Block layout settings

Helpful links

1. https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes

2. https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/theme-structure

3. https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/theme-structure/theme-settings

4. https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/customizing-themes

5. https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/features-list

6. https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/unlicensed-themes

Reference videos

1. Online store — The official Shopify guide

Overview

Block layout settings are essential tools for managing how blocks and grids are displayed throughout your shop. They provide core defaults for column arrangements on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, supporting both responsive design and visual consistency across your storefront. While you have the option to override these defaults for specific sections or blocks, these settings serve as the foundation for your overall layout.

⚠️ Important: Changes to block layout settings apply site-wide by default, unless a more specific override is set. This makes them both powerful and flexible, letting you define your shop's structure on every device.

Block layout settings

Block layout settings allow you to fine-tune the appearance of block-based content at different device sizes. This enables your shop to deliver an optimal browsing experience for desktop, tablet, and mobile users alike. Each setting operates independently, granting detailed control over layout for each breakpoint.

Column count (desktop)

Set how many columns should display for blocks on desktop screens. This setting controls structure and content density for larger displays.

1. Minimum value is 1.

2. Maximum value is 12.

3. Step size is 1.

4. Default value is 1.

Higher column counts let you show more content side by side, while lower counts spotlight each item with more space.

Column count (tablet)

Adjust how blocks are arranged for tablet screens. This setting bridges the gap between desktop and mobile, allowing for layouts tailored to mid-sized screens.

1. Minimum value is 0.

   1. A setting of 0 causes the tablet layout to fall back to vertical stacking, showing one column.

   2. This choice supports focus, simplicity, and vertical flow if your design works best that way for tablets.

2. Maximum value is 8.

3. Step size is 1.

4. Default value is 0.

You might consider specifying a unique tablet value if your content demands a different arrangement, or stick with the default for simpler layouts and better readability.

Column count (mobile)

Customize how blocks stack on mobile screens. This is key for usability and ensures content remains clear and easy to interact with on small devices.

1. Minimum value is 1.

2. Maximum value is 4.

3. Step size is 1.

4. Default value is 1.

Setting one column ensures clarity and easy tapping, but increasing this can be useful for things like compact image grids or icon layouts.

Additional mobile layout info

Mobile-specific layout controls provide the flexibility to adapt aspects such as aspect ratios, asset choices, or stacking for mobile contexts. Using different values for mobile can help you optimize for vertical stacking, improve tap targets, or create visually unique layouts suited for small screens.

📝 Note:Block layout settings are device-specific by design. You might consider using more columns on mobile for compact items, or dedicate more space to banners or featured products.

Usage notes

1. Block layout settings ensure a consistent layout and structure for content blocks across your shop by default.

2. Device-specific settings help optimize for each screen size, promoting strong hierarchy, clarity, and usability wherever your content is viewed.

3. Section or block-level overrides are available for situations where defaults do not fit a particular design or feature.

4. Changes to column counts influence how much content appears in a row, and may affect both performance and interactivity.

5. Increased columns on mobile can hinder readability and accessibility, so preview layouts on real devices to ensure a positive user experience.

6. These settings provide a balanced starting point for most layouts and can be tailored as your brand and content evolve.

💡 Tip: There is no single right answer for column counts—use block layout settings as your baseline, preview on all devices, and adjust as needed to suit your unique content and design goals.