How to Add Variants on Shopify

Offering product variations is essential to satisfy a wide range of customer preferences. On Shopify, adding variants lets shoppers choose different sizes, colors, or any other attribute that sets one version of your product apart. This will improve the overall shopping experience, and also simplifies inventory management. Let’s explore four methods for adding variants on Shopify, each with its unique advantages and ideal use cases.

What are Shopify Product Variants?

Product variants are simply different versions of the same product with slight variations. These variations can be in physical products, services, or digital goods. Variants might differ by size, color, style, weight, finish, material, and other attributes. When a product has multiple variants, each combination of these characteristics creates a unique version of that product.

How to Add Variants on Shopify: Four Methods

Below, we’ll explore four methods to add variants to your products, catering to different levels of complexity and business needs. 

Method 1: Shopify Admin

Step 1: Set Up a New Product

• Go to your Shopify admin dashboard and click on the “Products” tabs, then select “Add product” to create a new product.

• If your Shopify admin has no products yet, the Products section might appear empty. In this case, click “Add products” and fill out the required product information.

Step 2: Access the Variants Section

• After filling in the product details, scroll down to access the Variants section on the product page. Click “+ Add Variants” to add variants, such as size or color.

Step 3: Select or Customize the Option Name

• In the Option name field, you’ll find some preset options like Size, Color, Material, and Style. Alternatively, you can create a custom option name to describe your product’s variations better.

Step 4: Add Option Values

• Once you’ve set the Option name, enter all the available variants under that option. After entering all the variant details, click “Done” to confirm.

Note: If your product has multiple variant options, you can add up to three by selecting “+ Add another option” and repeating the process.

Step 5: Customize and Finalize Product Variants

• Customize your new variants by adding images and adjusting details. Click the image icon next to each variant to upload photos, helping customers visualize their purchase.

• Next, click the “Edit” button to fine-tune details like pricing, stock levels, SKUs, etc. Once you’ve made all the necessary adjustments, click “Save” to apply your changes.

Method 2: Shopify Apps

Step 1: Find Product Variant Apps on Shopify

• Go to the Shopify App Store and use the search bar to type in "product variants."

Step 2: Select and Install a Shopify App

• Take some time to review the available apps to find one that fits your requirements and budget. 
• Once you’ve made your choice, click on the “Install” button. Carefully review the privacy and permission details, then click “Install app” to finalize the installation.

Step 3: Add the Theme Block

• After installing the app, you’ll be redirected to its dashboard within the Shopify admin. Follow the instructions to install the theme block in your store's default product template.
• Click on “Go to the Theme Customizer” to begin, or select the “Read help article” link if you need additional guidance.

• Once in the Shopify theme editor, use the dropdown menu (usually labeled "Home page") to select the "Default product template."
• On the product page template, go to Template > Product information > Add block, and select the app block you want to configure.

Step 4: Create Option Sets

• Return to the Infinite Options dashboard to start building your option sets. Click the “Launch Getting Started Wizard” button.

Follow the detailed instructions provided by the app to set up the product variants according to your specifications.

Method 3: CSV Export-Import Functions

Step 1: Export Your Product Information

• Start by navigating to the “Products” section within your Shopify admin. Select the products you want to add variants, then click the “Export” button.

• In the Export options, choose “Selected products.” Under the Export as option, select “CSV for Excel, Numbers, or other spreadsheet programs, and then click Export products.”

Step 2: Insert Product Variants into the CSV File

• Open the exported CSV file using a spreadsheet program link, such as Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. Proceed to add the required product variants, ensuing each one shares the identical “Handle” value as the original product.
• To maintain consistency, you may also need to copy and paste certain values like weight, price, shipping details, and tax settings across all variants. Once you’ve added all the variants, save and close the CSV file.

Step 3: Re-import the Updated CSV File

• Return to the Products section in your Shopify admin and select the “Import” button.

• Click “Upload and preview” to check the data format. If everything looks correct, click the “Import product” button.
• Once the import is complete, your existing products will be updated with the new variants in seconds.

Method 4: Using Bulk Action

Step 1: Select the Product

• After logging into your Shopify admin, go to the “Products” section to view all your available products.

Step 2: Access the Variants Section

• Choose the product you want to modify, then scroll down to locate the Variants section.
• You can select multiple variants by checking these boxes. For instance, I’ve checked the first and fourth variants in the image below.

Tip: For efficient selection, click "Select" followed by "All" to choose all variants simultaneously. To deselect all, choose "None," located next to "All."

Step 3: Add a New Style Option

• To introduce another Style option, click “Actions” and select “Add another style.”

Step 4: Input New Option Values

• At this point, a small dialog box will pop up, allowing you to enter new option values. Ensure that these values align with the option you selected earlier. For instance, if you chose Style as your option name, the appropriate value to enter could be "Classic."

Step 5: Finalize Your Changes

Once you’ve added all the necessary option values, click Done to save your changes.

How Many Variants You Can Have On the Shopify Store? 

Shopify limits the number of options and variants you can assign to a product. Each product can have up to three options and a maximum of 100 variants. The specific combinations of variants can vary depending on the product's attributes.

For example, if you’re selling sunglasses, you might set up variants for style, size, and material. Alternatively, if your products are digital downloads, you could define variants based on version, expiration date, and color.

Why You Should Add Variant to Your Shopify Store?

Adding variants to your Shopify store can significantly improve the shopping experience and drive sales. Here are some key reasons why adding variants is beneficial:

• Enhanced Product Offering: Variants allow you to offer multiple product versions, such as different sizes, colors, or styles. This variety caters to diverse customer preferences and can increase the likelihood of a sale.
• Improved Customer Experience: By providing options directly on the product page, you make it easier for customers to select their preferred version without having to navigate away or search for multiple listings. 
• Increased Sales Opportunities: Customers are more likely to find what they're looking for when you offer multiple options, which can lead to higher conversion rates.
• Simplified Inventory Management: Shopify’s variant system helps you manage inventory more effectively by tracking stock levels for each variant separately. This makes it easier to monitor and restock items as needed.
• Better Marketing and Upselling: With variants, you can highlight different features or options that appeal to various segments of your audience. This can be useful for targeted marketing and upselling opportunities.
• Organized Product Listings: Variants allow you to keep all related options under a single product page instead of creating multiple product listings for each option. 

So, How To Promote Your Shopify Variants?

Promoting product variants effectively can help you drive sales and maximize visibility. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Highlight Variants in Product Descriptions: Clearly describe the different variants available within the product description. Use engaging language and emphasize key features of each option to attract interest.
• Use High-Quality Images: Display clear, high-resolution images, allowing customers to see exactly what they’re choosing and increase the appeal of different options.
• Create Variant-Specific Ads: You can use Facebook or Google Ads to highlight popular colors or sizes that may appeal to different customer segments.
• Promote Variants on Social Media: Use engaging visuals and interactive content, such as polls or quizzes, to encourage followers to explore and choose their preferred options.
• Implement Cross-Selling and Upselling: Suggest related variants or complementary products during checkout. If a customer purchases a shirt in one color, recommend other colors or styles they might like.
• Leverage Email Marketing: Email campaigns featuring new variants or special promotions. Segment your email list to target customers interested in similar products or variants.
• Optimize for Search Engines: Use relevant keywords related to your variants in product titles, descriptions, and meta tags. This will help your variants appear in search engine results and attract organic traffic.

Final Thoughts 

Adding and managing product variants on Shopify can significantly enhance your store's functionality and appeal. By offering multiple options for each product, you cater to a broader range of customer preferences and improve the overall shopping experience. 

Adding Variants on Shopify: FAQs 

Can I use Shopify apps to manage variants?

Yes, Shopify offers various apps designed to help manage product variants. These apps often provide additional features and flexibility, such as advanced options for customizing variants or bulk-editing capabilities.

How do I promote variants effectively?

Promote variants by highlighting them in product descriptions, using high-quality images, creating targeted ads, and leveraging social media. You can also use email marketing and SEO to increase visibility and attract customers.

Can I add variants to an existing product?

Yes, you can add variants to both new and existing products. To do this, access the product in your Shopify admin, navigate to the Variants section, and follow the steps to add or modify options and values.

What are product variants on Shopify?

Product variants are different versions of a product that vary based on attributes such as size, color, material, or style. For example, a T-shirt might have variants for different sizes and colors.

What should I do if I encounter issues with variants?

If you face issues with variants, such as incorrect options or display problems, review your setup in Shopify Admin or your app. You may also consult Shopify’s help resources or contact their support team for assistance.