> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sitesbyseth.gitbook.io/sitesbyseth-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sitesbyseth.gitbook.io/sitesbyseth-docs/showcase/getting-started/installing.md).

# Installing the theme

Two ways to get Showcase onto your store: the classic zip upload (everyone), or a GitHub connection (if you were given access to the theme's repository — this gets you automatic updates).

## Option 1: Upload the zip

1. Download the Showcase zip file from your purchase email or download page. **Don't unzip it** — Shopify wants the zip as-is.
2. In your Shopify admin, go to **Online Store → Themes**.
3. Scroll to the **Theme library** section.
4. Click **Add theme → Upload zip file**.
5. Choose the Showcase zip and click **Upload file**.
6. After a few seconds, **Showcase** appears in your theme library.

## Preview vs. publish

Uploading does **not** change your live store. Showcase sits in your theme library until you publish it, so you can build everything in private:

* **Preview** — click the **⋯** (three dots) next to Showcase and choose **Preview**. You'll see the theme with your real products, but visitors still see your current theme.
* **Customize** — click **Customize** to open the theme editor and build your story deck. All your work is saved on this unpublished copy.
* **Publish** — when everything looks right, click **⋯ → Publish** (or the **Publish** button inside the editor). Showcase becomes your live theme instantly. Your old theme moves to the library — nothing is deleted.

💡 Take your time. There is no limit on how long a theme can sit unpublished, and you can flip back to your old theme at any point with one click.

## Option 2: Connect through GitHub (auto-updates)

If your purchase included access to a private GitHub repository for Showcase, you can connect it instead of uploading a zip. The big win: when a theme update is pushed to the repository, your store's copy updates automatically — no re-uploading, no re-doing settings.

1. In your Shopify admin, go to **Online Store → Themes**.
2. Click **Add theme → Connect from GitHub**.
3. Log in to GitHub and authorize Shopify (first time only).
4. Pick the Showcase repository and the branch you were told to use (usually `main`).
5. The theme appears in your library with a small GitHub badge. Preview, customize, and publish exactly as above.

⚠️ Only connect the branch you were given. Other branches may contain work-in-progress versions.

More on keeping the theme current — including what happens to your settings — in [Updates](/sitesbyseth-docs/showcase/updates.md).

## After installing

Head to [Building the homepage](/sitesbyseth-docs/showcase/getting-started/homepage.md) and set up your first story deck. 👉


---

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