Understanding Variants
A variant is a specific version of a product defined by its options. For example, a t-shirt in size Medium and colour Blue is one variant, while the same t-shirt in size Large and colour Red is another variant.
Each variant can have its own SKU, price, inventory level, weight, and barcode. This allows you to track and sell different versions of a product independently.
Key Concepts
- •Options: The attributes that define variants (e.g., Size, Colour, Material)
- •Option values: The specific choices within each option (e.g., Small, Medium, Large)
- •Variants: The combinations of option values (e.g., Small/Blue, Medium/Red)
Variant Limits
Shopify allows a maximum of 3 options per product and 100 variants total per product. For example, if you have 10 sizes x 5 colours x 3 materials, that is 150 variants, which exceeds the limit.
Creating Options
Options define the attributes that differentiate your variants. Choose options that customers actually use to make purchasing decisions.
Common Option Types
Size
XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL or numeric sizes like 6, 8, 10, 12. Use consistent naming across your catalogue.
Colour
Black, White, Navy, etc. Consider using colour swatches in your theme for better visual selection.
Material
Cotton, Polyester, Leather, etc. Useful when the same design comes in different materials.
Style
Regular fit, Slim fit, Relaxed fit. Good for clothing with different cuts.
Adding Options to a Product
- 1.Open the product in your Shopify admin
- 2.Scroll to the Variants section
- 3.Click "Add options like size or colour"
- 4.Enter the option name (e.g., Size) and values (e.g., S, M, L)
- 5.Click "Done" and add additional options if needed
Setting Up Variants
Once you have defined your options, Shopify automatically generates all possible variant combinations. You then need to configure each variant.
Variant Configuration
After adding options, you will see a list of all generated variants. For each variant, you can set:
- •Price: Each variant can have a different price
- •Compare at price: Original price for showing discounts
- •SKU: Unique identifier for the variant
- •Barcode: UPC, EAN, or ISBN
- •Inventory: Stock quantity at each location
- •Weight: Used for shipping calculations
Bulk Editing
For products with many variants, use the bulk editor to update multiple variants at once. Click "Edit" in the Variants section, then click "Open bulk editor".
Variant Pricing
Different variants can have different prices. This is useful when larger sizes cost more to produce or premium materials command higher prices.
Size-Based Pricing
Common in clothing where larger sizes use more material. For example, sizes XS-L at £29.99, sizes XL-XXL at £34.99.
Material-Based Pricing
When the same product comes in standard and premium materials. A cotton version might be £25 while a silk version is £65.
Colour-Based Pricing
Less common, but some colours may cost more to produce. Ensure this is clearly communicated to avoid customer confusion.
Pricing Display
When variants have different prices, your product page typically shows a price range (e.g., "From £29.99") or updates the price dynamically as customers select options.
Inventory Tracking
Each variant maintains its own inventory count. This allows accurate stock tracking across all product variations.
Enabling Inventory Tracking
- 1.In the variant editor, check "Track quantity"
- 2.Enter the current stock quantity for each location
- 3.Choose whether to continue selling when out of stock
Multi-Location Inventory
If you have multiple locations (warehouse, retail store, etc.), you can track inventory separately at each location. Shopify automatically allocates stock when orders come in.
Out of Stock Behaviour
- •Stop selling: Variant becomes unavailable when stock reaches zero
- •Continue selling: Allow backorders, useful for made-to-order items
Variant Images
Assign specific images to variants so customers see the correct product image when they select an option, particularly important for colour variants.
Assigning Images to Variants
- 1Upload All Images
First, upload all product images to the Media section of your product.
- 2Edit the Variant
Click on a variant to open its editor.
- 3Select an Image
Click the image placeholder and choose the relevant image from your media library.
- 4Repeat for All Variants
Assign appropriate images to each variant that needs one.
Image Tip
When customers select a colour, the product gallery should update to show that colour. Most modern themes handle this automatically when variant images are properly assigned.
Working with Variant Limits
When you hit Shopify's 100 variant limit, you have several options to work around it.
Split into Multiple Products
Create separate products for different categories. For example, "T-Shirt (Basic Colours)" and "T-Shirt (Premium Colours)".
Use an App
Apps like Infinite Options or Bold Product Options can add options without creating actual variants, though this has inventory tracking limitations.
Reduce Option Values
Consolidate similar options. Instead of 15 colour variations, consider grouping into 8-10 core colours.
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus stores can request variant limit increases. This is handled through Shopify support on a case-by-case basis.
Best Practices
Follow these guidelines for a well-organised variant structure.
- 1.Consistent naming: Use the same option names and values across similar products
- 2.Logical order: Arrange option values in a sensible sequence (S, M, L not L, S, M)
- 3.Unique SKUs: Give every variant a unique SKU for accurate inventory tracking
- 4.Complete data: Fill in all variant fields including weight for accurate shipping
- 5.Assign images: Every colour variant should have an assigned image
