The New Shopify version 2.0 – An Update To Look Into

Shopify 1.0 vs 2.0

E-stores around the globe prefer Shopify due to its many features. 29th June 2021 brought one of the most noteworthy updates when Shopify launched its latest version 2.0. 

With over 4.4 million eCommerce websites hosted on Shopify, the upgrade bolsters its position as the market leader in eCommerce CMSes. The new features also set in motion some major opportunities for online brands. 

Shopify 2.0 enables store owners to manage and customize their online stores better, giving them more power on how they want their stores to appear and perform. New tools have taken care of the major concern users expressed on customization control.

What is Shopify version 2.0? How is it different or better than the older version of 1.0? Read on to find out. 

• Theme editor update

With 2.0, Shopify has introduced a new theme editor that enables non-coders (most store owners) to easily customize the theme with an easy to use interface.The improvised theme editor enables users to see the table of contents in a tree view. These are clickable sections that can show and hide content upon a click. This makes navigating for users and website managers through the content of your store an easier task.

• Customizable collection templates

Previously, templates that could cover most of your product categories were used due to the lack of customization options. Keeping your templates generic was the way to go.This update makes it possible for you to display your most unique products with a customized category.

This new feature now allows users to create customized collection templates without needing to partner with a developer. It is most useful when it comes to specific collections containing many sub-collections or if only a few of your collections need filters. 

• Improved store speed 

While writing the new code, developers made sure to work on the reason for the error that caused slow speed. They made sure that instead of collecting apps on JavaScript, apps can now be installed by using app extensions. This resolved the issue of leftover code upon installation of an app. Which eventually results in better speed for your store.

The new Dawn theme is said to be 35% faster than the older default theme Debut. The improved website loading speed is sure to enhance the SEO and conversion process of your online business.  

• Enhanced developer tools

Some of the improved developer tools are: 

Integrating GitHub – Allows easier development and maintenance. 

Shopify CLI – Command Line Interface, a tool that automates development and building tasks in Shopify apps and themes. This permits a quick generation of app extensions, PHP apps, Node.js and Shopify themes. 

Theme checking– A tool to scan your themes and allow debugging.

Other– New liquid input settings codes directly into the theme editor.

• Enhance Store Flexibility with Metafields

Shopify 2.0 empowers merchants to link to metafields from theme editors from the Shopify admin. Metafields customize the appearance and functions of your e-store. Metafields can be used to track or put information on display in your online store. 

What’s better in Shopify 2.0 Metafields: 

• Earlier Shopify’s product template restricted you from displaying more information about your product. Now Shopify 2.0 Metafields enables you to skillfully add custom fields on the product page.
• Easily definable and editable content within a few clicks. 
• The enhanced version of Online store 2.0 Shopify Metafields is improvised to increase flexibility to store and display data focused on your brand.

Improve Flexibility with App Blocks

App integration has become seamless from the theme editor due to app blocks. Your developer doesn’t need to interfere with the code of a theme to integrate apps, making the new Shopify a faster experience. 

You can now add a variety of widgets on your online store as app block enables you to do so as an app extension tool. 

App block is basically an app functionality that you can add in the theme anywhere you want. These app blocks can be added, removed, repositioned and previewed in the theme editor. 

• Buy Now, Pay Later 

Shopify has upgraded their BNPL option with Shop Pay Installments, where a new monthly installment system can provide the buyers a flexible payment method at checkout. All this while merchants are getting paid upfront in full. However, this option is only available in the USA as of now. 

• Mobile-first

As opposed to the usual way of constructing a website for desktop systems first and then adapting it for a mobile interface, Shopify uses the mobile-first option. It allows you to build themes for your mobile-first and then adapt it to a desktop model, if needed. 

This way users can escape the hassle of dealing with too many functions and hovering actions, making the whole process simpler. 

• Customizable 404 Pages

The new Shopify update allows you to personalize your 404 error pages from boring bounceable pages into customized ones. They can display your highest ranked products or a sale. This way users don’t deflect from your website and can instead be led to an available discount offer.

• Embedded Apps 

Embedded apps are third party apps that can be added to your Shopify admin. They provide extra features and functions for your online store.  

Shopify App Bridge is a unified tool for embedded app development. Its 2.0 version has a better streamlined interface for actions. It also has an improved architecture. It is pivotal in developing embedded apps faster, creating new functional opportunities for merchants looking to develop embedded apps. 

Best way to migrate to Shopify version 2.0? 

Whether or not your older Shopify store experiences issues, updating to the latest version is highly recommended. We have already covered the reasons how your online store would function better on Shopify 2.0. But what is the best and safest way to upgrade to the newer version? 

There are basically three common ways you can update your store to 2.0:

1. By simply downloading an updated Shopify version 2.0 theme from Shopify store.

You can unlock new features by downloading a new theme from the theme store. You can specifically look for 2.0 version compatible themes. New themes are added frequently, if you don’t find the perfect theme for your store, keep coming back to check. 

2. Downloading an updated version of your store.

Your developer should be able to update your current theme to its updated version. This update can not be done automatically. 

3. Manually – By migrating your Shopify store/current theme manually.

• To upgrade to 2.0, migrate your existing theme templates to the new theme architecture.
• Do it if you have past experience of editing HTML, CSS or liquid code.
• If you don’t have experience, hire a professional developer to do it for you. 
• To migrate your existing theme to 2.0, duplicate the theme and use the duplicated copy to migrate by publishing it.

Conclusion

With so many additions and tools to help you express your creative outlook, having a unique store for your brand has become much easier.

Shopify 2.0 is empowering for developers and merchants alike. While developers have more control over the theme customization, merchants can now personalize more aspects of their online store without the help of developers. The deletion process and installation of apps in Shopify 2.0 is much cleaner than before as well due to the use of app blocks.

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Nida Danish

Transitioning from being an English trainer, the dearth of creativity led me into the realm of digital marketing. Now, I'm channeling my linguistic powers as a copywriter at CueBlocks.

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