Shopify lets you edit sections and blocks in the theme editor, but it has no built-in way to make one appear or disappear at a set time. You either change it by hand at the right moment or publish a whole duplicate theme. This guide compares your three options and shows the fastest one step by step.
Key takeaways
- Shopify has no native section scheduling.
- Manual changes work but depend on someone being online.
- Duplicating a theme risks losing edits made to the live theme.
- Scheduling the section directly with an app avoids both problems.
Option 1: Change it manually
Open the theme editor at the start time, show the section, save, then come back at the end time to hide it. It's free, but it depends on someone being available. Mistakes like a sale banner left up after the sale are common.
Option 2: Duplicate and schedule the whole theme
Copy your live theme, make the campaign changes and schedule the copy to publish with a theme scheduler, or with Launchpad if you are on Shopify Plus.
The catch: any change made to your live theme after you duplicated it (new app blocks, copy fixes, featured products) must be repeated in the copy, or it disappears when the copy goes live.
Option 3: Schedule the section or block directly
An app like Maestro Theme Scheduler can schedule individual sections and blocks inside your live theme. Here's how:
- Install MaestroGet Maestro Theme Scheduler from the Shopify App Store and start the free trial.
- Add the contentAdd the banner, slideshow or content block to your live theme in the theme editor.
- Create a scheduleIn Maestro, create a sections and blocks schedule and select that section or block.
- Set the timesChoose when it should appear and when it should be hidden.
- SaveThe block shows and hides automatically. Make it recurring if it repeats.
Which option is best?
| Schedule sections (Maestro) | Manual | Duplicate theme | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Someone must be online | No | Yes | No |
| Risk of losing live theme edits | No | No | Yes |
| Good for small changes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Recurring changes | Yes | No | Limited |
| Cost | From $9.99/month | Free | Depends on the app |
Common things to schedule
Sale banners
Promotion banners and hero images.
Slideshows
Launch and seasonal slideshows.
Countdowns
Announcement and countdown blocks.
Shipping notices
Holiday cut-off messages.
Frequently asked questions
Can Shopify schedule sections natively?
No. The Shopify theme editor has no built-in way to show or hide a section at a set time. You need to change it manually or use an app.
Can I schedule a section on a non-Plus plan?
Yes. Maestro Theme Scheduler works on every Shopify plan.
Will scheduling a section affect the rest of my theme?
No. Only the scheduled section or block changes. The rest of your live theme stays as it is.