Shopify is a go-to platform for anyone looking to build an online store because of its simplicity and flexibility.
If you’ve created a website design in Photoshop (PSD) and want to turn it into a Shopify store, the process might seem a bit overwhelming at first. But with the right steps, it can be smooth and manageable.
This guide will take you through each phase of converting your PSD design into a fully functional Shopify store, helping you get it up and running without the hassle.
Let’s dive in and make your design a reality!
Requirements for PSD to Shopify Conversion
Before converting your PSD design into a functional Shopify page, here’s what you need:
- Familiarity with CSS/HTML
- A Photoshop design for your page, along with Photoshop skills and access to the software
- A Shopify account and an understanding of how to use its customization settings
6 Steps to Convert PSD to Shopify
Turning a PSD design into a Shopify store may seem tricky, but it’s easier when you follow a clear process. In this guide, we’ll cover 6 simple steps to help you convert your design into a functional Shopify page
Step 1: Development Store Setup
In your Dashboard, go to the “Development Stores” tab and select the “Create a development store” button.
Step 2: PSD Design in Photoshop
Once your development store is set up, use the slice tool to break your PSD design into smaller sections. Divide it into sections such as the “header,” “footer,” and “sidebar” to make coding and customization easier. To separate these elements, draw rectangles around the specific parts you want to isolate.
Step 3: Saving Files as Images (JPEG, JPG)
In the next step, save the image by selecting File, then Save for Web, and choose the highest resolution available. Make sure to save it in JPEG format to avoid pixelation and blurriness on your site.
Step 4: Converting PSD to HTML
Next, save the completed version of your PSD file as a .html file using the same Photoshop program.
Step 5: Installing and Customizing Themes
Lastly, upload the new HTML and image files to your services, and you’re ready to edit your page’s template. You can also replace the relevant images within the template.
Step 6: Customizing Your Shopify Theme and Adding Unique Features
Once you’ve installed your chosen theme, go to the Theme Manager to adjust it to fit your PSD design. Click the “Customize” button to open the Theme Editor, where you can make changes and see how they look in real time.
Or if you want to create a new one, from the dashboard of your development store, go to “Online Store Themes” and click “Visit Theme Store” to find a suitable theme that is already close to your sliced PSD file design.
To give your Shopify theme the look you want, edit the theme files and swap out the default images with your sliced photos.
Once you click “Edit Code”, you’ll notice that each file ends with a ‘.liquid’ extension, which is similar to a regular HTML file but contains additional code for extra features.
Now that you’ve converted your Photoshop design, it’s time to add some custom functionality to your new Shopify theme. Click the Apps icon in your development store dashboard to explore a variety of apps that can boost your store’s performance.
You can also click the “Visit Shopify App Store” button for more options.
After completing your development work, you have two choices for using your newly converted theme:
- Export the theme from your development store and import it as the main theme in your Live Shopify Store.
- Upgrade your development store to one of Shopify’s paid plans.
Now, the process of converting your PSD to Shopify is complete.
Best Practices for PSD to Shopify Conversion
Converting a PSD file to a Shopify store requires careful planning and execution to ensure the final product is both visually appealing and functional. Here are some best practices to follow during the conversion process:
Organize Your PSD File
Before diving into the conversion, make sure your PSD file is well-structured. Properly group and label layers, keeping the file neat.
This organization helps streamline the process of extracting assets and speeds up development.
Ensure Mobile Responsiveness
With a significant amount of traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s crucial to design with responsiveness in mind.
Adapt your PSD design for different screen sizes by using fluid grids, flexible layouts, and scalable images.
Optimize Images and Assets
Export your images in the correct format to balance quality and page load speed. Use JPEG for photographs, PNG for graphics with transparency, and SVG for logos or icons. Additionally, compress images to ensure your store loads quickly.
Follow Shopify’s Theme Structure
Shopify themes have a specific file structure. Familiarize yourself with the Liquid templating language and the basic theme layout (sections, templates, snippets, etc.). This knowledge will make the conversion smoother and ensure your store is easy to update.
Test Thoroughly
Test your Shopify store on different browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) to ensure everything looks and works smoothly.
Check interactive elements like forms and menus, and use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to ensure fast load times.
Minimize Code for Performance
Keep your code clean and efficient. Remove unnecessary scripts, use modular CSS/JavaScript, and minify files to reduce load times. Implement lazy loading for images to improve performance, ensuring your store runs fast and efficiently.
Hiring a Developer vs. DIY Approach
Converting a PSD file to a Shopify store can seem like a big task, but you have two main options to get the job done: hiring a developer or taking the DIY route.
Hiring a Developer
If you’re aiming for a smooth and stress-free experience, hiring a developer is a solid option. A skilled developer can transform your PSD design into a fully functional Shopify store, ensuring that it looks professional, performs well, and meets all your expectations.
They have the expertise to handle not only the basic setup but also any complex or custom features you may need, such as advanced integrations, unique design elements, or specific functionalities tailored to your business.
While hiring a developer does come with a cost, the benefits often outweigh the expense. You’ll save a significant amount of time and avoid dealing with the more technical aspects of building a Shopify store, like coding or troubleshooting.
Plus, developers can ensure everything runs smoothly from the start, offering you peace of mind knowing that your store is in expert hands. For those who prefer focusing on other aspects of their business, having a developer handle the process is an efficient and reliable approach.
DIY Approach
If you’re the hands-on type and want to save some money, a DIY approach could work. Shopify has tools that let non-coders put together a decent site.
However, converting a PSD design requires you to dig into some coding, like HTML and CSS. It’s cheaper, but can also eat up your time, especially if you’re not familiar with building websites.
Whether you choose a developer or go the DIY route depends on your skills, budget, and how quickly you want your site up and running. Both options can get the job done, but picking the right one will make the process a whole lot smoother.
Ready to Convert Your PSD to Shopify? Let Tigren Help!
In conclusion, converting your PSD design to Shopify can transform your online presence and elevate your brand.
By ensuring your site is visually appealing and user-friendly, you can attract and retain customers more effectively. Whether you choose to hire a developer or take the DIY route, converting your PSD to Shopify can be a smooth process, depending on your budget, time, and technical skills.
At Tigren, we specialize in PSD to Shopify theme conversion, ensuring your designs are brought to life with a fully functional, optimized, pixel-perfect, and multilingual Shopify store.
Our service guarantees cross-browser compatibility, so your storefront performs seamlessly across devices and platforms. Simply share your vision with us, and our expert development team will transform it into a Shopify store that stands out and converts.
Reach out to Tigren today and let’s start creating a Shopify store that will enhance your brand and drive sales!
