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?

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.