When it comes to building an eCommerce website, Shopify is one of the best platforms. But the default platform may not be enough if you want to add custom features, and of course, more captivating, interactive design elements. That’s where JavaScript comes into play.
You can add JS to Shopify module and enhance the store’s customer experience and overall performance. But integrating JavaScript into Shopify may not be so easy for anyone without the technical expertise.
So through this blog, I’ll explain how the Shopify experts add JS to their stores. Let’s get straight into it.
How to Add JS to Shopify Module?
With Shopify, there are 3 ways to add custom JavaScript codes to the store. It can be done through theme.liquid file (for global use), module-specific method, or dynamic script injection. Let’s look at these one-by-one.
Method 1: Directly in theme.liquid (Global Use)
For global scripts that apply across your entire store, the theme.liquid file is the best place to add JavaScript. This method ensures that the script is available on every page.
Step 1: Access the theme.liquid File
- From your Shopify admin, navigate to Online Store > Themes.
- Under Actions, click Edit Code.
- Open the theme.liquid file located in the Layout folder.
Step 2: Insert JavaScript in the <head> or <body> Section
You can add your script either in the <head> or <body> tag, depending on the type of script:
For external JavaScript files:
<script src="{{ 'your-script.js' | asset_url }}"></script>
This will load your JavaScript file hosted in the Assets folder.
For external scripts hosted elsewhere:
<script src="https://example.com/path/to/your-script.js"></script>
Step 3: Upload JavaScript Files
Ensure that any custom JavaScript files (e.g., your-script.js) are uploaded to the Assets folder. To upload, click Add a new asset in the Shopify code editor, then select your script file.
But understand that adding large scripts to the head can slow down page load times. So use this method only to add small, essential scripts needed globally.
Method 2: Adding JavaScript in Sections (Module-Specific)
This method of adding JS is specific to a particular module or section of your store. So you need to edit the relevant section’s Liquid file. This ensures the JavaScript runs only on the intended page or module.
Step 1: Navigate to the Sections Folder
In the Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes > Edit Code. Then, open the ‘Sections’ folder and find the Liquid file corresponding to the module or section you want to add JavaScript to (e.g., product-template.liquid for the product page).
Step 2: Add Inline JavaScript or Reference External File
For inline JavaScript:
<script>
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
console.log("Custom JS for this module");
});
</script>
This will execute the script once the page content is fully loaded.
To include an external JavaScript file:
<script src="{{ 'module-specific.js' | asset_url }}"></script>
Step 3: Upload the JavaScript File
If you’re using an external JavaScript file (e.g., module-specific.js), make sure to upload it to the Assets folder, just as with the global method.
You need to ensure that the section is used on the pages where you want the script to be loaded. This method requires some knowledge of Shopify’s theme structure.
Method 3: Using Shopify’s Script Tags API (Dynamic Script Injection)
For more advanced use cases, where you want to inject JavaScript dynamically or via an app, Shopify’s Script Tags API is a powerful tool.
Step 1: Access Shopify’s Admin API
You need access to the Shopify Admin API, which requires an API key and access token.
Step 2: Add a Script Tag Dynamically
With this method, you can insert a script tag dynamically to your store. This is often useful when integrating third-party applications that need to inject scripts.
Example:
fetch('/admin/api/2023-10/script_tags.json', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'Content-Type': 'application/json',
'X-Shopify-Access-Token': 'your-access-token',
},
body: JSON.stringify({
script_tag: {
event: 'onload', // This runs the script when the page is loaded
src: 'https://your-hosted-js-file.com/script.js', // URL of your hosted JavaScript file
},
}),
});
Step 3: Note on API Limitations
Using the Script Tags API is an advanced method that might be more suitable for developers creating custom Shopify apps or integrating with external services.
When you want to control the loading of the script based on the page context.
If you are not technically inclined and find it tricky to work with coding, hire our professional Shopify development company. Our experts will customize the JS code excerpts according to your requirements and take your store to the next level.
Tips for Writing Clean JavaScript Code in Shopify
Writing clean, efficient, and maintainable JavaScript code is crucial for a smooth-running Shopify store with outstanding performance and user experience. So follow these best practices:
Use Namespaces
Avoid polluting the global namespace by wrapping your code inside objects or functions. This helps prevent conflicts with other scripts running on the page. For example:
var MyShopifyApp = {
init: function() {
console.log("Custom JS for Shopify Store");
}
};
MyShopifyApp.init();
Defer/Async Attributes
To improve page load performance, use the defer or async attributes when adding external JavaScript files. The defer attribute ensures the script runs after the HTML is parsed, while async allows the script to load asynchronously. That is, without blocking other resources.
<script src="{{ 'your-script.js' | asset_url }}" defer></script>
This is particularly important for third-party scripts that may not need to run immediately, allowing the page content to load faster.
Test Responsiveness
Ensure that the JavaScript functions seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices. Test for responsiveness, especially if you’re adding interactive elements that will be used across different screen sizes. This is critical for ensuring your eCommerce website is mobile responsive.
Avoid Blocking Render
Ensure that your JavaScript doesn’t block the page’s rendering process, as this can lead to a poor user experience. Scripts that modify the DOM should be non-blocking, and asynchronous loading is crucial for maintaining smooth performance.
Benefits of Adding JS to Shopify Modules
A few of the best benefits of adding JavaScript to a Shopify store include:
- Interactive Elements: Create interactive elements like sliders, modals, and animations to engage customers.
- Personalized Experiences: Tailor the shopping experience to individual users based on their behavior and preferences.
- Real-Time Updates: Implement features like live product updates, inventory checks, and dynamic pricing.
- Product Recommendations: Use JavaScript to suggest relevant products based on customer browsing history or purchase behavior.
- Cart Optimization: Implement features like one-click checkout and abandoned cart recovery to boost sales.
- Upselling and Cross-Selling: Offer personalized product recommendations to increase average order value.
- Optimized Loading Times: Load scripts efficiently to minimize page load times and improve user experience.
- Custom Functionality: Create unique features and functionalities that differentiate your store from competitors.
- Third-party Integrations: Integrate with third-party services like payment gateways, shipping providers, and marketing tools.
But to get the most of these benefits, you will need to hire our Shopify development experts. But what kind of benefits will it offer? Let’s see.
FAQs on Adding JS to Shopify Module
Q1. What is a Shopify module?
A Shopify module is a reusable section of code that can be used across different pages of your store. It can contain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Q2. How can I use third-party JavaScript libraries in Shopify?
You can add third-party JavaScript libraries to your theme’s assets folder and reference them in your Liquid templates. You can also use Shopify’s Script Tag app to add third-party scripts.
Q3. How do I debug JavaScript in Shopify?
You can use your browser’s developer tools to debug JavaScript in Shopify. You can set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through your code.
Let’s Conclude
Adding JS to your Shopify modules can significantly enhance the functionality and user experience of your online store. But you need to understand Shopify’s core architecture and choose the right method to integrate the JavaScript into your store. That means, you may choose to go for the global method, specific modules, or dynamic script injection.
Regardless of the method, make sure to use namespaces and test responsiveness after the integration, so the codebase is clean, efficient, and high-performant.
For professional help with this integration and more advanced functionalities, have a consultation with us today!