How to Remove Cart Icons in Your Storefront Theme with WooCommerce
Introduction
The Storefront theme is a popular choice for WooCommerce websites, known for its clean design and ease of use. However, sometimes you might want to customize the theme further to align with your brand identity or improve user experience. One common customization request is removing the cart icon from the header or navigation menu. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist look, prefer a text-based cart link, or simply don’t need a visual reminder of the shopping cart, this article will guide you through various methods to achieve this in your Storefront theme. We’ll cover approaches ranging from simple CSS adjustments to more advanced code snippets, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your skill level and specific needs. Removing unnecessary elements can streamline your design and improve the overall user experience on your WooCommerce store.
Removing Cart Icons: Multiple Approaches
There are several ways to remove the cart icon in your Storefront theme. We’ll explore three primary methods, each with varying degrees of complexity and control:
#### 1. Using Custom CSS (Recommended for Beginners)
This is the easiest and safest method, requiring no code editing. You simply target the cart icon element with CSS and hide it. This approach is ideal if you’re unfamiliar with PHP or want a quick and reversible solution.
Steps:
1. Go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Add the following CSS code:
/* Hide the cart icon in the main navigation */
.main-navigation ul li.cart a.cart-contents .count,
.main-navigation ul li.cart a.cart-contents::before {
display: none !important;
}
/* Hide the cart icon in the handheld navigation (mobile) */
.handheld-navigation ul li.cart a.cart-contents .count,
.handheld-navigation ul li.cart a.cart-contents::before {
display: none !important;
}
3. Click Publish.
Explanation:
- The CSS code targets the specific elements that display the cart icon (both the icon itself, represented by `::before`, and the cart count, represented by `.count`) within the main navigation and handheld navigation menus.
- `display: none !important;` ensures that these elements are hidden. The `!important` declaration overrides any existing CSS rules that might be affecting the cart icon’s visibility.
- Simple and quick to implement.
- Reversible by simply removing the CSS.
- No code modification required, reducing the risk of errors.
- Relies on CSS specificity, which might not always work if another plugin or custom CSS is interfering.
- Only hides the icon, the HTML element is still present in the code.
Benefits:
Drawbacks:
#### 2. Using a Child Theme and `functions.php` (Recommended for Intermediate Users)
This method involves creating a child theme and adding a function to your child theme’s `functions.php` file to unregister the WooCommerce cart fragments. This approach offers more control but requires some familiarity with PHP and child themes.
Steps:
1. Create a Child Theme: If you don’t already have one, create a child theme for your Storefront theme. There are many plugins that can assist with this.
2. Edit `functions.php`: Open your child theme’s `functions.php` file and add the following code:
<?php
/
* Remove the cart icon and count from the Storefront theme.
*/
function storefront_remove_woocommerce_cart() {
remove_action( ‘storefront_header’, ‘storefront_header_cart’, 60 );
}
add_action( ‘init’, ‘storefront_remove_woocommerce_cart’ );
3. Save the `functions.php` file.
Explanation:
- `remove_action( ‘storefront_header’, ‘storefront_header_cart’, 60 );` removes the function that displays the cart within the Storefront header. The numbers ’60’ refer to priority number.
- `add_action( ‘init’, ‘storefront_remove_woocommerce_cart’ );` hooks the `storefront_remove_woocommerce_cart` function to the `init` action, ensuring it runs after WordPress is initialized.
Benefits:
- More robust than CSS, as it directly removes the cart functionality.
- Child theme ensures that your changes are not overwritten during theme updates.
Drawbacks:
- Requires some familiarity with PHP and child themes.
- Slightly more complex than the CSS method.
#### 3. Using Code Snippets Plugin (Alternative to Child Theme)
A code snippets plugin allows you to add PHP code to your website without directly modifying the theme’s `functions.php` file. This is a good option if you don’t want to create a child theme or are uncomfortable editing files directly.
Steps:
1. Install and Activate a Code Snippets Plugin: Popular options include “Code Snippets” and “WPCode”.
2. Add a New Snippet: Create a new snippet in your chosen plugin.
3. Paste the Code: Paste the following code into the snippet:
/**
4. Save and Activate the Snippet: Ensure the snippet is active.
Explanation:
This method uses the same PHP code as the child theme method but implements it through a plugin. The function `storefront_remove_woocommerce_cart` is the same function described in the Child Theme Section.
Benefits:
- Avoids direct modification of theme files.
- Easy to manage and deactivate code changes.
Drawbacks:
- Adds another plugin to your site.
- Still requires some understanding of PHP code.
Conclusion
Removing the cart icon from your Storefront theme can be accomplished using various methods, from simple CSS tweaks to more robust code modifications. The best approach depends on your comfort level with code and your specific requirements. If you’re a beginner, the CSS method is a great starting point. For more experienced users, the child theme or code snippets plugin offer more control and stability. Always remember to back up your website before making any significant changes, and test your changes thoroughly to ensure everything functions correctly. By following these steps, you can successfully remove the cart icon and tailor your Storefront theme to perfectly match your vision. Remember that consistent branding and a clean user interface are key to a successful online store.
