Update Versioning Query Parameters for Asset URLs

Executive summary:

• Standardization of asset URL versioning format.
• Enhances support for upcoming infrastructure improvements.
• Affects themes and custom apps using specific URL logic.

What changed

We've updated how Shopify Plus handles versioning for asset URLs, such as CSS and JS files. Previously, assets used varied query parameters like ?108. Now, all asset URLs will adopt a consistent format: ?v=VERSION_STRING. This is reflected in the liquid tags and Shopify-rendered storefront HTML.

Why it matters

This update aligns asset handling with future infrastructure enhancements, ensuring better maintenance and compatibility. It standardizes how external and internal assets are recognized, facilitating smoother integration and functionality for Shopify Plus merchants.

Role-specific impact

• Marketers: No manual adjustments required. Focus shifts purely to content and design strategies without technical interventions.
• Developers: Required to review app or custom code using asset URLs to ensure compatibility with the ?v= format. Updates to regular expressions or logic targeting old numeric query parameters are necessary.
• Store admins: Minimal impact expected as most themes auto-update. Ensure any third-party tool integrations adjust to the new format.

Use-case example

Real-world scenario & metric

Consider a store using a custom app for loading JS assets. Previously, it relied on urls ending in ?123. Switching to the new ?v=123 format ensures app functionality remains intact, preventing future loading errors.

Implementation checklist

1. Inventory current asset usage across themes and apps.
2. Update custom code to recognize the ?v= format.
3. Test changes in a staging environment before live deployment.
4. Review third-party integrations for format compatibility.

FAQ

Q: Do all themes need updating?
A: No, themes with standard asset filters auto-adapt to the new format.

Q: What if there are errors after the update?
A: Review error logs for query parameter mismatches and adjust app logic accordingly.

Resources

For further details, visit Shopify Plus documentation.

Need guidance? Talk to Makro.