> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.webexp.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.webexp.dev/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/customer-accounts.md).

# Customer Accounts

How DRIFT handles customer login, register, and account pages.

DRIFT supports both Shopify's classic and new customer account systems. Customers can:

* Create an account
* Log in
* View order history
* Manage saved addresses
* Edit account info
* Log out

## Classic vs new customer accounts

Shopify offers two account systems. Both work in DRIFT, but they have different behavior.

### Classic accounts (legacy)

* Customers log in with email + password
* Account pages are built into your theme
* DRIFT styles them to match your brand

### New customer accounts (recommended for new stores)

* Customers log in with a magic link sent to their email (no password)
* Account pages are hosted by Shopify on a separate URL
* Less customizable, but more secure and simpler for customers

To choose between them:

1. Shopify admin → **Settings** → **Customer accounts**
2. Pick **Classic accounts** or **New accounts**
3. Save

Most new stores should use **New accounts** unless you have a specific reason to use classic.

## Pages DRIFT renders

If you're using **classic accounts**, DRIFT renders these pages:

| Page           | URL                      | What it does                                      |
| -------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Login          | /account/login           | Customer enters email + password                  |
| Register       | /account/register        | New customer creates an account                   |
| Account        | /account                 | Logged-in customer's dashboard with order history |
| Addresses      | /account/addresses       | Manage saved shipping addresses                   |
| Order          | /account/orders/\[id]    | View a specific past order                        |
| Reset password | /account/reset\_password | Forgot-password flow                              |

If you're using **new accounts**, Shopify hosts these pages — DRIFT just shows a "Sign in" link in the header that redirects to Shopify's hosted login.

## Customizing account pages (classic only)

Each account page is rendered by a Liquid template in your theme. To customize:

1. **Online Store** → **Themes** → **Edit code**
2. Find the `templates/customers/` folder
3. Edit the relevant `.liquid` file (e.g., `customers/login.liquid`)
4. Save

Most customization needs (colors, fonts, button styles) are handled automatically by DRIFT's theme variables. Only edit the templates if you need to add/remove fields or change layouts.

## Tips

* **Decide early** — switching between classic and new accounts mid-launch is messy. Pick one before going live
* **For most modern stores, use new accounts** — fewer support tickets ("I forgot my password"), better security
* **Test the full flow** — register → confirm email → log in → place an order → log out. Make sure each step works on mobile and desktop
* **Personalize where possible** — if you have a customer's name, use it. "Hi Sarah" beats "Welcome back" for return visits