Check if a website is using Shopify
Check URL structure
The easiest check you can do to see whether a site is using Shopify is to check the URLs:
"/collections/" in the URL for shop categories is unique to Shopify.
Add "/admin" to the end of the website's URL. If it’s a Shopify site, this will take you to the admin login page that will be branded with Shopify.
Inspect the code
For a more hands-on approach, you can inspect the website’s source code. Right-click on the webpage, select "Inspect", "Inspect Element", "Page source" or View source code" to see the page’s HTML code. Then, look for — or better yet, search (CTRL+F)—Shopify-specific tags and references, such as:
shopify.com
cdn.shopify.com
These references in the code are strong indicators that the site is using Shopify.
Check the Checkout
If a site uses Headless Shopify, it may not follow standard Shopify URL patterns. Here’s how to check:
Add an item to your cart and proceed to checkout. Even with a Headless setup, the store will likely use Shopify’s default checkout.
Examine the URL: Shopify checkout URLs often follow a specific structure, such as:
https://checkout.sitename.com/checkouts/co/[unique ID]
or
https://sitename.com/checkouts/cn/[unique ID]
or
https://shop.app/checkout/
Look for Shopify branding: Check the footer of the checkout page for a “Powered by Shopify” message or mentions of ShopPay, Shopify's payment gateway.
Pay attention to the checkout layout: Shopify checkouts typically follow a consistent layout of fields to enter address, shipping, and payment information. The page is usually split into two sections with fields located on the left-hand side and order information and discount codes on the right. This familiar layout can be a strong clue that the website uses Shopify for its checkout process. You can see an example below:
Use Third-Party Tools
Several online tools are specifically designed to identify the technology stack of a website. Services like "BuiltWith" and browser extensions such as "Wappalyzer" not only confirm if a site is on Shopify but also offer a comprehensive breakdown of the technologies in use. This includes details about hosting providers, content delivery networks, and analytics tools, providing a holistic view of the website's infrastructure.
Robots.txt File Exploration
The "robots.txt" file is a standard used by websites to communicate with web crawlers and search engines. Exploring a store's robots.txt file, typically found at the root of the domain, may reveal references to Shopify or specific Shopify-related paths. This subtle trail within the file can serve as additional confirmation of the Shopify platform in use. You can do so by appending /robots.txt to the end of a url. Once you hit enter, and if it is a Shopify site, you may see a message on the web page which is says something similar to "we use Shopify as our ecommerce platform".
How to tell what Shopify theme a website is using
The aesthetic appeal of an online store is a critical factor in attracting customers and building a brand identity. If you come across a Shopify store with a design that resonates with you, discovering the theme it uses can provide a solid foundation for your store's visual identity.
To identify the Shopify theme of a website, you can use online tools like "Shopify Theme Detector" or browser extensions such as "WhatRuns." These tools not only reveal the active theme but also provide additional information about the theme's popularity and customisation.
Every Shopify store is built upon a theme that dictates its visual appearance and functionality. To discover the theme a particular website is using, consider utilising online tools like "Shopify Theme Detector" or browser extensions such as Wappalyzer. These tools efficiently scan the website and provide valuable information about the active theme.
However, it’s not just about discovering themes – it’s also about choosing the right one for your brand. If you’re looking to make your store stand out, a custom Shopify store redesign can elevate your brand identity and improve the user experience.
How to see what Shopify plugins a website uses
Enhancing the functionality of your Shopify store often involves leveraging plugins to add features and improve user experience. If you encounter a website with impressive functionalities, discovering the plugins it has installed can provide valuable insights into optimising your own store.
To identify Shopify plugins on a website, you can use browser extensions like "BuiltWith" or online tools such as "Shopper Ninja." These tools scan the website and provide a list of installed plugins and apps. Additionally, examining the website's source code and looking for script tags related to Shopify apps can offer clues about the plugins in use.
How to find out what apps a Shopify store is using
Apps play a pivotal role in extending the functionality of a Shopify store, offering a wide array of features to enhance the customer experience. If you come across a Shopify store with functionalities you wish to incorporate, discovering the apps it uses is essential for replicating that success.
To find out what apps a Shopify store is using, you can use browser extensions like "Shopify Inspector" or online tools like "Shopify App Detector." These tools analyse the website and provide a comprehensive list of installed apps. Additionally, checking the store's URL for specific app-related paths or inspecting the source code for app-related script tags can reveal the applications in use.
Recognising a Shopify-powered website involves a blend of observation, online tools, and code inspection. Whether you're a curious consumer or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, understanding the platform behind a website can offer valuable insights. Armed with the techniques discussed in this article, you can navigate the online shopping landscape with a sharper eye, gaining a deeper appreciation for the ubiquitous presence of Shopify in the e-commerce realm.
Shopify stands out as one of the leading global platforms for e-commerce websites. With Shopify, much of the cumbersome work is handled, allowing store owners to concentrate on their core business. If you're interested in creating a website using Shopify, get in touch to see how we can help you.
