Troubleshoot linking issues
Fix common problems when linking PDFs to resources.
Can't find resource when linking
Search isn't working:
- Type only part of the name (don't need full name)
- Search is case-insensitive (capitals don't matter)
- Try different keywords from the resource name
Resource doesn't exist:
- Verify product/page/collection exists in Shopify
- Check resource is published (not draft)
- Archived resources won't appear
Wrong resource type selected:
- Make sure you selected correct type (products vs pages, etc.)
- Switch resource type in dropdown
Link appears to work but PDF doesn't show
Three requirements check:
- ✅ PDF is linked (you did this)
- ⚠️ PDF status is Active (check this)
- ⚠️ Theme App Extension added to theme (check this)
Can't unlink PDF
PDF still shows link:
- Refresh the page
- Check if link actually removed
- Try unlinking again
Bulk unlink fails:
- Try unlinking one at a time instead
- Check permissions
- Contact support if issue persists
Wrong PDF linked to resource
Fix the link:
- Unlink the incorrect PDF
- Link the correct PDF
- Check status is Active
- Verify on storefront
Multiple PDFs linked:
- Check if several PDFs are linked
- Unlink unwanted PDFs
- Keep only correct PDFs
Bulk linking doesn't work
Too many resources:
- Try smaller batches (25-50 at a time)
- Large operations take longer
- Wait for background processing
Resources not selected:
- Make sure checkboxes are checked
- Select at least one resource
- Review selection before confirming
Operation timeout:
- Very large bulk operations may timeout
- Break into smaller batches
- Try again during off-peak hours
Link count shows wrong number
Cache delay:
- Link counts update every few minutes
- Refresh page and wait
- Number will update automatically
Includes all resource types:
- Count shows links across all resources
- One PDF might link to products AND pages
- This is normal
Can't link to homepage or search
Different linking process:
- Homepage and search don't need search
- Just select resource type and click Link
- Only one of each exists per store
Already linked:
- Check if PDF is already linked
- Unlink first if you want to re-link
- One PDF can link once per resource
Template filter prevents PDF from showing
Filter might be too specific:
- Check template name is correct
- Verify page uses that template
- Remove filter to test without it
Template doesn't exist:
- Check template name in theme code
- Templates are case-sensitive
- Try without filter first
Links disappear after update
PDF deleted:
- If you delete a PDF, all links are removed
- Can't undo deletion
- Must re-link if you re-upload
Unlinked by mistake:
- Check PDF library for link status
- Re-Link PDF if needed
- Use bulk linking for multiple resources
Can't link to specific product
Product might be:
- Archived (reactivate it first)
- Draft (publish it first)
- Deleted (can't link to deleted products)
Check product exists:
- Search for it in Shopify admin
- Verify product ID if known
- Make sure it's published
Bulk link to wrong resources
Undo bulk operation:
- Select the same PDF
- Use bulk unlink feature
- Select the same resources
- Unlink from all
Prevent mistakes:
- Review selection before confirming
- Test with 2-3 resources first
- Use filters to narrow selection
- Check preview before final confirm
Link limits reached
No link limits exist:
- Link one PDF to unlimited resources
- Link unlimited PDFs to one resource
- This error shouldn't happen
Might be plan PDF limit:
- Check your PDF count vs plan limit
- Might need to upgrade or delete PDFs
- Links themselves are unlimited
Tips for successful linking
Search effectively:
- Use partial names
- Try different keywords
- Filter by type if available
Verify before saving:
- Check resource name
- Confirm resource type
- Review template filter if used
Test first:
- Link to one resource first
- Verify it works on storefront
- Then do bulk operations
Keep organized:
- Name PDFs clearly
- Use consistent naming
- Document which PDFs go where