Upgrade to Shopify Section Groups: Streamline Theme Customization

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What are Section Groups?
3. The Benefits of Section Groups
4. How to Upgrade to the Latest Shopify Version
5. Creating a Header Group
6. Copying Settings from Static Sections
7. Creating a Footer Group
8. Using Section Groups in the Customizer
9. Extending Section Groups to Other Layout Elements
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Shopify recently introduced a new feature called Section Groups, which allows users to extend the functionality of Json templates to other areas of their website theme, such as the header and footer. This feature aligns with Shopify's direction announced during Unite 2021 and provides greater flexibility for theme customization. In this article, we will explore what Section Groups are, the benefits they offer, and how to effectively utilize them in your Shopify store. We will also discuss the process of upgrading to the latest Shopify version and provide step-by-step instructions for creating and utilizing Section Groups.

What are Section Groups?

Section Groups in Shopify refer to a feature that allows users to extend the newer Json functionality, introduced in mid-2021, to various parts of their website theme. Prior to Section Groups, Json templates were limited to the main template file, but now users can utilize Json templates in other layout elements, such as the header and footer. Section Groups essentially act as containers for sections, enabling users to easily add and reorder sections within these layout elements.

The Benefits of Section Groups

The introduction of Section Groups brings several benefits to Shopify users. Firstly, it provides a more intuitive and flexible way to organize and manage sections within the header, footer, or other layout elements. With the ability to add and reorder sections, users have greater control over the visual layout and content of their Shopify store. Furthermore, Section Groups streamline the customization process by allowing the reuse of settings and configurations across different sections. This saves time and effort in manually adjusting settings for each individual section. Overall, Section Groups enhance the user experience and empower merchants to create a more visually appealing and user-friendly website.

How to Upgrade to the Latest Shopify Version

Before exploring Section Groups, it is important to ensure you are using the latest version of Shopify. Upgrading to the latest version allows you to access the latest features and improvements, including Section Groups. To upgrade your Shopify version, follow these steps:

1. Go to the "Themes" section of your Shopify store's admin dashboard.
2. Locate the theme you are currently using and click on its name.
3. In the theme details page, check if there is an option to upgrade to the latest version. If available, click on it.
4. Wait for the upgrade process to complete. This may take a few moments.
5. Once the upgrade is finished, you will have the latest version of the Shopify theme installed and ready to use.

By keeping your Shopify version up to date, you can take advantage of new features like Section Groups and stay at the forefront of theme development.

Creating a Header Group

To utilize Section Groups in your Shopify store, you need to create a header group. Follow these steps to create a header group:

1. Go to the "Sections" tab in the Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Click on "Add new section" and select Json as the format.
3. Enter "Header Group" as the name for the group and set the type as "Header".
4. Copy the sections that are currently included in the "theme.liquid" file and paste them into the header group as separate sections.
5. Save the changes and go back to the "theme.liquid" file.
6. Replace the reference to the header section with the reference to the header group.
7. Save the file and return to the customizer.

By creating a header group, you can now add and reorder sections in the header of your Shopify store, providing a more dynamic and customizable experience for both merchants and visitors.

Copying Settings from Static Sections

When upgrading to Section Groups, you might want to preserve the settings from existing static sections. Although Shopify attempts to copy the settings automatically, you can manually copy them to ensure a smooth transition. Here's how:

1. Go to the "config/settings_data.json" file in the Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Locate the section for the announcement bar or any other static section you want to copy settings from.
3. Copy the entire settings object for the section.
4. Go back to the header group or footer group Json file and replace the existing settings object with the copied settings.
5. Save the changes and refresh the customizer to see the preserved settings.

By manually copying settings from static sections to their corresponding section groups, you can maintain your preferred configurations and avoid having to reconfigure each section from scratch.

Creating a Footer Group

Similar to the header group, you can also create a footer group using Section Groups. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Shopify admin dashboard and go to the "Sections" tab.
2. Create a new section in Json format and name it "Footer Group".
3. Set the type as "Footer" and paste the settings object from the "config/settings_data.json" file.
4. Save the changes and navigate to the "theme.liquid" file.
5. Replace the reference to the footer section with the reference to the footer group.
6. Save the file and return to the customizer.

Now you can add and reorder sections within the footer of your Shopify store using the footer group, providing additional layout customization options and improving the overall aesthetics of your website.

Using Section Groups in the Customizer

With Section Groups set up, you can now leverage their functionality in the customizer. The customizer allows you to easily adjust the layout and content of your Shopify store. Here's how you can use Section Groups in the customizer:

1. Access the customizer by clicking on the "Customize" button for your theme.
2. Look for the template section, where you can reorder the sections within the main content area.
3. Locate the header group section, which allows you to add and reorder sections within the header of your website.
4. Make any desired changes to the sections within the header group, such as adding new sections or rearranging their order.
5. Similarly, utilize the footer group section to modify the sections within the footer of your website.
6. Preview the changes and ensure everything appears as desired.
7. Save the changes and publish your theme to make the modifications visible on your live website.

By utilizing Section Groups in the customizer, you can easily adjust and fine-tune the layout and content of your Shopify store, offering a visually appealing and seamless browsing experience for your customers.

Extending Section Groups to Other Layout Elements

While Section Groups are primarily used for the header and footer, you can extend their functionality to other layout elements as well. With Section Groups, you can add and reorder sections in various areas of your website, such as sidebars or other custom layout components. This allows you to create a cohesive and well-structured design throughout your entire Shopify store.

To extend Section Groups to other layout elements, follow a similar process as creating the header and footer groups, but instead, modify the relevant sections and references to match the desired layout element. With this flexibility, you can create a highly customized website that meets your unique branding and user experience requirements.

Conclusion

Section Groups are a powerful addition to Shopify's theme development capabilities, offering merchants greater control over the layout and customization of their Shopify stores. By creating header and footer groups, copying settings from static sections, and utilizing Section Groups in the customizer, merchants can efficiently manage their website's visual elements and provide a tailored user experience. With the option to extend Section Groups to other layout elements, merchants have the flexibility to design a visually stunning and truly unique online store. Keep exploring the possibilities of Section Groups and unleash the full potential of your Shopify store.

Pros:

• Enhanced flexibility for organizing and managing sections within the header and footer.
• Efficient reuse of settings and configurations across different sections.
• Streamlined customization process, saving time and effort.
• Empowers merchants to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites.

Cons:

• Requires upgrading to the latest Shopify version.
• Manually copying settings from static sections may be time-consuming for stores with many sections.

Highlights

• Section Groups in Shopify allow users to extend Json functionality to other areas of their theme, such as the header and footer.
• Section Groups provide greater flexibility for organizing and managing sections within specific layout elements.
• Upgrading to the latest Shopify version is essential to access the Section Groups feature.
• By creating header and footer groups, users can easily add and reorder sections in these areas.
• Copying settings from static sections ensures a smooth transition to Section Groups.
• Section Groups can be extended beyond the header and footer to other layout elements, allowing for a more customized website design.
• The customizer facilitates the easy adjustment of section layout and content within Section Groups.
• Section Groups enhance the overall visual appeal and user experience of Shopify stores.

FAQ

Q: Can Section Groups be used in all Shopify themes?

A: Yes, Section Groups can be utilized in all Shopify themes. However, the availability and implementation of Section Groups may vary depending on the theme version and customization options.

Q: What other layout elements can Section Groups be extended to?

A: Section Groups can be extended to various layout elements, including sidebars, custom content areas, and any other sections outside the main template. This allows users to thoroughly customize their Shopify store's design.

Q: Are there any limitations to the number of sections that can be added to Section Groups?

A: There are no specific limitations to the number of sections that can be added to Section Groups. However, it is important to maintain a balanced and visually appealing layout to ensure a positive user experience.

Q: Can Section Groups be used in conjunction with other customization options, such as Shopify apps or plugins?

A: Yes, Section Groups can be used alongside other Shopify customization options, such as apps or plugins. However, compatibility and integration may vary depending on the specific app or plugin being used.

Q: Will upgrading to the latest Shopify version affect my existing theme settings and configurations?

A: Upgrading to the latest Shopify version should not have a significant impact on your existing theme settings and configurations. However, it is always recommended to back up your theme files and configurations before performing any upgrades or modifications.