When would you typically use a `.json` file in a Shopify theme?

Using a .json file in a Shopify theme is particularly common for storing settings and presets. This file format is well-suited for hierarchical data and allows themes to manage customizable settings efficiently. The settings schema is defined in a .json file, which enables merchants to modify theme options through the Shopify admin. By utilizing this format, developers can easily create and store settings for various theme features, such as color schemes, typography, and layout options, ensuring these can be adjusted without requiring direct code modifications.

The other options do not align with the typical use cases for .json files in Shopify. For instance, theme images are generally stored in image files like .jpg, .png, etc., rather than in a .json file. Managing product inventory involves backend processes that are typically handled in Shopify’s database rather than through a theme file format. HTML layouts are usually defined in .liquid files, which provide the templating engine used by Shopify to render dynamic pages rather than relying on a data structure like .json.