product and your brand.

Optimize for conversions

Many Shopify templates are designed to convert. They use best practices for layout, typography, and call-to-action placement to boost sales and reduce friction in the buying process. Plus, they’re often optimized for mobile, ensuring your pages look great on any device.

Customize to fit your brand

Templates provide a great starting point, but they’re customizable to fit your brand. You can change colors, fonts, and images and add custom elements like logos and banners. This flexibility lets you create product pages that reflect your brand and connect with your audience.

User-friendly experience

Using Shopify’s interface is a breeze. You can easily select, install, and customize templates without needing technical skills. With a few clicks, you can browse templates, preview them, and choose the best one. Then, customize it with Shopify’s editing tools.

Get support when you need it

Premium Shopify templates often come with ongoing support and updates. If you run into any issues or have questions, you can contact help. Template providers might also release updates to keep your pages compatible with Shopify updates.

Boost your SEO efforts

SEO is crucial for eCommerce success. Many templates have built-in SEO features to help your site rank better on search engines, making it easier to optimize your site from the get-go.

Elevate your Shopify store with Instant

Looking to take your store to the next level? Instant is a user-friendly Shopify product page builder that lets you create customizable pages without coding. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can design high-converting pages while keeping full control over your store's design. 

Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today!

Creating custom product templates in Shopify

discussion on custom templates - Shopify Product Templates

Creating custom product templates in Shopify is your ticket to crafting product pages that truly reflect your brand’s unique style. Here's how to make that magic happen:

1. Get to know your theme

Before you start building, really explore your theme's features and limitations. Some themes are like playgrounds with drag-and-drop flexibility, while others might demand more coding. Understanding what you’ve got will save you headaches down the road.

2. Dive into the theme editor

In your Shopify admin:

  • Go to Online Store > Themes

  • Select the theme you want to tweak and click “Customize.” 

  • To get into the nitty-gritty, hit Actions > Edit Code.

3. Create a new template

In the Theme Editor, click “Add new template” and select 'product' as the type. Give it a memorable name, like the custom product.

4. Customize the layout

Use Shopify’s drag-and-drop sections to tailor the product page. Add images, videos, reviews, or size charts whatever tells your product's story best. Just remember that loading your page with too much can slow things down.

5. Assign the template

Go to Products in your Shopify admin. Pick the product you want to jazz up, and on its details page, choose your custom template from the Theme template dropdown.

Upgrading older themes to Shopify’s online store 2.0

If you’re working with an older theme, you must upgrade to Shopify’s Online Store 2.0 to use custom templates. Here’s how:

  • Download a new theme: Shopify’s Theme Store offers a variety of themes to fit your store's vibe.

  • Update your existing theme: Some themes have updates available. Look for a green checkmark in your admin. Back up your custom code before updating.

  • Migrate your current theme: Want to keep your old theme? Migration is possible but involves coding. You might need help from a developer or Shopify Partner.

Editing product templates with Liquid

Shopify uses Liquid, a template language, to structure themes. This is a game-changer if you’re comfortable with code.

  • Access the code editor: From your Shopify dashboard, go to Online Store > Themes, click the three-dot icon, and select Edit Code.

  • Tweak Liquid files: The product.liquid template controls your product pages. Customize it with Liquid code to change product info display, add sections, or create dynamic content based on tags or collections.

Applying bulk changes to your products

Managing a large catalog? Shopify’s bulk editing feature is your friend:

Bulk edit products:

  • Go to Products in your Shopify admin. 

  • Use the search filter to find the products you want to update. 

  • Select them, then click Bulk edit. 

  • From the Columns dropdown, enable the Template option. 

  • Select the first product’s template field, hold Shift, and select the last one to apply the new template to all of them. 

  • Hit Save.

Bulk edit collections: You can also bulk edit collections by going to Products > Collections and following a process similar to that for individual products.

How to create custom Shopify product template using apps

creating shopify product page - Shopify Product Templates

Choose the perfect page builder app

Customizing your Shopify product template starts with selecting the right page builder app. These tools empower you to design pages with little to no coding knowledge. Explore options like Instant, a page builder specializing in crafting high-converting landing pages and sections. Finding an app that integrates seamlessly with eCommerce tools you’re already using is essential. 

Install and access the app

Head to the Shopify App Store, search for your chosen app, and click "Add app" to install it. Once installed, navigate to the app from your Shopify admin. Familiarize yourself with the drag-and-drop interface. This step is crucial for efficiently adding and arranging elements.

Template selection: Ready-made or blank slate?

Once inside the app, you’ll often find a range of pre-designed templates. These can save you time and effort. Choose a template that aligns with your brand's aesthetic. Alternatively, start with a blank canvas if you prefer building something unique. Customize elements such as:

  • Images

  • Text

  • Buttons

  • Product descriptions

Customize product details for maximum impact

Use the app’s features to optimize your product display. Showcase product variants like different sizes or colors, incorporate upsell options, and use high-quality images and videos. These enhancements can make your product pages more engaging and convert visitors into buyers.

Mobile optimization: A must-do

Ensure your product template is responsive. Most page builders let you preview pages on mobile devices, which is essential as a significant portion of online shopping occurs on mobile. Adjust layouts and elements specifically for mobile to ensure a seamless user experience.

Test before you publish

Before going live, preview your changes to ensure everything looks good. Check the functionality of buttons, links, and checkout processes. This step is vital to avoid any issues hindering user experience and conversion rates.

Go live: Publish your custom template

Once you’re satisfied with your design, hit the publish button within the app. Your new custom product template will be live, offering your customers a unique and optimized shopping experience.

3 Best practices for adapting your Shopify template

discussion on best ideas - Shopify Product Templates

1. Prioritize an image-centered design

Product images are a game-changer in online shopping decisions. Research from MDG shows that 67% of online buyers consider product images a critical factor. 

  • Focus on creating a visually appealing product page with high-quality images. 

  • Larger and sharper images boost conversion rates and social media shares. 

  • Use proper image dimensions for faster loading times. 

  • Offer multiple views and a zoom feature to give customers a complete look at your product.

2. Optimize for mobile shopping

A mobile-friendly design is a must, as mobile shopping dominates e-commerce. Shopify themes are often mobile-friendly, but double-check that your customizations look good and work well on small screens. Preview the mobile version frequently to ensure correct:

  • Buttons

  • Images

  • Text scale correctly

Keep the layout clean and limit information to essential features like:

  • Product images

  • Clear CTAs

  • Concise descriptions

3. Add features that drive conversions

Encourage purchases by adding converting features. Offer upselling and cross-selling opportunities, such as product upgrades or discounts on related products. Use clickable buttons for size, color, and style variations to make it easy for customers to visualize different options. Social proof elements build customer confidence like:

  • Reviews

  • Trust badges

  • Social media counters

Include a currency converter for global customers to reduce friction during checkout.

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

Building a Shopify store can feel like assembling a puzzle, where every piece needs to fit perfectly. Instant makes this task a breeze with its drag-and-drop interface for users of all skill levels. This tool empowers you to shape your vision without wrestling with code or relying on a developer. 

Do you want to move a widget here or adjust a section there? Just drag and let go. It's that simple. The flexibility of Instant allows you to create a seamless and fluid design process, helping you achieve a cohesive and beautiful end product. 

Elevate your product pages with advanced features

The difference between a standard Shopify product template and a high-converting one lies in the details. Instant equips you with advanced features to elevate your product pages. From custom animations to unique sections and layouts, you can craft a page that tells your brand’s story and captivates your audience. By focusing on these small yet powerful details, you can:

  • Create a product page that looks great

  • Drive sales

  • Fosters customer loyalty

Stay ahead of the competition with seamless Figma integration

In e-commerce, staying ahead of the competition requires constant innovation and adaptation. Instant’s seamless integration with Figma allows you to do just that. 

Importing your Figma designs directly into Instant lets you quickly iterate and test new ideas without slowing down your workflow. This integration ensures that your product pages are always fresh and engaging, helping you stay ahead of the curve and keep your customers returning for more.

Boost conversions with high-converting landing pages

A high-converting landing page is an essential tool for any e-commerce store. It’s your customers' first impression of your brand, and it sets the tone for their entire shopping experience. 

Instant’s Shopify product page builder allows you to create stunning landing pages that capture your audience’s attention and drive conversions. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, you can easily design a landing page that looks great and performs even better.

Save time and resources with Instant's user-friendly interface

Time is money, especially in the world of e-commerce. Instant’s user-friendly interface allows you to save by streamlining the design process and eliminating the need for costly developers. With its drag-and-drop functionality and pre-built templates, you can quickly and easily create beautiful product pages optimized for conversions. This saves you time and resources and allows you to focus on what really matters: growing your business.

Enhance customer experience with customizable sections

A great customer experience is the key to driving sales and fostering loyalty. Instant’s Shopify product page builder allows you to enhance this experience by customizing every aspect of your product pages. 

From unique sections and layouts to custom animations and interactive elements, you can create a page that looks great and provides a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience. This level of customization sets you apart from the competition and helps you build a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more.

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