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Create Custom Section Liquid WYSIWYG Editors Easily

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Ever wished you could effortlessly design custom Shopify sections with a live preview—without wrestling with code? You’re not alone. Many store owners and developers want more freedom to create visually engaging layouts in Shopify’s “Custom Section” using a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor.

This article demystifies the process. Learn practical steps, helpful tips, and key considerations for integrating a WYSIWYG editor into your custom section. Get ready to elevate your Shopify store’s design with ease!

Related Video

Understanding Custom Section Liquid WYSIWYG Editors

If you’ve ever wanted to build flexible, dynamic sections on your website—especially on platforms like Shopify—using the power of Liquid and an easy-to-use WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, you’re in good company. Combining the power of Liquid templating with the accessibility of WYSIWYG editing brings together the best of both worlds: deep customization for developers, and a simplified editing workflow for non-technical users.

But how do you actually create a custom section that leverages both Liquid code and a WYSIWYG editor? Let’s break it down and explore the practical steps, key considerations, and helpful tips you’ll need.

What Is a Custom Section Liquid WYSIWYG Editor?

A “Custom Section Liquid WYSIWYG Editor” refers to a user-friendly section in a CMS (Content Management System) like Shopify, which allows you to:

  • Create custom sections or components on a page using Liquid (Shopify’s templating language).
  • Enhance the editing experience with a WYSIWYG interface, enabling anyone to format text, add images, and style content visually—without writing code.

This bridges the gap between pure code (for flexibility) and pure drag-and-drop interfaces (for ease).

Why Combine Liquid with a WYSIWYG Editor?

  • Flexible Design: Liquid lets you control exactly how output is rendered and customized.
  • User-Friendly Editing: WYSIWYG editors, like CKEditor or TinyMCE, allow content creators to style content visually.
  • Reusable Components: Custom Liquid sections can be reused and adapted across different pages.
  • Empower Your Team: Non-technical team members can update content safely, without touching the codebase.

Getting Started: Key Steps to Creating a Custom Section with Liquid and a WYSIWYG Editor

Here’s a streamlined practical guide to help you get started—whether you’re a Shopify store owner, theme developer, or someone who just loves building dynamic content.

1. Identify Your Platform Capabilities

  • For Shopify: You build custom sections in the theme’s code, most often under the /sections directory, using Liquid.
  • Other CMS or Rails Apps: You might need specific plugins or configurations to support Liquid and WYSIWYG editors.

2. Set Up Your Custom Section File

In Shopify, for example:

  1. Go to your theme code and create a new file in the sections directory (e.g., custom-content.liquid).
  2. Define the section’s schema, including a setting for “richtext” or “html,” which most WYSIWYG editors use.

Example snippet:

{
  "name": "Custom Content Section",
  "settings": [
    {
      "type": "richtext",
      "id": "custom_content",
      "label": "Custom Content"
    }
  ]
}

This setting allows users to enter and format content in a visual interface.

3. Integrate the WYSIWYG Editor

  • In Shopify’s theme editor, “richtext” or “html” settings automatically provide a WYSIWYG editor in the theme customization panel.
  • For apps built on Rails or custom CMS setups, you might install and integrate editors like CKEditor or TinyMCE, and configure them to accept Liquid syntax or output.

4. Render the Content in Liquid

In your section file, output the editable content using Liquid:

{{ section.settings.custom_content }}

This pulls whatever the user entered in the WYSIWYG editor and renders it on the frontend.

5. Add Custom Styling or Conditional Liquid Logic

  • Leverage Liquid’s control structures to add dynamic content, conditions, or loops.
  • Style the output using CSS classes and ensure WYSIWYG-generated HTML fits your site’s look and feel.

Key Benefits of Using Custom Section Liquid WYSIWYG Editors

  • Ease of Use: Even non-coders can quickly update content.
  • Visual Editing: See formatting changes instantly, improving accuracy and reducing errors.
  • Advanced Customization: Add personalized shopping experiences, dynamic banners, or informational blocks.
  • Separation of Concerns: Developers set up the section logic, marketers fill in the content.
  • Speed Up Workflow: Rapid content changes without deployment or developer involvement.

Challenges to Watch Out For

While powerful, blending Liquid and WYSIWYG isn’t without its hurdles:

  • Liquid Inside Editors: Standard WYSIWYG editors may escape or sanitize Liquid tags. Workarounds are needed to support dynamic tags (especially outside Shopify’s built-in editors).
  • Security Risks: If you allow raw HTML, ensure user input is sanitized to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS).
  • Formatting Limitations: The HTML output of WYSIWYG editors can sometimes be messy or conflict with your theme styles.
  • Learning Curve for End Users: While easier than code, some users may need training on how to use styles, add images, or embed links correctly.

Best Practices and Practical Tips

To maximize your success, consider these proven strategies:

  • Use the Platform’s Built-in Rich Text Settings: Where available (e.g., Shopify), use the “richtext” type rather than raw HTML for safety.
  • Limit Allowed Content: Configure your WYSIWYG to allow only needed tags and styles, to reduce risk.
  • Preview Your Work: Always use the preview feature to check content before publishing live.
  • Document for Your Team: Provide mini-guides or tooltips right in the editor to help users format content correctly.
  • Test Responsiveness: Ensure your styles hold up on mobile devices and different browsers.
  • Embrace Variables and Snippets: For reusable or complex blocks, consider breaking them into snippets or using includes with parameters.

Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

  • Code Injection: Avoid giving full access to HTML fields. Use “richtext” settings that restrict script insertion.
  • Messy Formatting: Educate editors not to copy-paste directly from word processors, as this may introduce unwanted formatting.
  • Liquid Parsing: If using external WYSIWYG plugins, make sure they do not strip out or mangle Liquid variables.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

  • Autocompletion Tools: Consider tools like Dropkiq, which integrates Liquid code autocompletion within WYSIWYG editors, speeding up content creation.
  • Reusable Assets: Store images and files needed by your content in the platform’s assets/media library.
  • Git Version Control: If you’re customizing code, use version control for all section files to track changes and roll back if needed.
  • Conditional Blocks: Use Liquid conditions to show/hide elements based on user settings, seasons, inventory, and more.
  • Third-Party Apps: Explore Shopify apps or custom plugins that enhance the WYSIWYG experience with drag-and-drop, galleries, or dynamic content blocks.

Practical Example Workflow (Shopify Focused)

  1. Create a new custom section file.
  2. Set up a schema with a richtext input.
  3. Add the section to a page via the Shopify theme editor.
  4. Open the WYSIWYG in the theme editor, enter and format your content.
  5. Use optional settings (images, headings, lists) as needed.
  6. Preview and save your changes.
  7. Visit the live site to confirm correct rendering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a WYSIWYG editor and plain HTML input?

A WYSIWYG editor allows you to style and format content visually, without writing code. Plain HTML input requires you to type or paste raw HTML tags. WYSIWYG editors simplify content creation for users who aren’t familiar with HTML.

Can I use Liquid code directly inside a WYSIWYG editor?

In some platforms, like Shopify, the editor is designed to support safe Liquid rendering. In custom setups, standard WYSIWYG editors may escape Liquid tags or not render them. Plugins and advanced configurations are needed if you want dynamic Liquid inside an external WYSIWYG.

Are there risks to allowing users to input content with a WYSIWYG editor?

Yes. Potential risks include introducing messy HTML, conflicting styles, or even XSS vulnerabilities if HTML is not sanitized. Limit the allowed tags, provide user training, and use platform-provided richtext fields for safest results.

How do I make sure my custom Liquid section is responsive?

Use fluid layouts, CSS classes, and media queries to control formatting on different devices. Preview all changes using both desktop and mobile views before publishing.

Can I reuse my custom section on multiple pages or products?

Absolutely. That’s one of the biggest advantages! Define your section in a theme file and add it wherever you need via the page editor. You can even adapt the schema for different input types to maximize flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Custom Section Liquid WYSIWYG editors empower you to create dynamic, reusable, and beautiful page sections without compromising on flexibility or usability. Whether you’re a developer aiming to streamline content management or a marketer looking to update banners and offers without touching code, this approach offers a happy medium.

Focus on balancing security, usability, and design consistency. Once you master these tools, your site content workflow becomes faster, safer, and far more efficient. Enjoy crafting your next custom section with confidence!

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