Code editor and versions

Edit theme code safely and roll back if something breaks.

What this is

HousingStreet gives you two related tools:

• The code editor — change theme files (templates, CSS, sections) with a live preview. Saves are drafts until you publish.

• Version history — snapshots of your theme. Roll back if an edit breaks your site.

UI path: Website → Code editor · Website → Version history · Website → Customize

Steps — code editor

Use the code editor when you need to change Liquid templates, CSS, or section files directly.

1. Open the editor

   Go to Website → Code editor (/website/editor). You need an active theme installed first.

2. Pick a file

   Use the file tree on the left. Click a template, stylesheet, or section file. The editor opens with syntax highlighting.

3. Edit and save a draft

   Make your changes. Save the file — HousingStreet stores it as a draft. Drafts do not affect visitors yet. The live preview panel shows draft changes when available.

4. Publish to go live

   Click Publish (or Set as live) in the editor toolbar. Visitors now see your changes on the storefront.

5. Optional — fork as new theme

   Use Save as new theme to duplicate your work into a separate theme copy without overwriting the live one.

Prefer clicking instead of coding? Use Website → Customize for colors, fonts, and section settings without touching code.

Steps — version history

Version history is separate from the editor. It is your undo button for the whole theme.

1. Open version history

   Go to Website → Version history (/website/versions). You see the active theme name and how many snapshots exist.

2. Review a snapshot

   Scroll the timeline. Each entry shows version number, date, and who saved it. Click View changes to compare files against the current version.

3. Roll back

   Find the good snapshot. Click Rollback to this version. Confirm. HousingStreet saves your current files as a new version, then restores the older one.

4. Check the storefront

   Open your website in a new tab. If something still looks wrong, pick an earlier snapshot and roll back again.

5. Export or import (optional)

   Use Export Current to download a theme package. Use Import Version to upload a .zip — imports create a new inactive theme you can review before going live.

Code editor vs version history

| | Code editor | Version history |

|---|-------------|-----------------|

| Purpose | Edit individual files | Undo the whole theme |

| Path | Website → Code editor | Website → Version history |

| Saves | Draft per file, then Publish | Automatic snapshot on publish |

| Best for | Small CSS or template tweaks | Recovering from a bad publish |

Expected result

You can make deeper design changes without fear. A broken edit is fixable in one rollback from version history. Day-to-day tweaks flow: edit → save draft → preview → publish.

Open code editor →

Open version history →