# Installing the Theme

This guide walks you through installing Plain Jane Starter v1.0.0 on your Shopify store.

## Prerequisites

Before installing, ensure you have:

* ✅ **Shopify Store** - Any Shopify plan (Basic, Shopify, Advanced)
* ✅ **Admin Access** - Store owner or staff with theme permissions
* ✅ **Theme File** - Plain Jane Starter v1.0.0 zip file from OPENSPACES

## Installation Methods

### Method 1: Upload Theme File (Recommended)

1. **Download the Theme**
   * Ensure you have `plain-jane-starter-v1.0.0.zip` from OPENSPACES
   * Do not unzip the file
2. **Access Shopify Admin**

   ```
   Go to: Your Store Admin → Online Store → Themes
   ```
3. **Upload Theme**
   * Click **"Add theme"** button
   * Select **"Upload zip file"**
   * Choose your `plain-jane-starter-v1.0.0.zip` file
   * Click **"Upload"**

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4. **Wait for Upload**
   * Shopify will process the theme
   * This usually takes 30-60 seconds
   * You'll see "Plain Jane Starter" appear in your theme library

### Method 2: Theme Store (If Available)

If Plain Jane Starter is available in the Shopify Theme Store:

1. **Visit Theme Store**

   ```
   Admin → Online Store → Themes → Visit Theme Store
   ```
2. **Search for Plain Jane**
   * Use search bar: "Plain Jane Starter"
   * Select the official OPENSPACES theme
3. **Install Theme**
   * Click **"Add theme"**
   * Confirm installation

## Post-Installation Steps

### 1. Verify Installation

After upload, you should see:

* **Theme Name**: "Plain Jane Starter"
* **Version**: v1.0.0
* **Developer**: OPENSPACES
* **Status**: Unpublished (initially)

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### 2. Preview Before Publishing

⚠️ **Important**: Always preview before publishing

1. **Click "Actions" → "Preview"**
2. **Test Essential Pages**:
   * Homepage
   * Collection page
   * Product page
   * About page
   * Contact page
3. **Check Mobile View**
   * Use browser dev tools
   * Test responsive design
   * Verify mobile navigation

### 3. Backup Current Theme (If Replacing)

If you're replacing an existing theme:

1. **Download Current Theme**
   * Click "Actions" on current theme
   * Select "Download theme file"
   * Save as backup
2. **Document Current Settings**
   * Screenshot theme settings
   * Note important customizations
   * Export customer data if needed

## Publishing Your Theme

### When to Publish

Only publish after:

* ✅ Preview looks correct
* ✅ Essential pages tested
* ✅ Mobile version verified
* ✅ Current theme backed up (if applicable)

### Publishing Steps

1. **Final Preview Check**
   * One last review of your store
   * Test shopping cart functionality
   * Verify contact forms work
2. **Publish Theme**
   * Click **"Actions" → "Publish"**
   * Confirm you want to make this live
   * Your store will immediately switch to Plain Jane Starter
3. **Test Live Site**
   * Visit your store URL
   * Test checkout process
   * Verify all pages load correctly

## Common Installation Issues

### Upload Fails

**Problem**: Zip file won't upload **Solutions**:

* Ensure file is under 50MB
* Check zip file isn't corrupted
* Try different browser
* Clear browser cache

### Theme Appears Broken

**Problem**: Theme looks wrong after installation **Solutions**:

* Check if theme is actually published
* Clear browser cache
* Test in incognito/private mode
* Verify file wasn't corrupted

### Missing Features

**Problem**: Expected features aren't showing **Solutions**:

* Remember this is the Starter version (limited features)
* Check [Features and Limitations](/plain-jane-starter/getting-started/theme-features-and-limitations.md)
* Verify you have the correct theme file

## Next Steps

After successful installation:

1. **Configure Basic Settings** - [Basic Setup Guide](/plain-jane-starter/getting-started/basic-setup.md)
2. **Customize Appearance** - [Essential Configuration](/plain-jane-starter/getting-started/essential-configuration.md)
3. **Add Your Content** - Products, images, and copy

***

## Need Help?

💬 **Join our community on Discord:** <https://discord.gg/hcc2GvgZc6>

📧 **Email us at:** <support@openspaces.design>

💻 **Live chat with us:** Available Monday–Friday, 10AM–6PM EST, directly on our website

👉 **Next Step**: [Basic Setup](/plain-jane-starter/getting-started/basic-setup.md) - Configure your essential theme settings.


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