Why Can't I Find the SeaText AI JavaScript Code on My Shopify Site?
The SeaText AI JavaScript code does not install automatically on Shopify. You must create a SeaText account, copy the snippet from your dashboard, and paste it into your theme's theme.liquid file before the closing...
The SeaText AI JavaScript code does not install itself on your Shopify store. Unlike some apps that inject code automatically through Shopify's app system, SeaText requires you to manually place the snippet in your theme files. If you're viewing your site's source code or theme files and don't see the SeaText script, it's because the manual installation step hasn't been completed yet.
Why the Code Isn't There by Default
SeaText operates as an external AI platform that connects to your website via a JavaScript snippet. Shopify's app ecosystem allows certain integrations to inject code automatically, but SeaText's integration method relies on you pasting the code into your theme's theme.liquid file. This approach gives you full control over where and when the script loads, but it also means the code won't appear until you take action.
The integration documentation explicitly states: "Before you can install the script, you need a SEATEXT AI account" and instructs you to "Copy the Javascript code from SEATEXT AI which appear in this section below." There is no automatic installation trigger. You must log into your SeaText dashboard, generate the snippet, and place it yourself.
How SeaText Shopify Integration Works
SeaText provides a JavaScript snippet that you place in the <head> section of your theme.liquid file. Once saved, the script loads on every page of your store. The AI remains inert until you activate it from your SeaText dashboard, which the documentation notes: "the AI remains inert until activated, ensuring the integrity of your website's content."
This design means you can install the code safely without immediate changes to your live site. Activation happens separately in your SeaText account, where you choose which AI agents to enable (translation, CRO, personalization, etc.). The snippet itself is lightweight and does not modify your content until you turn on specific agents.
Why Manual Installation Matters
Manual placement offers several advantages. First, you control exactly which theme receives the code. If you run multiple themes for testing, you decide which one gets the snippet. Second, you can remove or disable the code instantly by deleting the snippet from theme.liquid. Third, the method works regardless of Shopify's app permissions or API changes. The trade-off is that you must remember to re-add the code after theme updates or switches.
Step-by-Step: Adding the Code to Your Theme
- Log in to your SeaText dashboard and locate the JavaScript integration code snippet.
- Copy the entire snippet exactly as provided.
- In your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes.
- Click the three dots next to your active theme and select Edit code.
- In the left sidebar, open the Layout folder and click theme.liquid.
- Paste the SeaText code just before the closing
</head>tag. - Click Save to preserve your changes.
After saving, the code will be present on all pages of your store. You can verify by viewing the page source on any front-end page and searching for the SeaText script.
Common Mistakes That Hide the Code
- Editing the wrong theme: If you have multiple themes (live, draft, development), ensure you're editing the currently published theme.
- Pasting in the wrong file: The code belongs in
theme.liquidunder Layout, not inproduct.liquid,header.liquid, or snippet files. - Placing outside
<head>: The snippet should go before</head>. Placing it in<body>may still work but isn't the documented location. - Forgetting to save: Shopify's code editor requires an explicit Save click. Unsaved changes are lost when you navigate away.
- Using a development domain: The documentation notes: "Development URLs, such as localhost, are restricted for security reasons. Ensure you use a valid, real domain."
Verifying the Installation Works
After saving theme.liquid, visit your live store and view the page source (right-click > View Page Source). Search for "seatext" or the script's domain. You should see the script tag you pasted. If it's there but SeaText's dashboard shows no connection, check that you've activated the account and selected agents in the SeaText dashboard.
The documentation also mentions a verification step for product descriptions: "Verify that the data- attribute is present in the HTML source (you can inspect this using your browser's developer tools)." This applies if you're using the product description optimization feature, which requires wrapping product description output with a specific attribute in your product template (typically product.liquid or product-template.liquid).
When the Code Still Doesn't Appear (Troubleshooting)
- Cache issues: Shopify's CDN may serve a cached version. Wait a few minutes or append
?nocache=1to your URL to force a fresh load. - Theme updates: If you update or switch themes, the
theme.liquidfile reverts to the new theme's default. You'll need to re-add the code. - Multiple domains: The documentation states: "If you need to use SEATEXT AI on multiple domains (e.g., a development domain and a production domain), you must create separate accounts for each domain. Each SEATEXT AI account is linked to a single primary URL."
- Account not created: You need a SeaText AI account before the integration code exists. The dashboard generates the snippet after account creation.
- Dynamic development domains: The docs warn: "Dynamic development domains may not function properly, as SEATEXT AI might be unable to reliably associate traffic with your account." Use a stable, real domain for testing.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Beyond Basics
If the script appears in page source but SeaText features don't work, check these points:
- Agent activation: In your SeaText dashboard, ensure at least one agent (e.g., Translation, CRO, Personalization) is turned on. The script loads but does nothing until agents are active.
- Domain mismatch: The account's primary URL must match your store's domain exactly. Subdomains count as separate domains.
- Content Security Policy: Some stores have CSP headers that block external scripts. Check browser console for errors like "Refused to load script." You may need to adjust CSP to allow SeaText's domain.
- Script conflicts: Other scripts that modify the DOM heavily might interfere. Test by temporarily disabling other apps.
Limitations and Requirements
- One SeaText account per primary domain. Separate domains require separate accounts.
- Development domains (localhost, dynamic preview URLs) are restricted and may not function properly.
- The code must be added to each theme you use. Theme changes require re-installation.
- Product description optimization requires an additional step: wrapping the product description output with a
data-attribute in your product template. - AI features remain inactive until you enable specific agents in your SeaText dashboard.
- No automatic app-based injection exists; manual placement is the only documented method.
Best Practices for Maintaining the Integration
- Document the installation steps for your team so future theme updates don't break the integration.
- Keep a backup of your
theme.liquidwith the SeaText snippet in a safe place. - After any theme update, verify the snippet is still present and in the correct location.
- Use a staging theme to test the installation before pushing to live.
- Monitor your SeaText dashboard for connection status and agent performance.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Installation method | Manual copy-paste into theme.liquid |
| File location | Layout > theme.liquid, before </head> |
| Account requirement | SeaText AI account required before code is available |
| Activation | AI remains inert until activated in SeaText dashboard |
| Multi-domain policy | Separate account required per domain |
| Development domains | Restricted (localhost, dynamic URLs may not work) |
| Theme changes | Code must be re-added after theme updates or switches |
| Product optimization | Requires additional data- attribute in product template |
FAQ
Do I need a SeaText account before I can get the code?
Yes. The integration code is generated in your SeaText dashboard after you create an account. Without an account, there's no code to copy.
Can I use the same SeaText account for my development store and live store?
No. Each domain requires its own SeaText account. Development domains like localhost are restricted for security reasons.
What happens if I update my Shopify theme?
Theme updates replace theme.liquid with the new version. You'll need to re-add the SeaText code after any theme update or switch.
Why does the documentation mention a data- attribute for product descriptions?
That's for the Ecommerce Product Copy agent, which optimizes product names and descriptions. It requires wrapping the product description output in your product template so SeaText knows which content to optimize.
How do I know if the code is working after I paste it?
View your live site's page source and search for the SeaText script. If present, the installation succeeded. Then check your SeaText dashboard to activate agents and confirm data flow.
Can I add the code through a Shopify app instead of editing theme files?
SeaText's documented integration method is manual placement in theme.liquid. There's no mention of an automatic app-based injection in the provided documentation.
What if I have multiple Shopify stores on different domains?
Create a separate SeaText account for each domain. Each account is linked to a single primary URL.
Why does the script load but no changes appear on my site?
The AI remains inert until you activate specific agents in your SeaText dashboard. Enable the agents you need (translation, CRO, personalization, etc.) to see changes.
Is there a way to test on a development store before going live?
Development URLs like localhost are restricted. Use a real domain (e.g., a staging subdomain) for testing. Dynamic preview URLs may not work reliably.
Where can I find the JavaScript snippet in my SeaText dashboard?
After logging in, navigate to the integration section. The snippet appears there with a copy button. If you don't see it, ensure your account is fully set up and a primary domain is configured.
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