Hi,
Can anyone tell me where I can find release notes explaining what’s new in each version of the Debut theme? I’ve searched and can’t find anything, except for one mention in the developer changelog that says predictive search was added in January 2020, but it doesn’t mention a version number.
I’m currently on 16.5.2 and current version is 17.7. Shopify Chat support was unable to help me.
Julie
Hey, @Anonymous !
Olivia here from the Shopify team. I’d be glad to lend you a hand with your question today.
You can filter theme updates on our changelog page to see major updates released in the last year. However, as you may have noticed there is no published information on the details of each minor theme update. With that being said, our staff team does have access to detailed theme version changes.
While this information is internal, you can always connect with our Support team to have any specific questions answered.
Your theme version (16.5.2) was released earlier this year in April 2020. According to our records, we have since had 20 version updates to the Debut theme. These changes were made to address:
Would you like to share more about why you need this specific information? If you have a particular concern or question, I am sure I can help you find what you are looking for.
I look forward to your reply,
Hi Olivia,
Thanks for the quick reply. Why is that information only internal? Most software updates provide that information so that users can decide if they want to update to take advantage of changes in the new versions.
I always want to make sure I have the latest stable version of any software, so I thought I’d apply the same thinking to the theme. But maybe I’m thinking about this wrong. From what I’m reading below, it sounds as if people using the Debut theme should just never update unless they run into an issue. Then we should contact Shopify Support to ask if any recent theme update resolves any issue we may be having. Is that right?
Can I contact the support team to ask what bug fixes, theme enhancements, and translation updates there have been between version 16.5.2 and 17.7?
Thanks again,
Julie
Thanks for your reply, @Anonymous !
I can definitely further clarify that for you.
Theme updates like this are not posted externally because our themes go through periods of rapid change (hence the 20 version updates since April). These changes are typically very minor/granular and occur so quickly, that it’s a better user experience to post changelog updates that might actually impact theme efficiency. In other words, we will post changelog updates that are important and more-so relevant for your store.
If you are experiencing a particular theme error, then yes definitely contact us to ensure if a later version addresses that. I further invite you to share any errors with me so I can look at theme changes between then and now to see if it is a known error, or perhaps due to other customizations/apps.
As far as having a stable version of your theme goes, then rest assured our themes are subject to extensive testing before they are ever released. Hence, only small changes taking place at a later date that are unlikely to impact your store.
It’s good practice to update your theme intermittently, despite never running into any issues with your current theme. Technology evolves rapidly, as will themes to make sure we can support the latest payment types and functionality (take for example accelerated checkouts or augmented reality). These updates, are the ones you can expect to find on our changelog page.
I hope this helps clear it up, but do let me know if you have further questions.
Warm regards,
Thanks for the explanation, I understand now. In the past year there was only one entry in the changelog for the Debut theme, and nothing since I last updated in April so there’s no reason for me to update. I’m guessing intermittently means update at least every couple of years.
I’m glad you found that helpful, @Anonymous .
How often you should update your theme is definitely subjective. A lot of stores work to have several ‘back-up’ themes ready to publish, or might even customize their storefront for a season, a flash sale, or the holidays.
These are all good opportunities to refresh your theme and update to the latest version available to ensure efficient functionality.
Shopify themes update automatically when you or an installed app haven’t made any code changes to your theme, and the theme update doesn’t introduce new settings.
Let’s talk a little more about the decision to update your theme and when. Take into consideration:
Think about which demographic your target market falls into to help you decide. Are they likely to have the latest software/devices and looking for a fast online experience, or are they infrequent web users?
With that in mind, my personal recommendation would be to update your theme at least once a year. This is a good rule of thumb - think of it a little like spring cleaning, an opportunity to revisit and revitalize your online space.
With that being said, your theme isn’t likely to slow down or begin to experience any impact for a long time. Again, it’s hard to say how long that might be with all the variables to factor in. For example, I have a theme running on my test store that is three years old. Does it work? Yes. Is it slower than it can be? Also, yes.
I trust you will find this helpful, but let me know if other questions come up.
Warm regards,
Hi Olivia,
That info is very helpful. I do have a backup, but hadn’t thought to change my storefront seasonally. I’ll look into updating my theme this spring as it’ll be a year since my last update.
Thanks again,
Julie
That sounds like a perfect plan, @Anonymous !
I’m so glad I could help, and don’t hesitate to reach back out if anything else comes up.
Warm regards,
Hallo @Olivia_2 .
I have two issues with updating from Debut V16.4 to V17.7.
I have two features i used which are not working anymore.
The first is the back to the top button https://shopify.dev/tutorials/customize-theme-add-back-to-top-button which does not appear anymore (i followed the procedure creating it for the new version). This is shopify native maybe you can help
The second is a simple tab script for the product description which stopped working . https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Design/Adding-tabs-on-product-page-simple-entry/td-p/430363/page/8 (i followed the procedure creating it for the new version). I posted already in the conversation but i coulnd’t find anybody had to change.
On this i am curious why it does not crop anymore my text (see the screens in my post) .
Thanks for your kind reply
Regards
Hey, @kub .
Thanks for reaching out on this forum thread, and I’d be glad to help guide you in the right direction for support.
Custom code injected in an older theme version is not carried over into a new theme version upon installation. This explains why the features were no longer working when you installed a later version of the same theme.
Since this thread is regarding release notes for debut versions, I recommend that you start a new thread, or refer to the original one you shared, for custom advice to get feedback from our community members and partners. Check out our community guidelines for best practices on when to start a new thread.
If you’re on the Basic Shopify plan or higher, then you are eligible to receive 60 minutes of complimentary design support. After you contact our Support team and outline your request, you can expect to receive a status update within 2-4 business days. Click here to read more about limitations with design support and next steps.
If you’d like to go this route, I can definitely get you in touch with our design team.
Warm regards,
Thanks @Olivia_2 for your reply.
I know that old code is not migrated in new themes. This is good for cleaning remaining code from uninstalled apps.
It was not working anymore because in new debut was no jQuery available and the script used it. I solved using new script without jQuery needs.
Best regards
Thanks so much for your reply, @kub !
I’m glad to hear this has been resolved. I also appreciate you commenting here with the update for any future viewers who run into a similar question.
Thanks for connecting,