Embracing Change: Shopify’s Transition from checkout.liquid to Checkout Extensibility

Shopify is once again refining their eCommerce platform with its recent announcement about deprecating the use of the checkout.liquid theme file. This move comes as part of Shopify’s ongoing efforts to enhance customization options, improve user experience, and streamline the checkout process for merchants and customers alike.

For Shopify store administrators, this shift holds substantial significance. The checkout process is the pivotal point where potential customers transition into paying customers. Any enhancement or modification to this crucial phase can directly impact conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and overall business success. The deprecation of checkout.liquid signifies not just a technical update but a strategic move towards a more user-friendly and adaptable customization framework. Administrators need to be acutely aware of these changes to proactively manage and optimize their online stores for a seamless transition, ensuring a positive experience for their customers.

The Transition Timeline

February 2023: Introduction of Checkout Extensibility

Shopify Plus merchants were the first to receive access to the new Checkout Extensibility, an innovative replacement for the traditional checkout.liquid. The rollout began in February 2023, initially available exclusively for certain Shopify Plus stores.

Late 2023: Accessibility for All Stores

The platform aims to make Checkout Extensibility accessible to all stores by late 2023, expanding the availability of this upgrade to a broader merchant base.

August 13, 2024: Deadline for Migration

The deadline for migration is set for August 13, 2024. After this date, checkout.liquid customizations will no longer function for in-checkout pages. Merchants are urged to upgrade their customizations to Checkout Extensibility to ensure a seamless transition and avoid any disruption to their checkout processes.

August 13, 2024: Turning Off checkout.liquid for Information, Shipping, and Payment Pages

As of August 13, 2024, checkout.liquid for the information, shipping, and payment pages will be turned off and no longer supported.

August 28, 2025: Turning Off checkout.liquid for Thank You and Order Status Pages

As of August 28, 2025, checkout.liquid for the thank you and order status pages will be turned off and no longer supported. This also includes turning off apps using script tags and additional scripts under the post-purchase and order status pages. Shopify Scripts will continue to work alongside checkout extensibility until this date.

Ongoing: Shopify Plus Merchants Using Checkout Extensibility

Shopify Plus merchants can now use Checkout Extensibility to customize their checkout, thank you, order status, and customer account pages.

To use Checkout Extensibility, your store needs to be on the Shopify Plus plan. You can’t use any features that are incompatible with Checkout Extensibility, such as In Flight API Mutations and Unsupported Hosted Payment SDK Gateways. Checkout Extensibility isn’t compatible with checkout.liquid, additional scripts, or apps using script tags. You must remove or replace your checkout.liquid, thank you page, and order page customizations to use Checkout Extensibility.

If your store is on the Basic Shopify plan or higher, some basic checkout customizability is available using apps.

Recommendations for Shopify Admins Moving Away from checkout.liquid

As the August 13, 2024 deadline approaches, Shopify website administrators should carefully consider the following recommendations:

1. Eligibility Assessment:

Before initiating the migration process, assess your store’s eligibility for Checkout Extensibility. Ensure your store is on the Shopify Plus plan and that none of the existing customizations are incompatible with the new framework.

2. Early Evaluation:

Start evaluating your current checkout.liquid customizations and identify the specific changes required for migration. Early evaluation ensures a smoother transition and allows for timely adjustments.

3. Test Environments:

Create a test environment to simulate the new Checkout Extensibility settings. This allows you to preview the changes and identify any potential issues before applying them to the live store.

4. Communication Strategy:

Inform your team and customers about the upcoming changes and potential disruptions during the transition period. Clear communication can help manage expectations and reduce the impact on user experience.

5. App Compatibility:

If your store relies on third-party apps, check their compatibility with Checkout Extensibility. Some apps may require updates to align with the new customization framework.

Token of Trust: Navigating Change with Confidence

For Token of Trust, the transition presents both challenges and opportunities. While checkout.liquid offered unparalleled configuration control, embracing Checkout Extensibility is a move towards a more standardized and support-friendly environment. The team has successfully updated their excise tax collection code to align with Checkout Extensions, ensuring a functional solution for the future.

Impact on Token of Trust Customers

Excise Tax Calculation and Collection

In the recent past of 2023, some merchants were unable to utilize Token of Trust’s Excise Tax Calculation feature due to the deprecated checkout.liquid theme file. Now that the Token of Trust Shopify App has been updated to support Checkout Extensibility, businesses that were previously unable to use Token of Trust can now benefit from the Excise Tax Calculation and Collection feature. This update opens new possibilities for businesses seeking to leverage Token of Trust for their Shopify store.

The image below show how the Shopify checkout page appears when Excise Taxes have been calculated and collected using Checkout Extensibility:

Identity and Age Verification

Investigations are ongoing regarding the integration of identity and age verification within Checkout Extensions. Token of Trust aims to find solutions within the new framework, ensuring Shopify Plus verification customers can continue their operations seamlessly. However, there may be adjustments in the verification process, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Final Thoughts: Moving to Checkout Extensibility

Shopify’s decision to deprecate checkout.liquid in favor of Checkout Extensibility marks a significant evolution in the platform’s capabilities. Merchants are encouraged to embrace this change, ensuring a smooth transition before the August 13, 2024 deadline. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, adapting to innovative solutions like Checkout Extensibility will empower businesses to thrive in the ever-changing digital marketplace.

About Token of Trust

At Token of Trust, our goal is to safeguard eCommerce businesses by providing a comprehensive and seamless solution for compliance and anti-fraud measures. Our end-to-end compliance and anti-fraud suite are designed to empower businesses, allowing them to concentrate on accelerating growth rather than getting bogged down by compliance and back-office operations.

Key Features:

Identity Verification:

Ensure that your customers are who they say they are with robust identity verification measures, minimizing the risk of fraudulent activities.

Age Verification:

Stay compliant with age-restricted products and services by seamlessly verifying the age of your customers during the checkout process.

Excise Tax Calculation and Collection:

Streamline your tax processes by leveraging our comprehensive excise tax calculation and collection feature, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Anti-Fraud Measures:

Protect your business from fraudulent transactions with advanced anti-fraud measures, providing a secure environment for both merchants and customers.

How We Support eCommerce Businesses:

Efficiency:

Our automated processes reduce the burden of compliance tasks, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently.

Compliance:

Stay ahead of regulatory requirements and industry standards with our robust compliance solutions.

Trust: 

Build trust with your customers by ensuring a secure and compliant shopping experience.

Growth:

With the confidence that comes from a secure and compliant platform, businesses can focus on growth strategies.

Token of Trust is more than just a solution; it’s a partner in your journey towards eCommerce success. By mitigating risks and ensuring compliance, we empower businesses to thrive in the dynamic and competitive landscape of online commerce.