~ 1 min read

How to Change Background on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide.

How to Change Background on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Importance of Background Customization
  3. Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Background Color on Shopify
  4. Adding a Custom Background Image
  5. Best Practices for a Cohesive Design
  6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  7. Conclusion
  8. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Have you ever landed on a website and been struck by a stunning background that instantly captured your attention? The background of an online store plays a pivotal role in creating an immersive user experience and communicating brand identity. In the world of e-commerce, where first impressions matter immensely, customizing the background of your Shopify store can set the tone for your visitors, evoke specific emotions, and drive engagement.

As we delve into this topic, we'll explore why changing the background is not just about aesthetics but also about enhancing user experience and increasing conversion rates. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how to change the background color and images on your Shopify store, along with actionable steps to implement these changes effectively.

This post will cover the following aspects:

  • The significance of background customization in e-commerce
  • Step-by-step processes for changing background colors and images
  • Advanced techniques using CSS for further customization
  • Best practices to ensure a cohesive design
  • Troubleshooting common issues
  • Real-world examples of effective background strategies

By equipping yourself with this knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to creating a visually appealing and engaging Shopify store that resonates with your target audience.

The Importance of Background Customization

Setting the Tone

The background of your Shopify store is the canvas on which your brand is painted. It sets the initial visual impression and can evoke specific emotions in your visitors. For instance, a light and airy background can convey freshness and simplicity, while a dark, rich background can communicate luxury and sophistication.

Enhancing User Engagement

Research shows that user engagement can be influenced by the visual elements of a website. A well-chosen background can enhance readability and draw attention to important products or calls to action. This, in turn, can lead to higher conversion rates. A poor background choice, however, can detract from the user experience, leading to high bounce rates.

Reinforcing Brand Identity

Your background color and images should align with your brand’s identity. If you sell children’s toys, vibrant and playful colors would be more appropriate. Conversely, if you're in the luxury fashion market, muted tones with elegant imagery would resonate better.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Background Color on Shopify

Accessing Your Shopify Admin Dashboard

To begin changing the background, you first need to log in to your Shopify admin dashboard. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open your web browser and visit your Shopify store.
  2. Log in with your credentials, and you will be directed to the admin panel.

Navigating to the Theme Editor

Once you’re in the dashboard, follow these steps to access the theme editor:

  1. Click on Online Store in the left-hand sidebar.
  2. Select Themes from the submenu.
  3. Find the theme you want to customize and click on the Customize button next to it.

Changing the Background Color

Now that you are in the theme editor, follow these steps to change the background color:

  1. Locate the Theme Settings tab in the theme editor.
  2. Click on the Colors option within the theme settings.
  3. Here, you will see options for different elements of your store. Click on the color swatch next to Background Color.
  4. Use the color picker or enter a HEX code for your desired background color.
  5. Preview the changes in real-time and click Save once you’re satisfied with the new look.

Adding Background Gradients

For a more visually dynamic appearance, consider using gradients. Here’s how you can set up a gradient background:

  1. In the Theme Settings, look for an option labeled Background Gradient.
  2. Select your gradient options, such as color stops, angle, and position.
  3. Preview the gradient in the theme editor and make necessary adjustments.
  4. Click Save to apply your changes.

Adding a Custom Background Image

Uploading the Image

Before you can set a custom background image, you need to upload it to your store:

  1. In your Shopify admin, navigate to Content > Files.
  2. Click Upload Files and select the image you want to use as a background.
  3. Once uploaded, keep the link to the image handy for later use.

Inserting the Background Image into Your Theme

To add a background image, you may need to edit the theme code. Here’s a simple guide:

  1. From the Themes section, click on Actions and then Edit Code.

  2. Look for the theme.liquid file within the Layout section.

  3. Search for the <body> tag and insert the following code right after it:

    <style>
        body {
            background-image: url('{{ 'your-image-file-name.jpg' | asset_url }}');
            background-size: cover;
            background-repeat: no-repeat;
        }
    </style>
    
  4. Replace 'your-image-file-name.jpg' with the name of your uploaded image.

  5. Click Save to apply the changes.

Customizing Individual Sections with Background Images

If you want to add a background image to a specific section, you can achieve this by targeting the section’s CSS class or ID. For example:

  1. Identify the section you want to modify.

  2. In the Edit Code section, navigate to the relevant file where the section is defined.

  3. Add the following CSS code to the section:

    .your-section-class {
        background-image: url('{{ 'your-image-file-name.jpg' | asset_url }}');
        background-size: cover;
        background-repeat: no-repeat;
    }
    
  4. Replace .your-section-class with the actual CSS class of the section you want to customize.

  5. Click Save to apply your changes.

Best Practices for a Cohesive Design

Consider Your Brand Colors

When changing your background, always take your brand colors into consideration. Aim for a cohesive look that ties together your logo, product images, and overall aesthetic.

Ensure Accessibility

Make sure there is sufficient contrast between the background and text to enhance readability. This is crucial for ensuring all visitors, including those with visual impairments, can navigate your store seamlessly.

Use High-Quality Images

If you opt for a background image, ensure it is high-quality and optimized for the web. Large images can slow down your site, negatively impacting user experience and SEO.

Preview Before Going Live

Always preview your changes before applying them to your live site. This allows you to see how the new background looks in real-time without affecting your customers' experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Changes Not Reflecting

If you’ve made changes but aren’t seeing them on your live site, try clearing your browser cache. Sometimes, cached versions of your site can prevent new changes from appearing.

CSS or HTML Errors

If you encounter issues after adding custom CSS or HTML, double-check your code for syntax errors. Even a small mistake can cause the code to malfunction.

Compatibility Across Devices

It’s essential to test your background changes across multiple devices and browsers. Different platforms may render colors and images differently, so ensure your site looks great everywhere.

Conclusion

Changing the background on your Shopify store is an impactful way to enhance your brand identity and improve user experience. By following the step-by-step processes outlined in this guide, you can effectively customize your store's background color and images to create a compelling shopping environment.

Remember, the key to a successful e-commerce site lies in its visual presentation. Take the time to experiment with different options and find what resonates best with your audience. With Praella’s services in User Experience & Design, you can further refine your store's appearance and ensure a memorable experience for your customers. Explore more about our offerings at Praella Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need coding skills to change the background on Shopify?
A: Basic knowledge of how to access and modify your theme's code is sufficient. The process can be straightforward with the steps provided.

Q: Can I use different background images for different pages?
A: Yes, by identifying specific page handles, you can set different background images for each page.

Q: How can I ensure my background images are optimized?
A: Use image formats like .webp for better performance and ensure the file size is as small as possible without sacrificing quality.

Q: Is it possible to change the background during checkout?
A: Customization options for the checkout page are limited unless you are on Shopify Plus. However, you can modify the banner area in the checkout settings.

Q: What if I need help with these changes?
A: If you’re not comfortable making these changes yourself, consider consulting with a Shopify expert or utilizing services like those offered by Praella for assistance.


Previous
How to Change Author Name in Shopify Blog
Next
How to Change Image Banner in Shopify