From 13th August 2024, the Shopify Checkout.liquid theme file will no longer be available for Shopify Plus users.
This will have a lasting impact on the platform.
But not to worry, as it should help bring a faster and more secure checkout experience for Shopify Plus users.
By preparing in advance, you should have no issue changing from Checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility.
This will ensure a smooth transition that will have a minimal impact on your website.
Why is Checkout.liquid Being Deprecated?
First announced in February 2023, Shopify spread the news that Checkout.liquid theme file customisation would be deprecated.
The main reason for this liquid deprecation is that it will offer easier modifications and a more secure checkout process for customers who use the Shopify platform.
However, this is just the start.
According to the Shopify changelog, Checkout Extensibility will be more secure, higher converting and integrate with Shop Pay seamlessly.
Less Compatible with Shopify Updates
As with most e-commerce platforms, constant updates help to keep the checkout secure and safe for customers.
That is because once an issue is raised, the platforms will quickly work to secure the checkout and customers details.
Because the Checkout.liquid file is edited directly with the code, it can cause errors which could lead to a loss in sales for your online store.
Not ideal, we know!
When is Checkout.liquid Being Deprecated?
Checkout.liquid will be deprecated on the 13th August 2024. After this date, the Checkout.liquid file can only be used to customise the post-checkout pages; including the Thank You and Order status pages.
However, this is something that will also migrate to the Shopify Extensibility plugin.
What are the Benefits of Upgrading to Shopify Checkout Extensibility?
While it may seem like an inconvenience, there are many benefits to upgrading your Shopify to Checkout Extensibility.
You can see the main benefits below:
Integrating with Shop Pay
To improve conversions, speed is essential. That is why so many e-commerce platforms are opting for express pay options like Shop Pay.
While you can use Shop Pay with Checkout.liquid, it is not easily optimised to match the other checkout options on your website.
Easier Customisations
With a collection of pre-built add-ons, basic modifications to the checkout through extensibility can be extremely simple and useful.
With the good folks over at Shopify always looking to improve their products and add-ons, it’s a good idea to only use these pre-built additions.
However, if you do need something more bespoke, you still have the option of creating your own customisations through Shopify Checkout Extensibility.
This will still need to be upgraded before 13th of August 2024 otherwise you will risk losing checkout functionality.
Pixel Tracking
Who doesn’t love data, right?
Checkout data is extremely important.
It’s used to optimise conversion rates and understand where the pain points of the checkout journey are.
With Checkout Extensibility, integrating the new Web Pixel extension will allow apps to access and monitor customer events throughout the checkout process.
One Page Checkout
When it comes to converting sales, the checkout process is crucial.
The introduction of a one-page checkout will allow users to speed up these checkouts and optimise for a speedier journey.
If you want to benefit from this fantastic one-page checkout feature, you will need to be a Shopify Plus Merchant.
Who Does this Affect?
As custom checkouts are only available to Shopify Plus merchants, only these users can be affected by the Checkout.liquid deprecation.
However, users only need to take action if they are already using a customised checkout.
If you are using the default settings offered in Shopify, your site will automatically update to Checkout Extensibility once this becomes the default choice.
How Does this Affect You?
If you are using a custom checkout setup that is built using the Checkout.liquid theme file, you will need to upgrade to Shopify Checkout Extensibility before the 13th August 2024.
If you know that you are going to be affected by this update, but aren’t sure where to start, check out our guide below to see the necessary steps required for upgrading to Checkout Extensibility.
What Will Happen if I Don’t Update my Site to Shopify Checkout Extensibility?
If you don’t update your Shopify site before 13th August 2024, your site will automatically switch to the default non custom Shopify checkout.
That could mean losing any optimisations that you have worked on with the Checkout.liquid file.
To avoid any issues with your customers and to minimise downtime, it is essential that you update your site to Checkout Extensibility before the 13th August 2024.
How to Update Your Website From Checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility?
If you are currently using the Checkout.liquid file for your checkout modifications, you will need to update to Shopify Extensibility.
There are no additional downloads or plugins that you will need to download to use Shopify Extensibility, it is already built into sites by default.
To prepare for your checkout migration, you should consider the following steps:
- Review your current checkout setup
- Build a new checkout on a developer site to test before going live.
- Once you are happy with the new checkout, push it live on your website.
Shopify have so very kindly put together a short guide for updating your website online.
By preparing in advance using a developer site as a test, you can avoid any last-minute catastrophes that could damage your revenue and sales.
What Are the Issues with Checkout Extensibility?
While there are good reasons for upgrading to the new Shopify Checkout, there are questions about some of the issues that the update brings.
Development Resource
If you have very basic checkout modifications or default settings you’re unlikely to feel much of an impact from the update. However, if your checkout is more complex and requires bespoke coding, it could be a very time-consuming and expensive process to bring your site up to date.
And it’s not just huge websites that require these complex checkouts. This could lead to a huge financial expense for smaller businesses that still require a more bespoke experience.
Visual Editing
Many Shopify customers have been left wondering why the change hasn’t led to an easier, more visual application for editing.
It is still extremely code-heavy and will require some knowledge of various languages to successfully implement any changes.
Nowadays people want convenience and they want the ability to make changes to their own websites themselves.
It seems like Shopify has missed a trick by not creating a more visual way of editing this checkout process for the less technical user.
Get Help with Updating to Shopify Extensibility
Whether you are excited about the Checkout Extensibility upgrade or not, it is here to stay. Once the 13th August 2024 passes, Checkout.liquid will be fully deprecated.
Using the next few months to build and update your Shopify site will prevent any last-minute rushing to get your shop over the line.
At Blaze Media, we can help with upgrading your Shopify checkout as well as all aspects of Shopify web development.
Get in touch today and see how we can grow your sales and revenue.