Overlay vs hybrid vs source-code fixes.

Plenty of tools now say “source-code, not overlay.” What actually matters is the mechanism — whether the fix is backed up, previewed, verified, reversible, and documented. Here is the honest breakdown.

CapabilityOverlay widgetHybridAccessComply (source-code)
Where the fix lives
Runtime JavaScript layer over your page
Some code, some runtime widget
Your actual theme source files
Survives after uninstall
No — fixes vanish when removed
Only the code-level part remains
Supported written changes remain in the modified theme or Shopify resource; extension behavior stops and theme edits do not transfer to another theme
Developer required to apply
No (but it doesn’t fix the source)
Often a GitHub PR to merge
Supported suggestions can be approved in the app; complex or risky work still needs a developer or specialist
Saved original for supported changes
N/A — nothing is changed
Varies
Affected theme source or prior resource value recorded
Review each change first
Nothing to preview
Sometimes
Yes — approve before the change is made
Follow-up check after a fix
No
Varies
Runs a check; only confirmed fixes are marked resolved
Merchant-confirmed restore
No
Rare
When a trustworthy earlier result supports it; otherwise you choose whether to restore
Date-stamped evidence record
Varies by product and service
Varies
A record for each fix and report downloads on paid plans
Regulatory-claim risk
Depends on product behavior and claims; an FTC order addressed unsupported accessiBe claims
Depends on claims made
Depends on actual results and claims; AccessComply makes no compliance guarantee

Comparison reflects approach categories, not any single named product, and AccessComply's own workflow. See the safety architecture for how each AccessComply step works.

Fix it at the source.

Run a free automated scan, then install to review supported suggestions. Supported changes save the original; restoring an older value requires your confirmation and can overwrite later edits.