What should you test before switching Shopify themes?

Before switching Shopify themes, test the new theme’s main templates and purchase journey with automated checks, keyboard-only use, zoom, and a screen reader, then repeat after apps and custom code are enabled.

Build a representative page set

Include the homepage, collections, search, representative product types, cart, account flows, forms, policy pages, and any app-driven experience. Test variants, subscriptions, filters, menus, dialogs, and media controls where they occur.

Test in layers

Start with automated checks for markup failures, then use only a keyboard to inspect focus order and traps. Check reflow at high zoom and use a screen reader for names, landmarks, status updates, form instructions, and errors.

Repeat after integrations

A theme can test well before pixels, reviews, subscriptions, chat, and marketing tools are added. Rerun the changed journeys with production configuration and store a dated baseline for post-launch monitoring.