How to Tame the Shopify Sort By Dropdown and Make It Your Own

It was one of those rainy afternoons when I decided to ignore the call to cozy up with a good book and instead tackle the messy corner of my digital storefront—the notorious Shopify "sort by" dropdown. You see, I've got a history with dropdown menus. We'd had our fair share of disagreements, with dropdowns often altering my well-intended designs into labyrinths driving my patience to the edge. Fast forward to that afternoon, I determined to rebrand my Shopify sort by labels and trim the unwelcome options. If you're facing a similar dropdown dilemma, stick around. We’ll unravel this mystery together, one line of code at a time.

Discovering the Secret Code Location

First, imagine you're about to embark on a treasure hunt. But instead of gold coins, we're after code snippets lurking in the depths of your Shopify theme. These snippets dictate the options and labels of your sort dropdown.

Theme Files: Your Playground
Navigate to your Shopify admin dashboard. Click on 'Online Store', then 'Themes'. Once there, choose the theme you're working with and hit 'Edit code'. This space, my friends, is where the magic happens, but be warned—it's like starting a game in expert mode by accident.
Find the Collection Template
The 'collection.liquid' or similar file under the ‘Templates’ section houses the initial clues. It’s often here that the sorting control is set—it might look confusing at first glance (like drunk Scrabble tiles), but bear with it.
Snippets to Sleuth
If nothing jumps out, dive into the ‘Snippets’ folder like an eager Sherlock. Files named "sort-by" or containing "filter" are your new leads. Comb through the code—line by line, methodically—until you find the snippet that controls the sorting dropdown options. It feels kind of like finding the perfect avocado at the store—rare, but rewarding.

Changing Labels in Droves

Now that we've got our hands on the right lines of code—like gripping the reins of a rebellious horse—let’s ease into the straightforward task of changing labels.

Identify the Labels
Hunt down the list of sort options within the file. They'll appear innocuous at first: 'featured', 'best-selling', and so on. Once spotted, decide which options are sticking around for the party and which need custom labels.
Rename With Care
Modify the text inside the quotation marks following each label. For example, change “Featured” to something that resonates more with your store vibe, like "Our Top Picks" if you're feeling fresh. Don't abbreviate too without reason—you don't want "NTO" instead of a clear "New to Old", unless that's an inside joke with your customers.

Trimming Unwanted Options

Think of it like weeding—physically removing the intruders.

Locate & Delete
Spot the code blocks corresponding to each option you want to bid farewell. Simply delete these sections with the enthusiasm of deleting a spam folder. Be sure not to accidentally delete any vital lines—we're not about to take down the whole store over a single dropdown.
Test Your Changes
It’s crucial—more vital than remembering your mom's birthday—not to exit prematurely. Save your work, then hop over to your store’s live version. Check to confirm the changes appear like putting on new glasses and suddenly seeing every detail in HD.

Reflecting on a Clean Code Closet

After the considerable hustle of sorting out the Shopify dropdown, take a step back. What we've accomplished isn't just a task ticked off a list; it's curating a customer experience more authentically aligned with our brand. Every dropdown option says something about us—like proper fashion accessory choices do about attire. If the mere recollection of hunting through code makes you cringe slightly, remember: we're not just vendors; we're digital artists, sculpting storefronts one line of code at a time.

And as we lean back, maybe munching on a well-earned cookie—or two—let’s be thankful for these little improvements that speak volumes to our shoppers. We’re not coders by trade, but we’ve mastered just enough—like knowing how to make a microwave meal extra gourmet. So here’s to rain-soaked afternoons, our persistent spirit, and an ever so slightly more organized online world. Cheers!