Browser Caching
Browser caching stores copies of web assets (images, CSS, JavaScript) on a visitor's device after their first visit, so subsequent page loads retrieve those assets from local storage rather than re-downloading them from the server. Cache duration is controlled by Cache-Control and Expires HTTP headers.
Why It Matters for Shopify Stores
For repeat Shopify store visitors, browser caching dramatically reduces load times on their second, third, and subsequent visits — the images and stylesheets are already on their device. Shopify's CDN sets appropriate cache headers for theme assets automatically. The most common issue is third-party scripts from apps that set short cache durations or no-cache headers, forcing re-downloads on every visit.
How to Check Your Store
In Chrome DevTools > Network tab, check the 'Cache-Control' response header on asset files. Shopify CDN assets typically show long cache durations. Note any assets with 'no-cache' or short max-age values.
Use the free shopify speed test toolHow to Fix It
N/A for Shopify CDN assets — Shopify manages caching. For custom scripts or external integrations, ensure they set appropriate Cache-Control headers. Avoid including dynamic timestamp parameters in asset URLs that prevent caching.
Related Terms
Content Delivery Network (CDN)
PerformanceA CDN is a geographically distributed network of servers that caches and serves web content from the server closest to each visitor.
Shopify CDN
ShopifyShopify's CDN (Content Delivery Network) automatically serves your store's images, JavaScript, and CSS from servers geographically close to your visitors.
Edge Caching
PerformanceEdge caching stores copies of your store's pages, images, and assets at CDN edge servers around the world — so future requests are served from the closest edge location rather than your origin server.
Page Weight
PerformancePage weight is the total size of all resources required to load a web page — HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, fonts, and other assets.
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