What are HTML templates in Shopify?

Liquid-based markup files that define how your store's pages render in the browser.

Do I need to edit HTML templates?

Only for custom layouts — the theme editor handles most changes without code.

What language are Shopify templates written in?

Liquid, Shopify's templating language, combined with HTML.

Where do I find my theme's templates?

In the theme code editor, under the Templates and Sections folders.

Can I break my store editing templates?

Yes — always duplicate your theme first so you can roll back if needed.

Glossary Term

H

HTML Templates

The Liquid-based markup files that define how your Shopify store's pages render.

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Key Takeaways
HTML Templates are Liquid-based markup that defines how your store's pages render.
They live in your theme's code and combine HTML with Shopify's Liquid language.
Each template renders a page type — product, collection, cart, page.
They turn your store data into the HTML a browser displays.
They're edited in theme and custom development.

Overview

HTML Templates are the Liquid-based markup files that define how each page, product, collection, and section of your Shopify store renders in the browser. They live in your theme's code and combine HTML with Shopify's Liquid templating language.

On Shopify, templates are what turn your store data (products, collections, cart) into the HTML a browser displays. The product template renders a product; the collection template renders a collection; the cart template renders the cart. Each is a mix of HTML structure and Liquid logic.

Templates are the bridge between your data and your design. They're edited in theme development and are central to custom development when a store needs something the default theme can't do.

1

Why HTML Templates Matter for Shopify Merchants

1
Page Structure
Templates define the structure and layout of every page type.
2
Data to HTML
They turn Shopify data (products, cart) into the HTML browsers render.
3
Custom Layouts
Custom templates enable layouts the default theme can't.
4
Theme Foundation
Every theme is a set of templates; editing them changes your store.
5
Performance
Clean, minimal templates render faster and load sooner.

2

Working with HTML Templates

1
Know Liquid
Templates use Shopify's Liquid language to output data and logic.
2
Use the theme editor
The visual editor handles most section changes without code.
3
Edit code for custom needs
For custom layouts, edit the template files in the theme code.
4
Keep templates lean
Minimal markup and fewer apps keep templates fast.
5
Version your theme
Duplicate your theme before editing templates so you can roll back.