Shopify tightens Liquid parsing rules for themes starting Jan 13, 2026
Shopify began enforcing stricter Liquid parsing for all themes on Jan 13, 2026, with automatic rewrites for incompatible files. Theme Store and App Store submissions already require strict-parsable Liquid for new themes and theme app extensions.
Shopify started enforcing stricter Liquid parsing for all themes yesterday, with the enforcement date set to January 13, 2026.
Shopify says the stricter parser targets Liquid that previously passed despite syntax issues, and it’s being applied across themes and theme app extensions.
If a theme contains Liquid that doesn’t meet the stricter requirements, Shopify will automatically rewrite the affected files to make them compatible.
Shopify states that each rewritten file will include a comment describing what was changed during the rewrite process.
Shopify says the rewrite is designed to preserve a theme’s functionality and appearance while correcting Liquid syntax issues that could cause future problems.
For new work, Shopify says strict-parsable Liquid is already required for all new submissions to the Theme Store and the App Store, including theme app extensions.
Shopify published a migration guide alongside the change, and it focuses on updating Liquid code to meet the strict parsing rules introduced on January 13, 2026.