Users are experiencing a critical bug in Shopify’s theme code editor where the cursor randomly jumps to the top of the file while typing, disrupting workflow and productivity.
Initial Reports & Patterns:
Issue primarily affects Google Chrome users, though also occurs in Firefox
More frequent when typing quickly or working in files with 2000+ lines
Started appearing around mid-September 2022 for most users
Temporary workaround: switching to Microsoft Edge reduced (but didn’t eliminate) the problem
User Frustrations:
New code editor described as “glitchy” with multiple issues: files not marked as changed, search disappearing after first replace, cursor position not maintained
Missing features: no dark mode, inability to arrange tabs
Users forced to type slowly or use external text editors (Notepad++)
Resolution & Recurrence:
Shopify acknowledged the bug after users reported via live chat (forums not fully monitored)
Issue was initially resolved within days of official acknowledgment
Bug has returned: Multiple users confirm the problem resurfaced approximately 2 months later and remains unresolved
Affects Chromium-based browsers including latest Edge version
Users are seeking guidance on how to re-escalate this recurring issue to Shopify’s development team.
Summarized with AI on October 26.
AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
This one is pretty simple and I am surprised more people have not reported it.
The possibility exists that my particular setup is causing this (which I did explore)
PROBLEM SUMMARY:
When typing CODE into the ADMIN THEME EDITOR the input position will randomly jump to the beginning of the file while in the middle of typing. To test this out open any LIQUID file (try an especially long one, something with 2000+ lines) move way down into the document and start writing code… you will see in the middle of writing that the cursor position JUMPS to the top of the document.
Some important considerations:
This happens in Google CHROME where I have tested it the most
I was able to also reproduce the issue on FIREFOX but it seems to happen less…
I am using Bluetooth mouse/keyboard on a full PC based Desktop
When switching to a laptop with a trackpad it seems to happen less
However, in all cases, I was able to reproduce the issue, eventually, simply by typing.
I have been having the exact same problem. Its never happened before, but now when editing code, the text randomly jumps to the top of the editor to the first line.
I don’t know if i can fix it or if it’s a bug Shopify need to update to remove.
Same for me as well - the new editor is absolutely terrible since it launched. Glitchy mark-up, this new jumping issue and not all files re-opening on refresh. Who makes these ridiculous decisions at Shopify?
Same thing happening to me. I’m working on 1 dev store & 1 Shopify store with a plan, editing on both stores randomly switches the text input on the very top of the file. I thought it was my keyboard malfunctioning.
Same is happening for me on Google Chrome, I’ve been having to use Microsoft Edge where the issue doesn’t seem to be happening at all, it’s super frustrating.
This happens to me as well. I’d say for the last year, it was happening in the customizer side. I got into the habit of typing up all my content into Notepad and copying and pasting it in, but on the code editor side, it is far more irritating to do that.
I used Chrome and Firefox, incognito windows, safe mode, and it still happens every time. For me it usually jumps within 20-30 characters typed, which is infuriating. Windows, wired mouse, wired keyboard
Having the same problem. Really annoying. And if you don’t realise you typed code at the beginning of the file, where the cursor randomly moved to, the store will have a random string showing in a random location.
Same issue here sinds this week. I’m also using a Mac (macOS Montery) and the latest version of Chrome. I’ve noticed it appears more often when I type code at a faster rate. A solution would be nice, because this isn’t working out for me right now.
The issue seems to happen less if you type very slowly, which is not very productive. It looks to me like the new code editor is processing as you type and something in that is causing the cursor to lose focus (I’ve noticed the code editor twitching left and right while I type, as well). This happens for me in Firefox and other browsers. I first noticed it on Monday. I sent Shopify a video of what is happening.
There are so many things not to like about the new code editor:
Very glitchy. Along with the current problem, we’ve noticed:
Assets are no longer marked as changed files.
Intermittently, when you leave a css file and then go back to it, the cursor has returned to the top of the page, so you have to scroll down to where you were working each time.
The search disappears after the first replace.
There’s some sort of space to the left of the code.
No dark mode?!?!?
I really liked having the menu on the left but being able to expand the code editor across the whole screen when I wanted to. Bring back the old version!
We have multiple stores on Shopify. Different stores received the new code editor on different days and it seemed to me like development on the code editor was happening in production rather than in a test environment. I kind of felt like I was QAing for them.
Also facing this issue - as mentioned by other users here as well, the new editor feels like a huge leap backwards, it’s really clumsy and less effective
Guess I will use notepad++ for the time being but it’s a bit tedious copying everything back and forth but this issue is giving me a headache
Just want to add my 2¢ and hopefully they get on fixing this ASAP. This is ridiculous. We can’t no longer work in the code editor…it’s basically useless at this point. I have to type slow like typing with 1 finger just to work in it.
