Shopify 2.0 themes (Online Store 2.0) changed how apps integrate with storefronts. App blocks, native sections, and JSON templates replaced the older script injection approach. Here’s how Giga Menu and Navi+ have adapted — and what it means for your store.
What Shopify 2.0 Changed for Navigation Apps
Shopify’s Online Store 2.0 architecture introduced:
- App blocks: Drag-and-drop blocks within the theme editor
- JSON templates: Flexible page templates for more customization
- Sections everywhere: App sections can appear on any page, not just the homepage
- Theme app extensions: Apps install as extensions rather than injecting code into theme files
The practical impact: navigation apps that use the old “edit theme.liquid” injection method now have a messier installation experience and higher risk of conflicts after theme updates.
Giga Menu and Shopify 2.0
Giga Menu has been updated for Shopify 2.0 compatibility. The app supports:
- Installation via theme editor (some 2.0 support)
- Reduced code injection compared to older versions
- Compatibility with most OS 2.0 themes including Dawn, Impulse, and Prestige
Remaining concerns with Giga Menu on OS 2.0:
- Still relies on significant JavaScript injection in some configurations
- Theme updates can occasionally break custom Giga Menu CSS
- Deep customizations (custom CSS) can conflict with 2.0 theme updates
Navi+ and Shopify 2.0
Navi+ was designed with a script-embed architecture that is inherently theme-agnostic:
- The Navi+ script is loaded via a single script tag — compatible with any Shopify theme
- No liquid template editing required
- Theme updates don’t break Navi+ — the script loads independently
- Works with OS 2.0 app blocks for optional deep integration
Navi+’s OS 2.0 advantages:
- Zero conflicts with theme updates
- Works across themes without reconfiguration
- App architecture aligns with Shopify’s long-term direction for navigation
Theme Compatibility
| Theme | Giga Menu | Navi+ |
|---|---|---|
| Dawn (Shopify default) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Impulse | ✓ | ✓ |
| Prestige | ✓ | ✓ |
| Debut (legacy) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom themes | ~ (may need CSS fixes) | ✓ |
| Headless / custom storefronts | ~ | ✓ (script embed) |
The Broader Picture: Why Architecture Matters
A Shopify navigation app that breaks after every theme update creates hidden costs:
- Developer time to fix CSS conflicts
- Navigation downtime during updates
- Inconsistent experience after app/theme updates
Navi+’s theme-agnostic architecture means your navigation configuration is isolated from theme changes. You update your theme; Navi+ continues working unchanged.
Bottom Line
Both Giga Menu and Navi+ work with modern Shopify 2.0 themes. The practical difference is reliability during theme updates: Navi+’s independent script architecture is less likely to require attention after theme changes. For stores that update themes frequently or use multiple themes (A/B testing), Navi+’s architecture is the lower-maintenance choice.
→ See the full comparison: Navi+ vs Giga Menu