Stencil is BigCommerce’s theme engine. It incorporates industry best practices in technology, design standards, SEO, and allows developers to build a stunning storefront that engages shoppers and encourages checkouts on any device.
What is Stencil?
Stencil is BigCommerce’s latest theme framework engine. Launched in 2016, Stencil incorporates industry best practices in technology, design standards, and SEO. The framework’s themes are optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop browsers. Stencil also allows developers to build storefronts that engage shoppers and encourage checkouts on any device. All of BigCommerce’s new storefronts use Stencil.
If you are still using our legacy theme framework, Blueprint, we highly encourage switching to Stencil so you can take advantage of the new features and benefits. For more in-depth information about Stencil’s features, see the Stencil Theme Platform page.
Why Transition to Stencil?
Stencil improves the overall storefront experience for merchants and their customers. With enhancements in speed, security, and updates to your themes, this modern framework provides a more streamlined process for the everyday maintenance and tasks required to run a store.
Stencil themes are built on non-proprietary, open-source code to provide easier adoption and adaptation while providing greater flexibility and access for customization. In comparison, Blueprint, is built on a rigid, proprietary codebase, making it difficult to tailor and extend theme functionality.
For more information on the enhanced capabilities of Stencil, see the Stencil vs. Legacy Blueprint page.
