> 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/skeleton/getting-started.md).

# Getting started

New to Shopify themes? You're in the right place. This section takes you from a freshly downloaded zip file to a store you're proud to launch — no code, no jargon.

## Before you begin

You'll need:

* A Shopify store (any plan, including the trial).
* The Skeleton theme zip file from your purchase email.
* Your brand assets: a logo (PNG with a transparent background works best), a few hero photos, and product photos.

## The 5-step path

Work through these in order. Each one links to a full step-by-step guide.

1. [**Install the theme**](/sitesbyseth-docs/skeleton/getting-started/installing.md) — upload the zip, preview it safely, and publish when you're ready. (10 minutes)
2. [**Set up the homepage**](/sitesbyseth-docs/skeleton/getting-started/homepage.md) — hero banner, featured products, auto-scrolling carousel, and value props. (30–45 minutes)
3. [**Set up your collection page**](/sitesbyseth-docs/skeleton/getting-started/collection-page.md) — grid layout, filters, and sorting. (10 minutes)
4. [**Set up your product page**](/sitesbyseth-docs/skeleton/getting-started/product-page.md) — gallery, size finder, buy buttons, trust badges, and accordions. (30 minutes)
5. [**Set up drop mode**](/sitesbyseth-docs/skeleton/getting-started/drop-mode.md) — the password page with countdown and waitlist, if you're launching with a drop. (15 minutes)

## One concept worth knowing: the theme editor

Almost everything in these docs happens in one place — the **theme editor** (Shopify also calls it "Customize"). To open it:

1. From your Shopify admin, click **Online Store** in the left sidebar.
2. You'll land on **Themes**. Find Skeleton in the list.
3. Click **Customize**.

The editor shows a live preview of your store. The left panel lists the **sections** on the current page — click any section to see its settings. The gear icon (bottom-left) opens **Theme settings**, which control global things like colors and fonts.

💡 Nothing you do in the editor is visible to customers until you click **Save** — and if the theme isn't published yet, even saved changes stay private.

⚠️ One thing before you launch: if you plan to use the free gift feature, read [Free gift setup](/sitesbyseth-docs/skeleton/size-finder/free-gift.md) first. The gift product must be priced $0 in your catalog or customers will be charged for it.


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