> 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/getting-started/first-time-setup.md).

# First-Time Setup

Branding, navigation, and homepage setup — the steps to take after installation.

Once DRIFT Starter is [installed](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/getting-started/installation.md), follow this order to configure your store before going live.

## 1. Favicon

**Theme settings →** [**Favicon**](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/theme-settings/favicon.md)

Upload your favicon (32x32 px or larger square image). Your main header logo lives on the Header section, not in this group.

## 2. Default color mode

**Theme settings →** [**DRIFT — General**](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/theme-settings/general.md)

Choose whether your store loads in **Light** or **Dark** mode. Shoppers can toggle between the two using the switch in the header.

DRIFT uses its own light/dark system. Shopify's color schemes are required by Shopify but do not affect the storefront.

## 3. Header

In the customizer, edit the **DRIFT Header** section. Configure:

* Light- and dark-mode logos
* Logo height
* Navigation menu (defaults to `main-menu`)
* Optional icons: search, account

Configure menu items in **Online Store → Navigation**. Full reference: [Header section](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/sections-and-features/header.md).

## 4. Social media URLs

**Theme settings →** [**Social media**](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/theme-settings/social-media.md)

Paste full URLs for the platforms you use (Instagram, TikTok, etc.). Leave fields blank for platforms you don't use. These appear on the password page.

## 5. Cart settings

**Theme settings →** [**DRIFT — Cart**](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/theme-settings/cart.md)

Enable dynamic checkout buttons (Apple Pay, Shop Pay, etc.) if your Shopify Payments setup supports them.

## 6. Search and currency display

* **Theme settings →** [**Search behavior**](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/theme-settings/search-behavior.md) — Predictive search, vendor visibility, price visibility.
* **Theme settings →** [**Currency format**](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/theme-settings/currency-format.md) — Whether to show the currency code next to prices.

## 7. Products and collections

If your store doesn't have products yet, add them now in **Products → Add product**.

For best results in DRIFT:

* Use square or 3:4 portrait product images
* Add at least 4 product images per product
* Set up product variants properly
* Write product descriptions

For collections: **Products → Collections → Create collection**.

## 8. Pages

In **Online Store → Pages**, create the pages your buyers expect (About, Contact, Shipping & Returns). Privacy and Terms are auto-generated from **Settings → Policies**.

## 9. Homepage sections

In the customizer, click **Add section** on the homepage to drop in:

* DRIFT Feed
* Collection List

Each section is documented under [Sections & Features](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/sections-and-features.md).

## What's next

When everything looks right in the theme editor, head to [Going Live](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/getting-started/going-live.md) to publish.