X-Cart to Shopify
Migrating from X-Cart to Shopify moves your store from a legacy PHP/MySQL platform to a fully managed eCommerce solution. In 2025, with X-Cart's aging codebase and Shopify's robust infrastructure, many merchants switch and run migrations from Shopify admin using apps like Cart2Cart. No X-Cart server or database access is required when using a migration app; everything runs from your new Shopify store.
This guide covers X-Cart data structure (MySQL), how it maps to Shopify, and a step-by-step migration path using Shopify apps run from your new store.
1. Why Leave X-Cart?
Security and Support
X-Cart Pain: Legacy codebase; security updates and support are limited.
Shopify Gain: Shopify handles security and hosting. Migration runs from Shopify admin.
Hosting
X-Cart Pain: Self-hosted PHP/MySQL; you manage everything.
Shopify Gain: Hosting and CDN included. Run migration from one admin.
Modern Features
X-Cart Pain: X-Cart lacks modern eCommerce features and mobile-first design.
Shopify Gain: Modern platform and App Store. Migration apps connect to X-Cart (bridge or DB) and run from Shopify.
Developers
X-Cart Pain: Few X-Cart developers; maintenance is costly.
Shopify Gain: Large ecosystem. Migrate using a Shopify app.
2. Pre-Migration Audit
X-Cart uses MySQL with a legacy schema; migration apps may connect via database or a bridge.
- X-Cart version: 2.x or 3.x - confirm your migration app supports your version.
- Access: Migration from Shopify admin uses a bridge or MySQL connection.
- Product attributes: X-Cart products_attributes map to Shopify options and variants.
- Categories: Map to Shopify collections.
3. Data Mapping
X-Cart products, customers, and orders map to Shopify when using a migration app run from Shopify admin.
Product Mapping
| X-Cart (Source) | Shopify (Target) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| products_id | id | Use SKU for mapping. |
| products_name (products_description) | title | Direct transfer. |
| products_model / attributes | variants[].sku | SKU at variant level. |
| products_price | variants[].price | Per variant. |
| products_description | body_html | HTML; images re-hosted. |
| categories | collections | X-Cart categories to Shopify collections. |
| products_options / products_attributes | options and variants | Attributes become Shopify variants. |
Customer and Order
| X-Cart Field | Shopify Field | Logic |
|---|---|---|
| customers_email_address | email | Unique identifier. |
| customers_password | password (on create) | Password reset required. X-Cart uses legacy hashing. |
| orders_id / order_total | name, total_price | Preserve order ID; map statuses. |
4. Toolkit
Option A: Shopify App (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 X-Cart (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
X-Cart MySQL + Shopify Admin API
- Pros: Full control.
- Cons: Developer time, 40+ hours typical.
5. Execution: Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Preparation
1.1. Target (Shopify):
Create your Shopify store; enable password protection during migration if desired.
1.2. Source (X-Cart):
Ensure the migration app can connect (bridge or MySQL credentials).
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 X-Cart as source. Enter store URL and credentials as instructed.
Phase 3: Migration
- Run from Shopify admin: Select products, customers, orders; start migration. Product attributes map to variants.
- Create 301 redirects: Use the app to map old X-Cart URLs to new Shopify URLs.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
4.1. Customers: Notify customers; they will need to reset passwords.
4.2. Verify: Check products, collections, and orders in Shopify admin.
6. Cost of Migration (2025)
Custom Development
Developer Cost
Shopify App (e.g. Cart2Cart)
Typical Range
Agency Service
Starting Cost
7. Troubleshooting and SEO
Common Challenges
- Legacy structure: X-Cart database structure may have inconsistencies; migration apps handle mapping.
- Product attributes: X-Cart product attributes need careful mapping to Shopify variants.
301 Redirects
X-Cart URLs differ from Shopify. Use the migration app from Shopify admin to map old URLs to new ones and preserve SEO.
Ready to Secure Your Store's Future?
Migrate from X-Cart to Shopify using an app run from your Shopify admin. Move from a legacy platform to a modern one with continuous updates and support. No server access or coding required.