How to load a 'new' theme licence on existing site without losing content

Shopify Apps
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Topic summary

  • Goal: Add a new Expanse V4 theme license to a Shopify store already running Expanse V3 without losing content or rebuilding.

  • Licensing clarification: A single theme license cannot be used across multiple live Shopify sites; one license per live site.

  • Latest update (from Archetype Themes support): Purchase the theme via the Shopify Theme Store. Use “Try theme” to add a trial to the Theme Library, then select “Buy” to complete purchase. The latest version will download as a fresh, default theme in the Theme Library (i.e., stored but not necessarily published).

  • Impact: After purchasing, the current published theme continues to run with no storefront interruption, avoiding takedown or immediate disruption.

  • Anticipated risks: Updating/publishing V4 may cause breakage in custom code (e.g., hover effects). Backing up before changes is planned.

  • Actions/next steps: Buy the new license via the Theme Store; keep the existing theme published; prepare to update and test V4 in the Theme Library before publishing.

  • Status: Partial resolution (licensing and non-disruptive purchase flow clarified). Migration details and ensuring no content loss during the V3→V4 transition remain open.

Summarized with AI on January 19. AI used: gpt-5.
1

We have had to purchase a new V4 expanse theme licence for a store that is already built and running on V3. How can we implement a new theme licence on existing store without disrupting he content running on early version theme. Wish to avoid having to rebuild the site from scratch. Noted we will back up site prior to updates. We will expect to fix some site breaks whilst moving to new version. We don’t want o rebuild everything from scratch. Footnote, This situation came about as we accidentally interpreted shopify advice that “we could download and use a purchased theme and licence on another shopify site” (same owner) - turns out this is not allowed - one licence = one live site :/!

2

I have the exact same question!

3

Hey Adminism - here’s a reply from Archetype Themes (expanse creators) (see bottom of this message) FYI:

Noted - This will at least allow a current licence to be run on [our] shopify site (avoiding any takedown disruptions) - however (I presume) you/I will probably still need to update the theme in the live site after loading the new licence - and Im anticipating this may cause some breakage to some custom code we are running on site hovers. See below reply from Kim at archetypethemes.com

-------- following from archetype support-------

Hey Brett,
Kim here with Archetype Themes. Thanks for reaching out!
Your best solution would be to purchase the theme from the Shopify theme store here. Once purchased, you can continue to use the existing published theme without any interruption whatsoever to your storefront.
To purchase, select the ‘try theme’ option from the theme store page. This will download a ‘trial’ theme into your theme library. From the ‘trial’ you will see an option to ‘buy’ the theme.
Note: The latest version will be downloaded as a fresh or default theme under your Theme Library.

All the best,