Shopify is making significant changes to its checkout system in 2024, replacing the standard checkout.liquid with Checkout Extensibility. All Shopify Plus store owners must take action before August 2024 to migrate to the new system; otherwise, they cannot continue selling on Shopify.
This guide covers the exact deadlines, the steps required for migration, and the new opportunities that Checkout Extensibility offers. As a constantly evolving industry, eCommerce demands that businesses stay updated on best practices, including checkout processes. Shopify’s latest update, Checkout Extensibility, aims to simplify the customization of checkout pages, improve conversions, grow revenue, and increase average order values. Start preparing now to ensure a smooth transition and continue offering exceptional commerce experiences.
Keep reading to understand why Shopify is retiring checkout.liquid and find out how to seamlessly upgrade to Checkout Extensibility, ensuring your checkout process is future-proof and optimized for performance.
Is Checkout Liquid Deprecated?
Yes, The checkout.liquid customizations will no longer function. Recently, Shopify announced the deprecation of checkout.liquid in favor of more current Checkout Extensibility. The merchants must upgrade to the new checkout extensibility framework before the deadline to avoid an automatic switch to an un-customized Shopify Checkout.
This transition is necessary because of custom checkout. liquid code can create unpredictable outcomes when new functionalities and upgrades are introduced. Using a standardized set of customization options with Checkout Extensibility, Shopify ensures that new powerful features can be rolled out quickly and safely. This approach minimizes the risk of breaking the checkout flow for any merchant, allowing for a smoother, more reliable checkout experience.
How to Upgrade from Checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility
Upgrading from checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Shopify is deprecating the checkout.liquid theme file for the Information, Shipping, and Payment pages. This change means these pages’ existing customizations and integrated checkout tracking will no longer function. Merchants can still customize post-checkout pages, such as the Thank You and Order Status pages, using checkout.liquid and customizing the Shopify checkout via checkout. Liquid has been complex, time-intensive, and often impacts performance and security. A conflict with Google Tag Manager caused a 12-hour global checkout outage, highlighting the need for more stable and secure solutions.
To ensure checkout stability and enable new functionalities, Shopify has introduced Checkout Extensibility, a secure suite. Suppose you need support migrating from a custom checkout. For a liquid instance to check out flexibility, please get in touch with us to learn more about how our team of Shopify Experts can help you.
Important Deadlines
Mark your calendars for these important dates: August 13, 2024: Upgrade your Information, Shipping, and Payment pages, and August 28, 2025: Complete the Thank You and Order Status pages upgrade.
Missing deadlines can result in locked customizations, security vulnerabilities, performance declines, future compatibility issues, disabled payment method changes, and delayed payouts. Shopify will also start auto-upgrading checkouts, which may disrupt your current customizations. To read more, you have to read the Shopify help guide.
How Softpulse Infotech can help you with upgrading from checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility
At Softpulse Infotech, we specialize in helping Shopify store owners make the most out of their checkout process. Our team of experienced developers and eCommerce experts can assist you with the following.
As one of the most experienced Shopify Plus agencies, with a highly professional team of Shopify website and custom app developers, our skilled developers seamlessly transition from checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency. We are perfectly positioned to consult on your bespoke checkout requirements and implement these using Checkout Extensibility.
Please be assured that we will proactively reach out to clients affected by the deprecation of checkout.liquid to discuss the necessary steps for upgrading to Checkout Extensibility.
Conclusion
The transition from checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility represents a significant step forward for Shopify store owners. You can create a more flexible, efficient, and user-friendly checkout experience by leveraging Shopify’s new tools and capabilities. Whether you’re looking to streamline the checkout process, add dynamic elements, or improve overall performance, Checkout Extensibility offers the features and support you need to achieve your goals. Start planning your migration today and unlock the full potential of your Shopify store’s checkout process.
Learn more about our professional Shopify development services, and look closer at our portfolio to see even more examples of our work. Alternatively, contact our team to discuss your ideas in more detail. We would be delighted to help you.
