Theme Assets

The term static files refers to the collection of assets, such as CSS, fonts, images, and JavaScript, that is used by a theme. The location of static files is specified in the Base URL configuration. You can add a digital signature to the URL of each static file to make it possible for browsers to detect when a newer version is available. The newer version of the file is used if the signature differs from what is stored in the browser cache.

For a standard installation, the assets associated with a theme are organized in the web folder at the following location below the Commerce root.

[commerce_root]/app/design/frontend/Magento/[theme_name]/web

Theme assets

Add a digital signature to static file URLs

  1. On the Admin sidebar, go to Stores > Settings > Configuration.

  2. In the left panel, expand Advanced and choose Developer.

  3. Expand Expansion selector the Static Files Settings section.

    Static Files Settings

  4. Set Sign Static Files to Yes.

  5. When complete, click Save Config.

File type Description
CSS Control the visual styling that is associated with the skin. Example location on server: [commerce]/app/design/frontend/Magento/[theme]/web/css
Fonts Supply the fonts that are available to be used by the theme. Location on server: [commerce]/app/design/frontend/Magento/[theme]/web/fonts
Images Provide the graphical assets used by the theme, including buttons, background textures, and so on. Example location on server: [commerce]/app/design/frontend/Magento/[theme]/web/images
JS Theme-specific JavaScript routines and callable functions. Example location on server: [commerce]/app/design/frontend/Magento/[theme]/web/js

Merge CSS files

As part of an effort to optimize your site and reduce page load time, you can reduce the number of separate CSS files by merging them into a single, condensed file. If you open a merged CSS file, you will find one continuous stream of text, with line breaks removed. You cannot edit the merged file, so it is best to wait until you are out of the development mode and no longer making frequent changes to the CSS.

NOTE

CSS files can be merged from the Admin panel only when working in developer mode.

  1. On the Admin sidebar, go to Stores > Settings > Configuration.

  2. In the left panel, Advanced and choose Developer.

  3. Expand Expansion selector the CSS Settings section.

    CSS Settings

    For detailed descriptions of these configuration options, see CSS Settings in the Configuration Reference.

  4. Set Merge CSS Files to Yes.

  5. When complete, click Save Config.

Merge JavaScript files

Multiple JavaScript files can be merged into a single, condensed file to reduce page load time. If you open a merged JavaScript file, you will find one continuous stream of text, with line breaks removed. If you are finished with the development process and the code contains no errors, you might consider merging the files.

NOTE

JavaScript files can be merged from the Admin panel only when working in Developer Mode.

  1. On the Admin sidebar, go to Stores > Settings > Configuration.

  2. In the left panel, Advanced and choose Developer.

  3. Expand Expansion selector the JavaScript Settings section.

    JavaScript Settings

    For detailed descriptions of these configuration options, see JavaScript Settings in the Configuration Reference.

  4. Set Merge JavaScript Files to Yes.

  5. When complete, click Save Config.

On this page