Shopify CLI vs Shopify editor (and edit code): which one should you use?
Last updated: 24-12-2025
Reading time: 2 min
Shopify CLI vs Shopify editor (and edit code): which one should you use?
When working with Shopify themes, developers and content managers have three main options: the Shopify online theme editor, the Shopify CLI, and the in-dashboard edit code feature. Each serves a purpose depending on the task, team, and project size.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Shopify CLI vs Shopify editor (and edit code): which one should you use?
Shopify online theme editor
Best for: quick edits, non-developers, merchandisers
Pros:
Drag-and-drop interface, no coding required
Easy visual changes to the homepage and sections
Preview updates live before publishing
Great for marketers or merchandisers
Cons:
Limited control over custom layouts or files
Doesn’t allow logic-based customization (Liquid)
Can become restrictive for advanced edits
Shopify CLI (command line interface)
Best for: developers, custom themes, version control
Pros:
Full control over theme code in local development
Supports Git for version tracking and collaboration
Run theme check, hot-reload, and preview changes locally
Ideal for custom themes, scalable workflows
Cons:
Requires setup, Git, CLI, and local dev environment knowledge
Not suitable for non-technical users
Initial setup takes time
Shopify “edit code” in admin
Best for: minor code fixes, quick dev changes without CLI
Pros:
Accessible from the Shopify admin
Allows you to edit theme files (Liquid, CSS, JS, JSON) directly
Useful for small tweaks, bug fixes, or urgent changes
Great fallback if CLI access isn't available
Cons:
No version control, changes go live immediately
Higher risk of errors if multiple people edit at once
Not ideal for complex or collaborative development
When to use what?
Task | Shopify CLI | Theme editor | Edit code |
Full theme development | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Risky |
Drag-and-drop homepage edits | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Fixing a Liquid bug quickly | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Working with Git/version control | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Updating meta tags or code snippets | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Marketing team content updates | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Final thoughts
Each Shopify tool has its purpose:
Use Shopify CLI for proper development and versioning.
Use the theme editor for visual, content-based updates.
Use edit code for fast, direct changes, but with caution.
A successful Shopify workflow often combines all three, assigning the right tool to the right team.