> 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/installation.md).

# Installation

How to upload DRIFT Starter to your Shopify store.

## What you have after purchase

Your purchase email links to a downloadable folder. Inside it:

* `DRIFT Starter Theme (vX.Y).zip` — the actual theme file
* `DRIFT Starter — Setup Guide.pdf` — printable setup walkthrough

You only upload the **theme zip** to Shopify. The PDF is for reference.

## Upload the theme

1. Open your Shopify admin
2. **Online Store** → **Themes**
3. Top-right dropdown → **Add theme** → **Upload zip file**
4. Select `DRIFT Starter Theme (vX.Y).zip`
5. Wait for it to process (usually 30 seconds)

Once uploaded, DRIFT Starter shows up in your **Theme library** — but it's not live yet.

## Customize before publishing

Don't publish yet. First click **Customize** on the DRIFT Starter theme to make sure it looks right with your products and content. The theme editor opens.

You can preview the whole storefront from inside the editor before going live. Customers won't see anything until you hit **Publish**.

## Common issues

**"Theme upload failed"** Make sure you uploaded the **inner** zip, not the outer download folder. The download is wrapped in a folder containing the PDF and the actual theme zip — Shopify only takes the theme zip.

**"This theme is incompatible with your Shopify plan"** DRIFT requires a Basic Shopify plan or higher. Free trial plans work for upload and customization but not for going live.

**"Section settings reset" or weird previews** Hard refresh the theme editor (`Cmd + Shift + R` on Mac, `Ctrl + Shift + R` on Windows). Shopify caches theme assets aggressively.

## What's next

Now that the theme's installed, head to [First-Time Setup](/drift-shopify-theme/drift-starter/getting-started/first-time-setup.md) to plug in your branding.