When to use pages and when to use templates

[AHilluk]

I have been trying to wrap my brain around this for half a day without success. I have looked up and down the online resources and Google etc and they always concentrate on a Page as the way to add additional webpages not provided by a theme. However, Templates can also be created. 

I am trying to under when I should create my web pages in Pages and when in my own created Templates. Are there advantages and disadvantages?

1. I notice that Pages are in the main menu and therefore can be accessed between Themes. Therefore if I change themes I can use the existing Pages but not the templates I create.

2. Are they interchangeable as a concept? Pages lend themselves to blog-style webpages and templates just a different more flexible interface, but for the same goal.

3. The Pages have templates from the Themes, offered to them but not the ones I create? 

4. I can see how meta fields with templates can give real flex for dynamic universal layout templates. Is this why it has been created and thus the Pages and Templates are really doing the same job?

If there is an article that covers all these concepts that I can be pointed at that will be amazing!! 

Thanks for your guidance.

[Zqdo]

From my experience both building and customizing themes for clients, I would recommend custom pages only if there's going to be unique information for that exact page, i.e. About us, Featured This week.

Templates, or sections, on the other hand, can be used anywhere throughout the website, like a slideshow template or image with text template.

Hope this was helpful!

[AHilluk]

Thanks, David. I really appreciate your reply to my message. Yes, that is my thinking. The answer below gives what I was looking for from the structural perspective.

[irene-vintage · Accepted solution]

Hello @AHilluk ,

I understand your confusion regarding the use of Pages and Templates in Shopify. Let me provide some clarification and guidance on when to use each of them:

1. Pages:

• Pages in Shopify are typically used for static content pages such as About Us, Contact Us, FAQ, etc. They are often included in the main menu and accessible from various themes.
• Pages can be created and managed directly within the Shopify admin without the need for coding or custom templates.
• If you change themes, the Pages you've created will still be available and can be assigned to the main menu or linked from other pages.

2. Templates:

• Templates are custom-designed layouts and structures for specific types of content or pages on your Shopify store.
• Templates are created using Liquid, the templating language used in Shopify, and allow for more flexibility and customization than regular Pages.
• Templates are typically used for dynamic content that requires specific layouts or functionality, such as product pages, collection pages, blog posts, etc.
• Templates can be created, modified, and managed in the theme code editor within the Shopify admin.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages:

• Pages are easier to create and manage without coding knowledge, making them suitable for simple content pages.
• Templates offer more control and customization options, making them ideal for complex and dynamic content layouts.
• Pages are more portable and can be used across themes, while custom Templates are tied to a specific theme and need to be recreated or adjusted when switching themes.

Regarding your fourth question, meta fields and custom Templates are indeed powerful tools for creating dynamic and flexible layouts. Custom Templates allow you to define unique page structures, while meta fields provide additional data and options for customization within those Templates.

While I don't have a specific article to point you to, Shopify's official documentation is a valuable resource for understanding the concepts and best practices related to Pages and Templates. You can find detailed information in the Shopify Help Center under the "Pages" and "Theme Development" sections.

Hope this can help. Let us know if you need any further support.

Ali Reviews team.

[AHilluk]

Hi AliReviews, this amazing response is what I have been looking for, much appreciated.  A proper breakdown of the differences and when to use Pages and Templates for web pages. You guys smashed it! This should be in Shopify's official documentation, I could not find an equivalent anywhere... well now we have it! Thanks for being so helpful so quickly. 

I now can plan my approach. I will create my 'bread and butter' web page components in Pages whilst I decide on a Theme. I will then look at Templates for the more expressive pages. Thanks, guys. 

[AHilluk]

Another key point. I did not spot in the documentation that you can only see Templates on the Page pull-down list IF you are working on the LIVE Theme. 

[Cadrianne]

Understanding the distinction between using pages and templates for web development can be a bit perplexing. You've already made some keen observations about their differences and potential uses.

1. Pages placed in the main menu offer consistent navigation across different themes, ensuring accessibility.

2. Your insight is correct! Pages are well-suited for blog-style content, while templates provide more flexibility for diverse design options, all while aiming for the same goal – delivering content effectively.

3. Typically, Pages have access to templates provided by the theme, but your personally created templates may not be as readily accessible.

4. Indeed, templates can offer dynamic layouts using meta fields, granting enhanced adaptability.

You might find google docs budget template helpful for managing finances effectively. Keep in mind that your choice between pages and templates should be guided by your content and objectives.