Frequently asked questions

How do I update Inkblot?

When a new version is available, Shopify shows it on the theme in Online Store. Adding the update puts a new copy in your draft themes, named Updated copy of your theme. Everything you set in the theme editor comes with it: settings, sections, blocks, templates, app embeds and wording changes. Review the copy, then publish it when you're happy. The release notes list what each version changes.

Can I edit the theme's code?

You can, but support doesn't cover code changes. Before you edit, duplicate the theme (Online Store, the button with three dots next to Inkblot, then Duplicate) and make your changes in the copy. When you update, Shopify keeps your code edits only if they don't conflict with the new version, and tells you on the theme whether they were included. For custom work, you can hire a Shopify Partner from the Shopify Partner Directory.

For small additions without editing files, use the Custom Liquid section, which you can add to any template.

Why doesn't my store look like the demo?

The demo store's images, products and text belong to the demo, so they don't come with the theme. Your store starts with the same layout, colors and fonts. To get close to the demo:

• Add your own images to the Hero and give each slide a taller Mobile image.
• Choose a collection for each card in the Outfit section.
• Fill in the Testimonials with your own reviews.
• Give your products several good photographs, since many sections show a second image on hover.

The home page covers each section.

How do I change wording that isn't a setting?

Words such as button labels, form messages and headings on the cart or account pages are theme content. From your Shopify admin, go to Online Store, click the button with three dots next to Inkblot, and click Edit default theme content. Search for the words you want to change, edit them, and click Save.

Why are some animations missing on some devices?

Inkblot adjusts its motion to the visitor. It turns off most animation for visitors who have asked their device to reduce motion, and on devices it judges low-powered: those with little memory or few processor cores, and those with data saving turned on. Those visitors still see every product and every piece of content, without the heavier effects; for example the New arrivals helix becomes a grid. The Motion budget setting lets you reduce motion for everyone.

How do I turn off the cursor, smooth scrolling or page transition?

• Custom cursor and Smooth scrolling are in Theme settings > Motion.
• The page transition has its own section: select Page transition in the theme editor and turn off Show the transition.

The custom cursor is always off on touch screens. Smooth scrolling only affects the mouse wheel; touch scrolling stays as the device makes it.

Why are my pictures cropped?

Each part of the theme shows pictures in a frame of a fixed shape: product photos are taller than they are wide on the product page and in product cards. A picture of another shape is cropped to fill the frame. Two things help:

• Photograph products in a portrait shape, such as 3:4, with some space around the product.
• Set a focal point on the picture, and the crop keeps that point in view. See Focal points.

Does Inkblot work with other languages and currencies?

Yes. When your store sells in more than one country or language, the footer shows selectors for them; you set up countries in Settings > Markets and languages in Settings > Languages. Prices follow the shopper's currency. All of the theme's own wording can be translated. The one exception is the AI Stylist, which understands descriptions written in English; see its limits.

Where can I add apps?

Apps that add blocks can go in the Product information, Featured product and Reviews sections. Apps that add app embeds, such as chat buttons, are turned on in the theme editor's app embeds panel. A reviews app's block in the Reviews section replaces the theme's own review list.

Why don't filters appear on my collection pages?

Filters come from the Shopify Search & Discovery app. Install it if it isn't in your admin, then add filters in the app. See Filters and sorting.

How do I show videos and 3D models?

Add them to the product's Media in your Shopify admin, just like photos: upload a video or a 3D model file, or add a YouTube or Vimeo link. The product page shows them in the gallery in the order you set. See The gallery.

Why don't the cart reminder or recovery banner appear?

Both are off until you turn them on, so they never interrupt shoppers unless you choose. Turn on Show the reminder in the Cart reminder section, or Show automatically in the Cart recovery banner section. The reminder also waits for a returning visitor with items in their cart; see Cart drawer, confirmation and reminder.

Is Inkblot accessible?

Inkblot is built to be used with a keyboard and a screen reader, and was tested against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at level AA with automated checks and by hand. It includes:

• Keyboard access to every control, including the mega menu, and phone menu and search sheets that keep focus inside them while they're open.
• A visible focus outline on every control.
• Reduced motion for visitors who ask their device for it.
• Labels on every form field, and names on every button and link.
• Default colors with enough contrast to read.

Accessibility also depends on your content. Write alt text for your images, choose colors with strong contrast if you change them, and give links clear words.

How do I keep my store fast?

• Upload images at a sensible size; the theme serves smaller versions to smaller screens, but very large originals still take time to process.
• Keep the number of apps down, since each one adds to every page.
• On the New arrivals helix, a lower Products shown loads faster.
• Set the Motion budget to Fast if you prefer fewer effects.