OpenCart to Shopify
Migrating from OpenCart to Shopify moves your store from a self-hosted PHP/MySQL platform to a fully managed eCommerce solution. In 2025, merchants choose Shopify for managed hosting, security, and migrations run entirely from Shopify admin - no OpenCart server or database access required when using dedicated migration apps like Cart2Cart.
This guide covers OpenCart data structure, field mappings to Shopify, and a step-by-step migration path using Shopify apps run from your new store.
1. The Strategic Pivot: Why Leave OpenCart?
Security and Support
The OpenCart Pain: You manage updates, extensions, and security. Older OpenCart versions may have unpatched issues.
The Shopify Gain: Shopify handles security and updates. Migration runs from Shopify admin via apps; no OpenCart server touch.
Hosting and Performance
The OpenCart Pain: Self-hosting, PHP/MySQL tuning, and scaling are your responsibility.
The Shopify Gain: Hosting, CDN, and scaling included. Run migration and daily ops from one admin.
Extensions and Features
The OpenCart Pain: Extension quality varies; upgrades can break compatibility. Limited native multi-channel.
The Shopify Gain: App Store and built-in multi-channel. Migration apps connect to OpenCart and run from Shopify.
Developer Availability
The OpenCart Pain: Fewer OpenCart specialists; maintenance can be costly.
The Shopify Gain: Large developer and app ecosystem. Migrate without OpenCart expertise using a Shopify app.
2. The Pre-Migration Architecture Audit
OpenCart uses MySQL with a clear schema. Migration apps may connect via database or bridge; auditing ensures a smooth run from Shopify admin.
- OpenCart version: 2.x, 3.x, or 4.x - confirm your migration app supports your version.
- Access: App-based migration typically uses a bridge or MySQL; ensure the app can connect from Shopify admin.
- Multi-store: If you use multiple stores, plan how they map to Shopify.
- Extensions: List payment, shipping, and other extensions; plan Shopify app replacements.
- Product options: OpenCart product options map to Shopify options and variants.
3. Exact Data Mapping: The Blueprint
OpenCart product, customer, and order data maps to Shopify when using a migration app run from Shopify admin.
Product Data Mapping
| OpenCart (Source) | Shopify (Target) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
product_id | id | Use SKU for mapping. |
name (product_description) | title | Direct transfer. |
model / option SKU | variants[].sku | SKU at variant level. |
price | variants[].price | Per variant. |
description | body_html | HTML; images re-hosted. |
| Categories (product_to_category) | collections | OpenCart categories to Shopify collections. |
| product_option / option_value | options and variants | Options become Shopify variants. |
Customer Data Mapping
| OpenCart Field | Shopify Field | Logic |
|---|---|---|
email | email | Unique identifier. |
password | password (on create) | Password reset required. |
| address | addresses[] | Map to Shopify addresses. |
Order Data Mapping
| OpenCart Field | Shopify Field | Logic |
|---|---|---|
order_id | name | Preserve order ID in name. |
| order_status_id | financial_status, fulfillment_status | Map to Shopify statuses. |
| total | total_price | Direct; currency if needed. |
4. The Toolkit: Selecting Your Vehicle
Option A: Shopify App Migration (Recommended)
Cart2Cart and similar apps in the Shopify App Store
Install the app in Shopify and run the migration from Shopify admin. The app connects to OpenCart (bridge or DB), maps data, and creates redirects.
- Pros: No coding; runs from Shopify admin; products, customers, orders, SEO redirects.
- Cons: Cost scales with data.
Option B: Custom Script
OpenCart DB/API + Shopify Admin API
- Pros: Full control.
- Cons: Developer time, 40+ hours typical.
5. Execution Protocol: Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Environment Preparation
1.1. Prepare Target (Shopify):
Create your Shopify store; enable password protection during migration if desired.
1.2. Prepare Source (OpenCart):
Ensure the migration app can connect (bridge or DB credentials as required).
Phase 2: Connection from Shopify Admin
2.1. Install the migration app (e.g. Cart2Cart) from the Shopify App Store and open it from your Shopify admin.
2.2. Connect OpenCart as source - enter store URL and credentials as instructed.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
- Run from Shopify admin: Select products, customers, orders; start migration. Options map to variants.
- Create 301 redirects: Use the app to map old OpenCart URLs to new Shopify URLs.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
4.1. Customer communication: Notify customers; they will need to reset passwords.
4.2. Verify data: Check products, collections, and orders in Shopify admin.
6. Financial Breakdown: Cost of Migration (2025)
Custom Development
Developer Cost
Shopify App (e.g. Cart2Cart)
Typical Range
Agency Service
Starting Cost
7. Troubleshooting and SEO Preservation
Common Challenges
- Product options: OpenCart options with multiple values map to Shopify variants; verify in the app.
- Multi-store: Plan which OpenCart stores map to which Shopify stores.
- SEO URLs: OpenCart SEO URL structure differs from Shopify; use the app redirect feature.
The 301 Redirect Strategy
Use the migration app from Shopify admin to map old OpenCart URLs to new Shopify URLs and preserve SEO.
Ready to Move to Shopify?
Migrate from OpenCart to Shopify using an app run from your Shopify admin. No server access or coding - get products, customers, orders, and SEO redirects in one flow.