CLI / Terminal Access

Run npm install -g @bigcommerce/stencil-cli

Generate API Token in Admin (Advanced Settings > API Accounts)

Run stencil init in your theme folder

Run stencil start to launch localhost

Navigate to theme directory: cd /path/to/theme

Run stencil init

Enter your Store URL (e.g., https://your-store.mybigcommerce.com)

Enter your API Token when prompted

Enter a port (default 3000)

Run stencil start

View site at http://localhost:3000

External testing URL is provided (e.g., http://192.168.1.5:3000)

Run stencil pull to download the active theme configuration from the store

This updates your local config.json with store settings

For full backup, copy the entire theme directory to a safe location or commit to Git

Ensure local version is correct/tested

Run stencil push to upload the theme

You can choose to apply it to a storefront channel immediately

To restore specific data, manually re-enter settings not covered by the theme file

Run npm install to update Node modules

Run stencil pull to sync with latest store configuration

If using a base theme (Cornerstone), merge upstream changes via Git

Initialize Stencil in the new store directory: stencil init

Use the NEW store's URL and API Token

Run stencil push to upload the theme to the new store

Data (products, customers) is NOT handled by Stencil CLI

Use CSV Import/Export in Control Panel

Or use BigCommerce API / Data Migration Apps