How to reset a theme

[HYBRID]

A few months ago I found a developer here and asked him to create a store for me. Long story short, he took my money, messed around and ran (I have his username if it's helpful to anyone). At the start of the project, he uploaded the impact theme to my store, but it wasn't like the standard theme demos I had seen. It has a lot of pages in different languages, and the templates appear jumbled and incomplete in the features I have seen. I edited the theme and clicked publish, all of which worked. I thought this would open up more of the theme features, but it hasn't. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the same editing abilities I would have if I'd purchased the theme myself, and I cannot go any further with building my store using this theme. It's as if the theme isn't a complete version of the standard impact theme.

Is there a way to reset this theme to "factory settings"? I did not purchase it, so I cannot re-download it as one post suggested. I also found a web page instructing me to delete this file {% include ‘reset’ %} from the theme.liquid folder, but I can confirm this file is not present.

This theme costs around $400, so I don't want to purchase it if I can use the one I have.

Any help would be appreciated, and I hope to salvage something from this bad experience.

[lynth]

Hi, mostly it’s not possible to reset a Shopify theme to its default settings, there isn’t a single “Reset” button. Instead, you can try:

Restore Default Settings in Theme Editor (not every theme)
- Go to Online Store - Themes.
- Click Customize on your active theme (or three dots and try to "reset to the last commit")
- In the editor, go to Theme settings.
- Look for an option like Reset to default settings (if supported by the theme).
- Save the changes.

Not sure if that will work, re-uploading the theme is probably the best way. You can also hire another one (dev) to fix it. I'm sorry for what happened to you.

[Michael-Thomas · Accepted solution]

I understand this may not be the answer you were hoping for, but you should purchase the theme. Shopify is strictly enforcing DMCA policies and taking action against stores using unauthorized theme files from the Shopify Theme Store. If a store is found using an unlicensed theme, Shopify may shut it down within 24 hours if the proper payment isn't made.

Unfortunately, there is no case against Shopify for doing this, as themes listed in the Theme Store cannot be legally sold outside of it. If you obtained the theme elsewhere, it was acquired unlawfully.

Additionally, if someone offers you a "fresh" version of the theme, it's best to avoid it. Using unauthorized themes violates Shopify’s Terms of Service and could lead to your store being shut down.

It may seem harmless, but themes can take up to 2 years to develop and get through Shopify partner system. That is likely several devs costing each around 70K per year to employee. Themes maybe priced high but they come with lifetime support and free updates for life.

Impact is number 3rd top selling themes on Shopify, so it is a great theme and the price is justified.

Again, not what you wanted to hear, but I think it's advise you should consider to avoid issues down the line where you will just have to pay or have the store closed by Shopify.

[HYBRID]

I took your advice and went for a paid theme. I've started it again from scratch to ensure everything is done properly. Sometimes the best advice hurts lol

Thanks

[Dotsquares]

Hi @HYBRID ,

I hope this message finds you well.

It sounds like the developer uploaded an unlicensed or modified version of the Impact theme, which is causing the incomplete features and editing limitations you're facing. Since you didn't purchase the theme, you don't have access to official updates, support, or the ability to re-download it.

 

Possible Solutions:

1. Check If the Theme is a Trial Version

• Go to Online Store > Themes in Shopify.
• If you see a message like “This theme is a trial version” or “You need to purchase the theme to unlock full features,” it means the developer uploaded an unauthorized or trial version.
• If it’s a trial, you won’t be able to access all settings unless you purchase it officially from the Shopify Theme Store.

2. Try Resetting the Theme (If Editable)

• Navigate to Online Store > Themes > Customize.
• If you can access Theme Settings, look for an option like Reset to Default or Factory Reset.
• If the sections and templates are jumbled, go to Online Store > Themes > Edit Code and check if there are missing files or modifications in key theme files like:

• theme.liquid
• header.liquid
• footer.liquid
• config/settings_data.json

• If the theme code is broken, it will be hard to restore without a fresh copy.

3. Contact Shopify Support

• Shopify does not allow unauthorized theme transfers (except with official licenses).
• If you explain your situation, Shopify might be able to verify whether the theme was legally uploaded.
• If it's an unauthorized copy, Shopify could disable the theme, meaning you’d need to purchase a legitimate version.

4. Use a Free Alternative (If You Don’t Want to Buy)

• If budget is an issue, Shopify has free themes like Dawn or Sense, which offer good design flexibility.
• You can also check for similar paid themes that might be cheaper than Impact.

Best Course of Action

Since you don’t have a licensed version of the theme, resetting isn’t an option unless the theme allows it. If you plan to use Impact long-term, purchasing a genuine version is the only way to fully unlock its features. Otherwise, switching to a free or alternative theme might be a better option.

Would you like assistance in choosing a free alternative or setting up a different paid theme? Please let us know if you have any concern, and the community will be happy to help.

Best regards,