To back up a Shopify store before a redesign, don't just download the theme. Duplicate and download the active theme, export the products, customers and orders available in CSV, archive content and files, document applications and settings, then prepare a URL inventory and a real backtracking plan.
This preparation does not always create a complete one-click restoration, but allows you to find a stable version and quickly correct an incident.
Are you preparing a Shopify redesign?
Before any modification, a diagnosis makes it possible to identify the data, pages, applications and settings to be protected.
A useful backup covers more than just the design
The theme contains templates, sections, code and visual settings. Catalog, clients, commands, content, media, settings and application data are saved separately.
Create a dated, protected and reserved file for authorized people. Customer exports may contain personal data.
How to backup Shopify theme correctly?
Duplicate the active theme
In Online store > Themes, duplicate the published theme and date the copy "before redesign". Prepare the new version on an unpublished theme.
Download the ZIP file
Also download the theme to a secure space. Shopify sends the ZIP file to the address associated with your member account. Keep it without overwriting it.
Code history can restore the contents of an existing file to an earlier version, but not an entire theme or deleted file. Its duration is limited. It's additional security, never your only copy.
What data should be exported before the redesign?
Export data that may be modified. Keep files raw and work on copies.
| Element | Action before redesign | Limit to know |
|---|---|---|
| Products | Export all products in CSV, with variants and handles | Images are not integrated into the CSV: it contains URL references |
| Stocks | Export inventory if project affects variants, references or locations | Quantities and locations require separate control |
| Customers | Export only if necessary and store the file securely | Personal data to be protected; a reimport does not necessarily recreate everything identically |
| Orders | Export history useful for control and customer service | An export is used for archiving and analysis; This is not a complete order restoration |
| Collections | List collections, automatic rules, order and associated products | Rules, content and visuals must be controlled beyond the simple catalog |
Do not directly sort the original product CSV: Shopify warns that sorting can unassociate variations or image URLs. When importing in the future, test a small sample first and check handles, variations, images, and app dependencies.
Archive content, files, settings and applications
For pages, articles, menus, policies, templates, and metaobjects, keep URL, title, content, media, and link destination to a minimum.
Files and contents
- Pages, articles, menus and navigation
- Original images, videos and documents
- Reinsurance texts and policies
- Useful models, metachamps and metaobjects
Business settings
- Delivery, taxes, markets and currencies
- Payments, notifications and domains
- Active discounts and business rules
- Accounts, access and responsibilities
Applications
- Name, function, cost and owner
- Parameters, data and export method
- Blocks or scripts added to the theme
- Compatibility with the future theme
Measurement and compliance
- Analytics & Events Tools
- Pixels, consent and tags
- Product feeds and advertising integrations
- Reference situation before launch
An application's data often falls under its own system. Check its export procedure and dependencies before uninstalling.
Also safeguard SEO assets
Even with the same domain, deleted URLs or broken mesh can create losses. Inventory pages that receive traffic, sales or links.
- Keep relevant handles whenever possible.
- Archive useful SEO titles, meta descriptions, H1s, texts and alt tags.
- Prepare a match between each deleted URL and its relevant destination.
- Note indexed pages, current errors, and baseline performance.
- Check the redirections, internal links, canonicals and site map after launch.
Complete this preparation with our guide on what to keep during a redesign and the one dedicated to mistakes to avoid during a Shopify redesign.
The 7-step backup method
Freeze the perimeter
Note the date, pages affected, those responsible and changes allowed.
Create copies of the theme
Duplicate the published theme, download its ZIP and clearly name each version.
Export data
Keep the necessary product, inventory, customer and order CSVs, without modifying the originals.
Archive content
List pages, articles, menus, files, templates and reinsurance items.
Document dependencies
List applications, scripts, feeds, access, settings and technical contacts.
Prepare SEO inventory
Map the URLs to keep, modify or redirect and note the initial situation.
Write the flashback
Define who can republish the old theme, in what cases, and what controls to follow next.
Which service should I choose to secure the redesign?
The SiteQuiVend redesign plans currently displayed range from €990 to €2,990 for 5 to 20 pages, with indicative deadlines of 5 to 21 working days depending on the scope. Specific projects are tailor-made from €3,990. Shopify subscriptions, paid themes, apps and licenses remain separate; Deadlines begin after validation of the quote and receipt of the necessary access and content.
For a scope of 5, 10, 15 or 20 pages depending on the formula chosen.
For more advanced needs requiring a dedicated estimate.
The contents of the backup must be confirmed in the quote: the export of each application is not automatically included.
Need a clear framework before editing the store?
Tell us about the existing, important applications and your objectives. We will direct you towards the appropriate intervention, without unnecessarily expanding the project.
Checklist before starting the redesign
The 14 essential controls
- Duplicate and dated published theme
- ZIP file of the downloaded theme
- CSV products preserved without modification
- Inventory exported if necessary
- Usefully archived customers and orders
- Personal data stored securely
- Inventoried pages, articles and menus
- Accessible original images and files
- Documented applications and dependencies
- Commercial settings recorded
- URLs and redirects mapped
- Measurement before overhaul noted
- Tests planned on unpublished theme
- Designated person responsible for rollback
FAQ: Back up a Shopify store before redesign
Download theme does it save the entire store?
No. The ZIP saves the theme, but not the products, collections, menus, pages, blog posts, images or store files. These elements require exports or additional archiving.
Can we export products, customers and orders?
Shopify allows you to export this data in CSV format from the affected screens. These files are useful for the archive and some imports, but they do not necessarily reconstruct each relationship or data identically.
How to Backup Shopify Apps?
The procedure depends on each application. Document its settings, export data when a function exists, and check with the editor what is kept if uninstalled or changed themes.
Should customer data be backed up?
Only if they are necessary for the project or your business continuity. Limit copies, control access and store exports in a secure space suitable for personal data.
Can we test the redesign without touching the public site?
Yes, visual work can be done on an unpublished copy of the theme. However, some apps and actions use actual store data: so tests should be prepared with caution.
What to do if URLs change during redesign?
Keep URLs useful as much as possible. Otherwise, prepare permanent redirects to the most relevant pages and update the internal linking.
Is Shopify code history enough to go back?
No. It can restore an existing file to an earlier version, but not an entire theme or a deleted file, and the history is limited. Keep a copy of the theme and its ZIP.
Is backup included in a redesign service?
It depends on the agreed scope. Request that data, applications, content, responsibilities and rollback arrangements be explicitly indicated in the quote.
Save so you can decide with peace of mind
A good backup brings together a stable version of the theme, controlled exports, dependency inventory, SEO mapping, and a testable rollback procedure. The redesign can then focus on the customer experience.
Let's prepare a controlled Shopify redesign
SiteQuiVend can analyze your store, frame the elements to keep and offer the appropriate level of intervention.
