How to update theme without losing customizations

[annemarienz]

Hi - I am working on a shop and using the free theme called Trade. I have coded in some things for different pages ie. the contact page and layout of the collection pages etc. The theme has had an update and it has said that any customisations I have done will not carry over. I am used to working on other sites/platforms where there is a child theme. Does Shopify have this ability or do I have to try and remember everything that I have changed on the site (impossible I think), or is there a way of transferring my customisations/code etc over? Or do I literally have to remember everything I have done? Thanks for any help.

[Dan-From-Ryviu · Accepted solution]

Hi @annemarienz 

All liquid files in an older version of your theme that you have edited will have a black dot next to the file name

[annemarienz]

Ahhh fantastic, thank you so much for that. I now just need to track down where I might have added custom css haha (I should know better and keep a note but I have not built a shopify site before and this update scenario just did not cross my mind). 

Would you have a suggestion for how best to compare the files I have changed, with the files that are updated in the theme update?  I am thinking that basically I would compare the files that I have with the black dot and either add those into the new updated theme if they don't exist, and for others, such as general files, I would compare to see if they have altered anything different from what is in the original other than what I have changed?  Should I just use something like Sublime or is there a more simpler way to do this?  Sorry for the long reply.

[Dan-From-Ryviu]

Open the same files in 2 browser tabs, split the window, and compare. 

I recommend you add comments for customized works so you can easily find out in the future.

[annemarienz]

Thank you, you have been really helpful and I appreciate it so much.  You have saved me a lot of time and a big headache!

[annemarienz]

I wanted to buy you a coffee for helping me but I then realised it was going to charge my clients card that is loaded into his shopify store.  If there is another way to do it, feel free to let me know.  Thank you.

[Dan-From-Ryviu]

You can donate use this paypal link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/journey2dropship. Thanks!

[annemarienz]

Thank you - I have sent you a "coffee" 🙂

[Dan-From-Ryviu]

I appreciate it!