Optimizing performance

Make your checkout links load faster by optimizing the theme template. This optional configuration removes header and footer sections to improve load times.

IMPORTANT: Only proceed if you're comfortable working in the Shopify theme editor. Incorrect changes can break your checkout links. If you're unsure, reach out to support or consult with a Shopify expert or developer first.

This optimization is not done automatically to preserve your theme's design and prevent any potential conflicts with your existing theme setup.

Why Optimize?

By default, checkout links use your store's header and footer. Removing these elements:

• Reduces page load time - Fewer assets and scripts to load
• Simplifies the checkout experience - Customers focus on completing their purchase
• Improves mobile performance - Less scrolling and faster loading on mobile devices

Do not remove the "Checkout links" app block - it's essential for links to work. Only remove header, footer, and other optional theme sections.

Optimizing Your Template

1. Access Theme Editor

   Log in to your Shopify admin and navigate to Online Store > Themes. Click Customize to open the theme editor.

2. Navigate to Checkout Links Template

   From the top bar, click Home page and scroll down to find Checkout links at the bottom of the dropdown menu.

3. Select the Template

   Under the meta-object pages section, click Checkout links. You'll see a template named "App--3135504385--checkout links (default)" - this is the template used for all your checkout link pages.

4. Review Current Setup

   You'll see your theme's header and footer sections, plus a box that says:

   "This section will handle your links. Please do not remove this section or make any changes to this template."

   This is the Checkout Links app block extension - keep this intact.

5. Remove Header and Footer

   To optimize performance:

   1. Select your Header section and remove it
   2. Select your Footer section and remove it
   3. Remove any other optional sections on the page

   Important: In the Template section, keep the Checkout links app block - it's crucial for making links work.

6. Save Your Changes

   Click Save to apply your optimization. Your checkout links will now load faster without the header and footer.

What to Keep vs. Remove

Element

Action

Reason

Checkout links app block

KEEP

Essential for links to function

Header section

Remove

Optional - reduces load time

Footer section

Remove

Optional - reduces load time

Other theme sections

Remove

Optional - reduces load time

Verifying Your Changes

After saving, test your checkout links:

1. Open any checkout link from your store
2. Verify the page loads quickly
3. Confirm the checkout link functionality still works
4. Check that products, discounts, and cart features function correctly

If you want to restore your header and footer later, simply add them back to the template. Your theme settings are never permanently changed.

Disable Third-Party Apps on Checkout Link Pages

For even better performance, disable third-party apps from loading on your checkout link pages. Many apps like pop-ups, help centers, and chat widgets allow you to exclude specific pages.

Common Apps to Disable

Consider disabling these types of apps on checkout link pages:

• Pop-up apps (newsletter sign-ups, exit intent, etc.)
• Chat widgets (live chat, customer support)

How to Disable Apps

Most apps have settings to exclude pages by URL pattern. Look for options like "Page exclusions" or "Where to display" in your app settings, and add:

*/pages/cl*

This pattern will exclude all checkout link pages (which use /pages/cl in their URL) from loading that app's JavaScript, resulting in faster load times.

Check each app's documentation for specific instructions on excluding pages. Not all apps support URL-based exclusions.

Do not make any changes if you're not comfortable in the theme editor. Incorrect modifications can break your checkout links' functionality. When in doubt, reach out to support or consult with a Shopify expert or developer before proceeding.