Introduction: Why Identify Shopify Websites?

Identifying a website's e-commerce platform offers valuable insights for various users.

For entrepreneurs and developers, identifying Shopify stores enables competitive analysis. This reveals successful themes, app integrations, and market strategies, helping them refine their own online presence.

Consumers also gain confidence from sites using reputable platforms like Shopify. These platforms often correlate with security, reliability, and a smooth shopping experience.

Ultimately, knowing a website's platform supports informed market research, strategic planning, and a deeper understanding of the e-commerce landscape.

Way 1: Use a Free Shopify Detector Tool

The fastest and most reliable way to check if a website is using Shopify is by using a specialized detection tool. Instead of digging through code manually, these tools do the heavy lifting for you in seconds. See our review of the best Shopify theme detectors for more options.

Simply enter the URL of the store you want to check into ShopifyThemeDetector.tools. Our tool will instantly analyze the site's technology stack and tell you if it's running on Shopify.

If it is a Shopify store, identifying it with our tool will also reveal:

Check any Shopify store instantly

Want to know if a site is Shopify? Verify it now for free.

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Way 2: Inspect the Website's Footer and URL Structure

Check for 'Powered by Shopify' in the Footer

Look for a 'Powered by Shopify' message in the website's footer. This is a default platform setting, especially common on newer or smaller stores. Larger brands or those with custom themes often remove or customize this link for branding. If visible, it's a direct indicator of a Shopify-powered store.

Look for Shopify-Specific URL Patterns

Examine the website's URL structure for distinct Shopify patterns:

  • /collections/: Appears in product category URLs (e.g., yourstore.com/collections/shoes).
  • /products/: Used for individual product pages (e.g., yourstore.com/products/blue-t-shirt).
  • /admin: Appending /admin to the domain (e.g., yourstore.com/admin) often redirects to the Shopify admin login page.
  • Original Shopify Domain: Some sites may still reveal their original .myshopify.com subdomain in certain redirects, though less common with custom domains.

Observe the Checkout Process

The checkout process also provides clues. Add an item to your cart and proceed to checkout. Shopify's checkout pages typically feature a consistent design, with order details on the right and customer information on the left. Checkout URLs often change to checkout.shopify.com or include paths like /checkouts/co/ or /checkouts/cn/, even with a custom store URL. Also, look for 'Shop Pay' or 'Powered by Shopify' mentions on payment or cart pages.

Way 3: Examine the Website's Source Code for Shopify Clues

Examine a website's source code to reliably find Shopify indicators. First, navigate to the desired website.

Right-click anywhere on the page and select "View Page Source" or "Inspect" (browser terminology varies). Alternatively, use Ctrl+U (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+U (macOS). This action opens a new tab or panel displaying the website's underlying HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allowing you to search for Shopify clues.

Once the source code is open, use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to find these Shopify indicators:

  • Shopify CDN Links: Search for cdn.shopify.com. If this domain appears in script (<script>) or stylesheet (<link>) URLs (e.g., //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/), it strongly indicates Shopify, as the platform hosts its assets here.
  • Shopify Meta Tags: Check the <head> section for meta tags containing shopify: (e.g., <meta property="shopify:digital-wallet" content="..."/> or <meta property="shopify:theme_id" content="...">). Shopify explicitly uses these tags.
  • Theme References: Search for theme.liquid, Shopify.theme, or theme_store_id. Shopify's Liquid templating language and JavaScript objects frequently reveal the active theme.
  • HTML Comments: Look for HTML comments from Shopify themes, such as <!-- /snippets/theme-name.liquid --> or <!-- This site uses the [Theme Name] theme -->.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopify Website Detection

Can Shopify stores hide their platform?

Shopify stores can remove obvious signs, like the "Powered by Shopify" footer. However, completely hiding the platform is difficult. Source code inspection or detector tools often reveal Shopify's presence.

Are all Shopify websites easy to identify?

No, not all Shopify websites are easy to identify. Stores with heavily customized themes, removed footers, or advanced development can be harder to detect. These sites often require a more thorough investigation using multiple methods.

Why is knowing a website's platform important?

Knowing a website's platform is important for competitive analysis. It helps you understand competitor strategies, including themes and app integrations. For consumers, it can indicate a reputable e-commerce platform, building trust and a sense of security.

What if I can't find any Shopify indicators?

If you find no Shopify indicators, try combining detection methods. Use a detector tool, check the source code for subtle clues, and review URL patterns. If still unsuccessful, the site likely uses a different e-commerce platform or a custom solution.

Conclusion: Easily Identify Shopify Websites

Identifying Shopify websites is straightforward. You can use quick detector tools, check footer links and URL patterns, or examine the source code. These methods make the platform's presence clear. Uncovering a site's platform offers valuable insights for competitive analysis or simply satisfies curiosity.

LM

Leo Myers

Shopify Expert

Leo Myers is a Shopify Expert with seven years of experience helping brands build and scale their online stores. He specializes in custom theme development, conversion optimization, and third-party integrations.