WooCommerce: How to Change the Cart Icon – A Complete Guide
Introduction:
WooCommerce is a powerful and versatile platform, allowing you to build amazing online stores. However, sometimes you might want to customize certain elements to better align with your brand’s aesthetic. One such element is the cart icon, the small visual cue that represents the customer’s shopping cart. Changing the cart icon can enhance your store’s visual appeal and create a more consistent brand experience. This guide will provide you with several methods to easily change the WooCommerce cart icon and elevate your online store. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, you’ll find a solution that fits your skill level. Let’s dive in!
Methods to Change the WooCommerce Cart Icon
There are several approaches you can take to customize the cart icon, each with its own advantages and level of complexity:
1. Using a Plugin – The Easiest Approach
The simplest and often the most user-friendly way to change the cart icon is by utilizing a dedicated plugin. Several free and premium plugins offer this functionality. Here’s why plugins are a great option:
- No Coding Required: Most plugins provide a visual interface for selecting and uploading new icons.
- Easy to Use: They are typically very intuitive and require minimal technical knowledge.
- Variety of Options: Some plugins offer a library of pre-designed icons to choose from.
- `content`: This CSS property is used to insert content before or after an element. In this case, we’re using it to replace the default icon with either a Unicode character (from a font like Font Awesome) or an image.
- `font-family`: Specifies the font family for the Unicode character.
- `background-image`: Specifies the URL of the image you want to use as the icon.
- `background-size: contain`: Ensures the image is scaled to fit within the element without being cropped.
- `display: inline-block`: Allows us to control the width and height of the icon.
- `width` and `height`: Set the desired dimensions of the icon.
- `!important` : ensures that CSS code is applied
Example: Using the “Menu Cart” Plugin
While other plugins exist, “Menu Cart” is a popular option for modifying the appearance and functionality of the cart.
1. Install and Activate the Plugin: Search for “Menu Cart” in the WordPress plugin repository and install and activate it.
2. Access Plugin Settings: Navigate to WooCommerce > Menu Cart in your WordPress dashboard.
3. Configure Icon Settings: Within the plugin settings, you’ll find options to choose a different icon from their library or upload your own custom icon. You can also adjust the icon’s size and position within the menu.
This method is quick and effective, making it ideal for users who prefer a no-code solution.
2. Using Custom CSS – A Simple and Effective Solution
If you’re comfortable with a little CSS, you can easily change the cart icon using custom CSS. This method involves identifying the CSS class or ID associated Learn more about How To Change The Shop Page In Woocommerce with the cart icon and overriding its appearance.
Steps to Change the Cart Icon with CSS:
1. Inspect the Cart Icon Element: Use your browser’s developer tools (right-click on the cart icon and select “Inspect”) to identify the HTML element and its associated CSS classes. Typically, you’ll find a class like `.woocommerce-cart-icon` or `.cart-contents::before`.
2. Add Custom CSS: Go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS in your WordPress dashboard.
3. Write the CSS Code: Use the following code as a template, replacing the `content` value with the appropriate Unicode character or image URL for your desired icon:
/* Example using a Unicode character (Font Awesome example) */
.woocommerce-cart-icon::before {
content: “f07a” !important; /* Replace with the correct Unicode */
font-family: FontAwesome !important; /* If using Font Awesome */
}
/* Example using a custom image */
.woocommerce-cart-icon::before {
content: “” !important; /* Remove the default icon */
background-image: url(“your-image-url.png”) !important; /* Replace with your image URL */
background-size: contain !important;
display: inline-block !important;
width: 20px !important; /* Adjust width as needed */
height: 20px !important; /* Adjust height as needed */
}
/* Ensure there’s no other cart icon element */
.cart-contents:before {
content: none !important;
}
Explanation:
4. Publish Changes: Click “Publish” to save your changes.
Finding Unicode Characters:
You can find a wide variety of icons available as Unicode characters from font libraries like Font Awesome or IcoMoon. Simply browse their websites, find the icon you like, and copy its Unicode value.
This method offers more control over the icon’s appearance and is suitable for those who are familiar with CSS. It also avoids the need for an additional plugin.
3. Modifying Theme Files – The Most Advanced Approach
The most advanced method involves directly modifying the WooCommerce theme files. This approach requires a strong understanding of PHP and WordPress theming. It is generally not recommended for beginners, as it can lead to website errors if not done correctly.
Steps to Change the Cart Icon by Modifying Theme Files:
1. Create a Child Theme: Crucially, always create a child theme before modifying any theme files. This prevents your changes from being overwritten when the parent theme is updated.
2. Locate the Template File: Identify the template file that contains the code responsible for displaying the cart icon. This might be in `woocommerce/cart/cart-contents.php` or a similar file within your theme.
3. Override the Template File: Copy the template file from the parent theme to the corresponding location in your child theme. For example, if the original file is in `wp-content/themes/parent-theme/woocommerce/cart/cart-contents.php`, copy it to `wp-content/themes/child-theme/woocommerce/cart/cart-contents.php`.
4. Edit the Template File: Open the copied template file in your child theme and modify the code to display your desired icon. You’ll likely need to replace the HTML code responsible for displaying the original icon with your own.
<?php // Example: Replace the default icon with a custom image
// This is a simplified example and might need adjustments based on your theme’s structure
echo ‘ . '/images/custom-cart-icon.png' ) . '){kind=icon}
‘;
?>
In this example, we are replacing the HTML for the cart icon with an image element. The `get_stylesheet_directory_uri()` function returns the URL of your child theme’s directory, allowing you to easily reference images stored within your child theme.
5. Save the File: Save the changes to the template file in your child theme.
Important Considerations for Theme File Modification:
- Backup Your Website: Before making any changes to theme files, always back up your website.
- Use a Code Editor: Use a code editor (like VS Code, Sublime Text, or Atom) to ensure your code is properly formatted.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes, thoroughly test your website to ensure everything is working as expected.
This method provides the most flexibility but also carries the greatest risk. Proceed with caution and only if you have a strong understanding of PHP and WordPress theming.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Method for You
Changing the WooCommerce cart icon is a great way to personalize your online store and enhance its visual appeal. We’ve covered three methods, each with its own pros and cons.
- Plugins: The easiest and most convenient option for non-technical users.
- Custom CSS: A simple and effective solution for those comfortable with CSS.
- Theme File Modification: The most advanced and flexible method, but requires strong technical skills.
Choose the method that best suits your skill level and comfort zone. Remember to always back up your website before making any changes, and test your changes thoroughly. By following these steps, you can easily customize the WooCommerce cart icon and create a more unique and engaging shopping experience for your customers. Good luck!
