Overview
Developer Mode lets Shopify merchants make code-level edits to a ReferralCandy campaign Theme.
Use it when you need more control than the Visual Editor allows.
Important:
Developer Mode is enabled per Theme.
Turning on Developer Mode turns off automatic theme updates for that Theme.
Incorrect code changes can break that Theme’s emails, pages, widgets, or layout.
ReferralCandy does not provide customer support for fixing broken custom code.
Best practice:
Duplicate your Theme first.
Test your changes in the duplicate.
Only switch to that Theme when you’re ready.
Before you start
This article covers code-level editing for ReferralCandy campaign Themes on Shopify.
This article does not cover:
Standard branding/content changes in the Visual Editor
Shopify checkout blocks/extensions
Join block or other widget text/settings edited in Widgets
Shopify’s own native emails or theme code outside ReferralCandy
If you only need to update text, logo, banner, colors, or fonts, use the Visual Editor instead.
Related:
Visual Editor vs Developer Mode
Use the Visual Editor if you want to:
Update logos, banners, fonts, colors, and other standard theme settings
Edit content using the default editor without changing code
Use Developer Mode if you want to:
Make code-level edits to supported ReferralCandy theme files
Edit HTML, CSS, or Liquid in your campaign Theme
Go beyond the options available in the Visual Editor
How to enter Developer Mode
In your Shopify admin, go to ReferralCandy.
Go to Campaigns.
Select your campaign.
In Customize campaign, click Themes.
Find the Theme you want to edit.
Click the ... menu on that Theme.
Click Code Editor.
Review the warning message carefully.
Confirm the acknowledgement checkbox.
Click Enable Developer Mode.
Notes:
Developer Mode is enabled for that specific Theme only.
Other Themes in the same campaign are not automatically changed.
If you want a safer setup, duplicate the Theme before enabling Developer Mode.
How to open the code editor later
After Developer Mode is enabled:
Go to ReferralCandy.
Go to Campaigns.
Select your campaign.
Click Themes.
Find the Theme.
Click the ... menu.
Click Code Editor.
This opens the code editor for that Theme.
How to navigate inside the code editor
Inside the code editor:
Use the dropdown in the top-left to switch between the available editable theme files.
Select the email, page, widget, or other theme file you want to edit.
Make your changes.
Preview your updates if needed.
Save or publish your changes.
The exact files shown in the dropdown depend on the Theme and the available ReferralCandy templates.
Using Liquid in Developer Mode
ReferralCandy uses the Shopify Liquid template language to apply dynamic variables in campaign emails and pages.
If you want to insert dynamic campaign data into supported ReferralCandy templates, see:
Note:
Liquid variables only work in supported ReferralCandy built-in emails and pages.
They do not work in Shopify’s built-in emails, such as Shopify order confirmation emails.
Recommended workflow
Go to Themes.
Duplicate your current Theme.
Open the duplicate Theme.
Enable Developer Mode on the duplicate.
Make and test your code changes there.
When ready, switch to that Theme.
This helps reduce the risk of breaking your live Theme while you experiment.
Troubleshooting
I only want to change text, images, colors, or fonts
Use the Visual Editor instead of Developer Mode.
I enabled Developer Mode but now automatic theme updates are off
That is expected for that Theme once Developer Mode is enabled.
I made code changes and the Theme no longer looks right
Review your recent edits and revert the broken code if possible.
ReferralCandy does not provide troubleshooting support for broken custom code.
I’m trying to edit a Shopify block or extension
Developer Mode for ReferralCandy Themes does not control Shopify checkout blocks/extensions or widget block settings.
Use the article for the specific block/extension you’re editing.
FAQ
Can I enable Developer Mode for just one Theme?
Yes. Developer Mode is enabled per Theme.
Should I duplicate my Theme first?
Yes, this is the recommended approach before making code-level edits.
Can ReferralCandy help fix my custom code?
No. ReferralCandy does not provide customer support for fixing broken custom code.
Can I still use Liquid variables?
Yes, in supported ReferralCandy built-in emails and pages.
Where do I switch between different editable files?
Use the dropdown in the top-left of the code editor.