Shopify Checkout Extensibility - a comprehensive guide
In this guide, I'll walk you through the necessary steps to make your transition from checkout.liquid to Shopify Checkout Extensibility as easy as possible. By the end of the guide, you will have a deep understanding of the benefits of the new checkout solution and be ready to take full advantage of its advanced features.
- Shopify deactivates checkout.liquid
- What is Shopify Checkout Extensibility?
- Video: Shopify Checkout with Checkout Extensibility
- The benefits of Shopify Checkout Extensibility
- Technical aspects of checkout extensibility
- Costs and requirements
- Notes for the changeover: checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility
- Developer Guide: Upgrade to Checkout Extensibility
- Customised checkout: how to adapt the design and function
- Extending the Shopify backend logic
- Useful Shopify documentation and relevant blog articles
- Do you want everything to go smoothly during the transition?
- What our experts say:
- Frequently asked questions
Shopify deactivates checkout.liquid
Source: Shopify
- On 13 August 2024, checkout.liquid will be deactivated and no longer supported for Shopify's information, shipping and payment pages.
- On 28 August 2025, checkout.liquid will also be disabled for the thank you and order status pages, including applications with script tags and additional scripts on these pages.
Announcement in the Shopify changelog
If you don't want your checkout to cause problems afterwards, you should keep an eye on these dates and make sure it is updated in time.
What is Shopify Checkout Extensibility?
Shopify says:
"Checkout Extensibility is a suite of powerful platform features that make it easier to customize your checkout in a way that's app-based, upgrade-safe, performant, and seamlessly integrated with Shop Pay."
I translate accordingly:
Shopify Checkout Extensibility is a collection of powerful features that make it easier to customise your shop checkout. The following points characterise Checkout Extensiblity:
The key points of Checkout Extensibility
- App-based: Instead of changing the checkout process directly in the theme code, customisations are made via apps. This enables simple installations and updates via the Shopify App Store.
- Upgrade-safe: Since changes are managed via apps, customisations are independent of Shopify core updates. This reduces the risk of malfunctions after shop updates.
- High-performance: Checkout Extensibility is designed to ensure fast loading times and a smooth user experience.
- Shop Pay integration: Customisations work seamlessly with Shop Pay, Shopify's accelerated payment system.
Info: Shopify Checkout Extensibility is only available for Shopify Plus.
Video: Shopify Checkout with Checkout Extensibility
The benefits of Shopify Checkout Extensibility
Shopify Checkout Extensibility offers Shopify Plus merchants enhanced control, flexibility and a number of significant benefits for their online shop. These range from customising the checkout to ensuring a future-proof and high-converting shopping experience.
Big promises. We took a look for you.
Accelerated and optimised checkout processes
By utilising the latest platform technology, Shopify Checkout Extensibility increases the speed of the checkout flow, resulting in faster page turns and an overall accelerated checkout experience.
The integration with Shop Pay also ensures a seamless payment experience, which increases customer confidence and speeds up the checkout process. These optimisations contribute significantly to optimising the shopping experience, reducing cart abandonment and improving conversion rates.
Our verdict: A real game changer for the conversion rate ✓
Customisation for a unique brand experience
With options to customise the design, features and flow of the checkout, retailers can create a shopping experience that perfectly matches their brand. The integration of third-party apps and functions extends these customisation options even further by allowing additional services and features to be easily integrated into the checkout process. The result: a stronger brand identity, greater customer satisfaction and an increase in average order value.
Our verdict: A decisive step towards fully expressing the brand identity We're loving it ✓
Future-proof and increased security
Shopify Checkout Extensibility provides merchants with a future-proof platform that enables core Shopify updates without negatively impacting individual checkout customisations. In addition, running in a sandbox environment provides enhanced security standards that ensure the protection of customer data and maintain trust in the online shop. These security measures protect your online shop against external threats and provide a stable, trustworthy shopping environment.
Our verdict: Less problems, more security... Thumbs up ✓
Access to innovative features
The upgrade gives merchants access to new checkout features such as the new checkout functions, product bundles and stackable discounts, all aimed at boosting conversion and increasing average order value. These innovative features allow merchants to continuously improve the checkout process and adapt to the changing needs of customers.
Our verdict: Exactly the flexibility needed to respond to customer expectations ✓
Technical aspects of checkout extensibility
Shopify's Checkout Extensibility is a powerful tool for improving the customer experience. But it also offers a variety of technical benefits that make your online shop more secure and customisable.
Extension points and APIs
Using extension points, you can customise individual areas of the checkout visually and functionally to meet the needs of your target group.
Shopify provides APIs for this purpose, which form the backbone of checkout extensibility. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your own logic and functions into the checkout without compromising the performance or security of your store.
Our verdict: With the necessary developer know-how, a lot can be done - a real enrichment ✓
Compatibility with themes
Compatibility with themes is another important aspect of Checkout Extensibility. Shopify ensures that the extensions work with most available themes, so you can maintain the look of your shop while utilising new features. This way, your brand remains consistent and you don't have to compromise on design.
Our verdict: Great stuff, but that's what you can expect as a Shopify Plus user.
Security
Shopify attaches great importance to security. All extensions comply with the highest security standards. Adhering to these standards ensures that the checkout extensions in your shop work flawlessly and that your customers' data is protected from potential threats.
Our verdict: Same here!
Costs and requirements
A Shopify Plus subscription is required to use Shopify Checkout Extensibility. Shopify Plus is the Enterprise tier of Shopify, which is specifically designed for larger shops and brands that require a higher level of customisation, control and support. Another benefit of the Enterprise solution: lower transaction costs.
The cost of the Shopify Plus plan varies depending on the specific needs of each shop, but always offers the advanced features, including Checkout Extensibility.
Our opinion: A laughing eye for Shopify Plus users, a crying eye for everyone else.
Notes for the changeover: checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility
Attention! ALL changes made via the checkout.liquid file will be lost. It is therefore necessary to organise the changeover carefully. Proceed step by step.
- Get an overview of which changes have been made in checkout.liquid.
- Think about which changes you want to keep.
- If you are not a developer yourself and can make the switch yourself, get a quote from an experienced developer.
Info: Don't wait until the last moment, as these adjustments can take some time.
Compatibility of existing app solutions and customisations with the new Checkout Extensibility
Not all existing extensions and apps in your shop are automatically compatible with the new checkout functions. This means that certain customisations or integrations you currently use may need to be updated or adapted to work with Checkout Extensibility. Before making any changes, you should therefore check the compatibility of your current themes and apps.
Info: You will need a competent developer to customise certain features or find alternative solutions that are compatible with Checkout Extensibility.
If you need support, get in touch with us today. We are an official Shopify partner and our developers are specialised in the new Shopify Extensibility.
Email:
Developer Guide: Upgrade to Checkout Extensibility
Switching to Shopify Checkout Extensibility is a crucial step to future-proof your Shopify shop. This guide from the Shopify Help Centre is designed to help you manage the transition to Shopify Checkout Extensibility carefully and effectively.
The transition, step by step
Step 1: Check existing checkout customisations
- In your Shopify admin area, navigate to Settings > Checkout.
- In the Upgrade to Checkout Extensibility section, click View personalised report to open the page that contains information about existing customisations in your checkout, including the following data:
- Customisation category (e.g. branding or validations)
- Customisation name and description
- Source file (e.g. checkout.liquid)
- Lines of code where the customisation starts and ends
- Instructions for creating the customisation in Checkout Extensibility
- Optional: To download a version of the report as a CSV file, click on ↥ Export
Step 2: Check customisations on the thank you and order status page
- In your Shopify admin area, go to Settings > Apps.
- Check all installed apps that customise the thank you and order status page.
Step 3: Create and publish new customisations
Note: Theme settings for checkouts are not applied to your checkout design.
- In your Shopify admin area, navigate to Settings > Checkout.
- In the Checkout customisation section, click Create checkout design.
- Customise your checkout, thank you and order status pages by adding apps or editing your branding.
- Optional: Set up your pixels or additional custom features.
- Review your changes.
- When you're ready to use this new checkout, click Publish.
- In the pop-up window, select which pages to publish and then confirm that you want to replace existing customisations by clicking Publish.
Customised checkout: how to adapt the design and function
With Shopify Checkout Extensibility, you have numerous customisation options at your disposal to design your checkout exactly according to your ideas and the needs of your customers. I'll show you how to improve the look and functionality of your checkout.
Customise design and user guidance with the checkout editor and the branding API
Checkout editor
With the checkout editor, you can customise the appearance of your checkout directly and intuitively. Without writing a single line of code, you can adjust the colours, fonts and layout of your checkout so that it perfectly matches your branding. The editor provides you with a visual interface where you can see the changes in real time, making customisation extremely user-friendly.
Info: The Checkout Editor is only available in conjunction with Checkout Extensibility and therefore exclusively for Shopify Plus users. (Source: Shopify Help Centre)
Branding API
The Branding API is available for further customisation. With it you can:
- create a holistic branding from start page to checkout
- customise the design of your checkout even more
The Branding API allows you to change certain style elements and create a unique checkout experience that your customers will remember. While this requires technical expertise, the result is a checkout page that is precisely tailored to your target group, which increases the conversion rate accordingly.
If you don't have the programming skills, get in touch. Our Shopify developers will be happy to customise the checkout for you.
Email:
Add customised UI or content with checkout apps
Do you want to improve the customer experience for your target group? Then the checkout apps (checkout UI extensions) are just right for you. With these apps, you can integrate customised UI elements or content into the checkout process that will continue to work and display flawlessly even after updates.
Whether it's presenting product offers, offering upsells, displaying custom fields or messages or integrating a loyalty programme - with checkout apps you can add these functions quickly and easily without having to write your own apps or have them written for you.
In contrast to checkout extensibility, where you can flexibly and comprehensively customise the checkout to the specific needs of your target group and your business, with checkout apps you only have the predefined functions at your disposal.
The apps are made available via the Shopify App Store and can be installed with just a few clicks. Many of these apps are optimised for use with Checkout Extensibility so that they can be seamlessly integrated into your checkout process.
Info: Checkout apps are not only available for Shopify Plus subscriptions, but also for all other Shopify plans.
Extending the Shopify backend logic
If you want to go beyond traditional checkout customisations with your checkout extensibility, Shopify Functions are ideal. These are particularly powerful features that allow you to customise the backend logic of your shop in innovative ways.
Customisation of discounts, payment and shipping methods
With Shopify Functions, you can create discount logic that goes far beyond simple discounts. Imagine offering discounts based on purchase behaviour or basket value. This flexibility allows you to create targeted incentives that boost sales and strengthen customer loyalty at the same time.
The personalisation of payment and delivery methods also goes one step further. You can enable special payment options for specific customer groups or offer innovative delivery options that are tailored to your customers' needs.
Management of customer event tracking
With the new"Customer Events" page in Shopify Plus, you can track your customers' behaviour in detail during the checkout process and gain valuable insights.
This feature allows you to collect accurate data on how customers use your checkout, which pages they visit and at what point they may abandon the checkout process. This information is worth its weight in gold. It enables you to make targeted improvements to increase the conversion rate.
To collect this data, you can use third-party tracking pixels or Shopify's own solutions. Whether you want to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns or simply understand how you can improve the checkout process for your customers, tracking customer events will provide you with the answers.
The possibilities with Shopify Functions are almost limitless. Create bespoke customisations by building custom apps with Shopify Functions, Checkout UI Extensions, Web Pixel App Extensions and Post-Purchase Extensions.
Info: The Shopify Functions API is only available in the Shopify Plus subscription and after upgrading to Checkout Extensibility.
Apps that are distributed via the Shopify App Store and contain Functions can be used in all Shopify plans.
Custom apps that include Shopify Function APIs can only be used by shops with a Shopify Plus plan. (Source: Shopify Dev Docs)
Useful Shopify documentation and relevant blog articles
Shopify provides extensive documentation that gives you all the information you need to get started with Checkout Extensibility and use it effectively. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, the documentation covers everything from the basics to advanced topics. Visit the official Shopify help page at Shopify Help Centre to learn more.
You'll find detailed explanations for the following features:
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Checkout Purchase options Discounts Marketing opt-in |
Shipping and delivery B2B Payments |
In addition to the documentation, there are numerous blog articles that dive deep into specific topics and offer practical application examples. These articles can give you new ideas and show you how other merchants have successfully implemented Checkout Extensibility. Some recommended articles can be found on the Shopify Enterprise Blog and Checkout.com, which offer specific insights into payment options and integrations.
Do you want everything to go smoothly during the transition?
Our Shopify experts will help you with the implementation. From reviewing existing checkout customisations to publishing your new checkout, we'll guide you step by step.
Don't wait until your checkout is causing problems. Get in touch with us today and let's work together to ensure that it continues to do what it's designed to do: generate sales!
Email:
What our experts say:
Cenk Ertenü, Head of Webshops: I have been developing and managing online shops for many years and Shopify has always been a hot tip. With Checkout Extensibility, they have once again struck a chord with users. Shopify is in a league of its own.
Christa Kietaibl, shopping expert: Yes, that's true. But we've known that for a long time. At least since 18 May 2023, when Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, wrote the following on X:
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"Shopify is the platform with the highest conversion rate 🌎. Full stop. And... we can prove it. Today we present the results of one of the top three global consultancies, and the data speaks for itself: "Shopify converts up to 36% better than the competition and 15% better on average" Those not developing with Shopify are now at a competitive disadvantage." |
Later in the tweet, he wrote:
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Shopify dominates conversion for 5 reasons:
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You see: 5 more reasons to bring your business up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Why is checkout.liquid being cancelled?
Shopify strives to provide merchants with the most advanced and secure tools to ensure an optimal shopping experience and make the checkout process as error-free as possible. Checkout Extensibility is part of this endeavour and offers a modern, more powerful alternative to checkout.liquid.
Why should you migrate from checkout.liquid to Shopify Checkout Extensibility?
Migrating from checkout.liquid to Shopify Checkout Extensibility offers more flexibility and functionality for merchants. By upgrading, apps and advanced customisations can be added to boost conversions, increase average order value and improve the overall checkout experience.
When should you upgrade to Checkout Extensibility?
Deciding when to upgrade to Checkout Extensibility depends on a number of factors, particularly the complexity of the customisations you are currently using or planning to use. Here are some considerations to help you find the right time for your business:
- Before the deadline: remember that checkout.liquid will no longer be supported from 13 August 2024 for the information, shipping and payment pages and from 28 August 2025 for the thank you and order status pages. Plan your upgrade well in advance of these dates.
- Complexity of customisations: Evaluate the complexity of your current checkout.liquid customisations. The more complex they are, the earlier you should start the upgrade process to allow enough time for development and testing.
- Resource availability: Consider your available resources for implementing the upgrade. If you need to commission external developers or agencies, plan this in good time.
Which apps are compatible with Checkout Extensibility?
In the Shopify App Store you will find a selection of apps that have been specially developed for use with Checkout Extensibility. These include apps for:
- Branding and design: customising the layout, colours and fonts of the checkout
- Additional functions: Integration of loyalty programmes, product reviews, gift cards, etc.
- Payment methods: Integration of alternative payment methods such as Klarna or PayPal
- Shipping options: Expansion of shipping options and integration of shipping service providers
What advantages does Checkout Extensibility offer developers?
Developers benefit from the following advantages:
- Modern development environment: With Checkout Extensibility, developers can use modern web technologies such as React and TypeScript. This enables efficient and advanced development.
- Advanced APIs: The available APIs allow the development of complex customisations and integrations. Developers can add customised functions and adapt the checkout experience to their specific requirements.
- Improved maintainability: The modularity and clarity of the code facilitates maintenance and further development. Developers can make changes more efficiently and fix bugs more easily.
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Any questions?
If you have any further questions on the topic or would like professional support, feel free to get in touch with us. Send an email to office@ithelps-digital.com, call us at +43 1 353 2 353, or reach out for us on our contact page.
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