I have recently started designing my ecommerce store, currently having some difficulties navigating through the massive amount of themes, website builders and plugins.
I started with editing the ‘Dawn’ theme, but coming from €lementor, I am already annoyed by the small amount of customization I am able to do without using HTML/CSS.
For this reason, I am searching for an external website design builder that fits my needs.
As I have no revenue yet, I want to keep costs low. Preferably a free software or tool, but it seems that this will be hard to find.
My wish:
- Use a user-friendly designer like Web-flow
- Have a wide range of (free) themes, container designs etc.
- Have enough documentation to figure stuff out if I run into problems
Thank you for helping me out, I feel kind of lost at this moment.
I am new to Shopify and all it’s features, might be missing things.
Hi @Speciaal-Zaak ,
If you’re looking for an Elementor-like experience in Shopify, the best free option is PageFly. It’s a drag-and-drop page builder that lets you design without coding. If you want even more flexibility, Shogun and GemPages are great, but they have paid plans. If you’re open to external builders, Webflow is powerful but requires integration with Shopify. Alternatively, switching to a more customizable Shopify theme like Flex or Be Yours can also help.
Hello, If you are familiar with WordPress Slider revolution , then you can have great opportunity to use in shopify, It has plenty of template around 600+ you can check the live demo.
https://sliderrev.myshopify.com/
I did exactly what you’re trying to now when I created my site. Take a look at my site and if the way it looks and operates is something you would be happy with then you should use the same theme.
I am using the Spotlight theme. It’s a free theme. The best theme Shopify has in my opinion. Everything on my site has been done with only the Opinew review app and the TrustedSite app. No other apps. And as far as editing any code, I have edited 7 code edits that are all so simple it will amaze you, really.
I am not looking to be paid but I do know how to get your store going with absoutely no experience necessary. My site is limestoneholeyrock.com
Based on your message, I understand you’re looking for a no-code design platform as an alternative to directly editing the Dawn theme in Shopify, preferably something free or low-cost that offers the flexibility you’re used to from Elementor.
I totally get your frustration! I switched from Elementor to Shopify last year and felt the same way. It’s like going from complete freedom to being stuck in a box.
Have you tried Shopify’s Page Builder app yet? It’s not Elementor-level flexible, but it’s free and gives you some drag-and-drop options without diving into code.
GemPages is not totally free, but it has a free version, if you’re serious about customization. It feels the most like Elementor out of all the Shopify builders I’ve tried.
For a free option, you could try Shogun’s free plan - though it only lets you design one page. Might be enough for a homepage while you’re getting started though.
Don’t sleep on Shopify’s newer Sections Everywhere feature either. It’s gotten much better recently and might surprise you.
What saved me was joining some Shopify Facebook groups where people share workarounds for the design limitations. The community has tons of tips for making things work without coding.
Good luck! The learning curve is frustrating at first, but it does get easier.