Create a multi-variant product
Sell one item in several sizes or colours with a single listing
Use a multi-variant product when one item comes in different options, such as a polo shirt in several colours and sizes. You describe the options once and the Shop creates a variant for every combination.
Before you start
- You need the Shop Manager role. See Store Portal roles and access.
- Decide your attributes. You can use up to two, for example Colour and Size.
Create the product
Go to Products and select New product.
Under Type, choose Product with variants ("Multiple sizes or colours.").
Under Details, enter a Product name, a Description and any Collections. Add photos under Media (optional) and an Attachment if you have a size guide. See Add product images and a size guide.
Under Inventory, switch on Track inventory if you want to count stock. This setting applies to every variant. You can also switch on Preorder and add an Availability message for customers.
Under Attributes, select Add attribute.
Enter an Attribute name, such as Colour.
Add the Options. Type one and select Add, or type several separated by commas, for example
Black, White, Navy.Select Create attribute. Repeat for a second attribute if you need one, such as Size.
The Variants table fills in with every combination, for example Black / S, Black / M, White / S and so on.
In the Variants section, set the defaults every variant follows: Default price, Default cost of goods, Default low stock alert, and whether This price includes tax. A banner tells you how many variants follow the defaults.
If Track inventory is on, open each variant (select Edit) and enter its Stock on hand. See Manage product variants.
Save or publish
- Save Draft saves the product hidden from customers. You only need a Product name.
- Publish makes it live. Every variant must be ready first. If any variant is marked Needs setup, you'll see Can't publish yet. Select Save as draft or Continue editing.
A variant is Needs setup when it has no price (the default price covers this) or, with Track inventory on, no stock count.
If the product isn't in a collection, you'll be asked Publish without a collection? Select Publish anyway to continue. It stays hidden from shoppers until it's in a collection.
Good to know
- You can have up to 2 attributes, and each attribute can have up to 22 options.
- Each variant gets its own SKU automatically. You can change it later. See SKUs, barcodes and manufacturers.
- Each variant has its own price, cost and stock. Anything you don't change follows the defaults.
- Adding an option later creates only the new combinations. Existing variants keep their price, stock and SKU.
- Removing an attribute removes the variants built from it, along with their stock. You're asked to confirm first. Removing an option in the Edit attribute window removes its variants too.
- Drag the grip beside an attribute to change the order customers see.
- For prices and tax, see Set prices, cost and profit margin.