How to migrate from Webflow to Shopify: Detail Guide By LitExtension Expert

How to Migrate from Webflow to Shopify: Step-by-Step

Webflow and Shopify are built on very different systems, the migration process requires careful preparation and some manual work. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 steps to migrate from Webflow to Shopify.

First check the Webflow to Shopify checklist:

• Backup Inventory and Content
• Set Up Your Shopify Store
• Export Data from Webflow
• Import Data into Shopify
• Manually Add Missing Products & Adjust Listings
• Review and Optimize Your Store
• Test Your Shopify Store

Also, make sure you have Admin rights to both Webflow and Shopify, as well as a stable internet connection.

Once the migration environment is set up, let’s get started with the migration steps:

Step 1: Backup Inventory and Content

Before making any changes, start by securing a backup of your Webflow site. Webflow backups are automatically generated. It automatically creates backups for all site plans, including Starter, Basic, CMS, Business, and Enterprise, and you get unlimited storage.

While automated backups offer convenience, they may not capture every detail, such as CMS content exports or specific design nuances. Therefore, manual backups are a crucial supplement to Webflow’s automated system, particularly for those managing complex projects.

For details, please read our article on how to perform manual backup for Webflow written by our experts.

After backing up your Webflow store, you can proceed to the next step of the Webflow to Shopify migration.

Step 2: Set Up Your Shopify Store

(If you already have a Shopify store, you can skip this step)

Set up your Shopify store by preparing it to receive your data from Webflow:

• Signing up for a Shopify account and choosing a Shopify plan that best fits your business needs.
• Pick a Shopify theme that aligns with your brand’s style. If you have no idea, you can use Shopify default theme a.k.a Dawn.
• Configure your store settings to ensure your store is ready for operation.

Don’t worry too much about setting up your Shopify store at first. Focus on migrating data from Webflow, then handle the setup afterward.

Step 3: Export Data from Webflow

Export data from Webflow, keeping in mind that only certain types of content can be exported.

Tip: Before exporting data from Webflow, remove any unnecessary, irrelevant, or duplicate data to ensure a faster and more accurate export and import process.

You can export the following data:

• Code: HTML, CSS, JavaScript. Includes static code for all site pages and design elements.
• Images and assets: Includes all uploaded images and fonts in the Assets panel.
• SEO metadata: Page titles, meta descriptions, and Open Graph tags are included.
• CMS Content: Exported as CSV (Dynamic connections lost).
• eCommerce Data: Exported as CSV (Storefronts, carts, and checkout processes not included).

To export all this data, please follow the detailed Webflow data export guide compiled by LitExtension experts.

Step 4: Import Data into Shopify

Import your data into Shopify via CSV file, but be aware that its CSV format is quite strict. Here are steps to import your data into Shopify via CSV file:

• Step 1: Reformat your Webflow CSV to match Shopify’s import template. Include required headers such as Handle, Title, Body (HTML), Vendor, Tags, Option1 Name / Option1 Value, Variant SKU, Variant Price, Variant Inventory Qty, Image Src, etc. Save the file as a UTF-8 encoded CSV.
• Step 2: In Shopify Admin go to Products > Import, choose your CSV file, and start the upload.
• Step 3: Handle product images. Webflow exports typically don’t include image URLs. If you can host images publicly, add their URLs to the Image Src column; otherwise upload product images manually via Shopify’s product editor after import.
• Step 4: Verify and fix. After import, review your store thoroughly, check titles, descriptions, variants, SKUs, prices, inventory, images, and collections, and correct any errors or broken links.

Step 5: Manually Add Missing Products & Adjust Listings

Manually add any missing products and adjust your listings, as Webflow’s export options are limited:

• Prepare assets & data: Make a list of missing products and gather product names, descriptions, prices, SKUs, inventory counts, images, and any variant info (size, color).
• Add the details for products in Shopify: In Shopify Admin go to Products, fill in key fields: Title, Description, Price, SKU, Inventory quantity / tracking, and Media (images/videos). Optional: set Product type, Vendor, Weight (for shipping), and SEO preview.
• Set up variants: Under Options, add variant attributes (e.g., Size, Color). Create each variant, then assign its price, SKU, inventory level, and image as needed so customers can select options easily.
• Organize your catalog: Use Collections and Tags to group products for better navigation. Create collections (manual or automated) and apply relevant tags and product types.
• Save, review, and test: Click Save, preview the product on your storefront, and verify images, variant selection, pricing, and inventory. Add the product or collection to your site navigation (Online Store > Navigation) so customers can find it.

Step 6: Review and Optimize Your Store

• Review and optimize your Shopify store to ensure everything looks and functions as intended.
• Start by adapting your design using Shopify’s theme editor or, if needed, Liquid customization to align with your previous Webflow style. Since Shopify is template-driven, expect to make some adjustments rather than a perfect one-to-one match.
• Next, transfer your SEO settings by adding page titles, meta descriptions, and image alt texts to maintain search visibility. Because Shopify’s URL structure differs from Webflow (for example, /blog/my-post may become /blogs/news/my-post), set up 301 redirects to preserve SEO rankings and prevent broken links.
• Finally, verify that all content including blog posts, pages, and product descriptions has migrated correctly and is displaying as expected.

Step 7: Test Your Shopify Store

Before going live, thoroughly test your Shopify store to ensure everything functions smoothly. Begin by checking navigation and links to confirm that menus, category filters, search, and internal links are working correctly. Place test orders in Shopify’s test mode to verify that the checkout process and payment gateways operate as expected. Review your store’s responsiveness across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices to guarantee a consistent shopping experience. Additionally, run performance checks with Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and resolve any loading issues.

Don’t have much time to do it yourself? Contact LitExtension Experts for our AIO Migration service consultation.