Choose a product variant type
Variants let one product offer options such as size or colour. Choose the type around the decision the customer needs to make, then prepare the option names, identifiers and stock approach.
Choose the type for the job
| Need | Type to review | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A choice from one list | Dropdown List | Small, Medium or Large |
| A choice across two sets of options | Combination/Matrix | Shoe size and colour |
| Customer-entered wording | Text box | A personalisation message |
Find the variant editor
- Save the main product record first.
- Open the existing product and select Variants (eg Sizes).
- Select Add Variant and review the Type choices.
- Choose the relevant detailed guide above before adding values. If you are only comparing the forms, use Cancel.
Active and Required are separate settings
Active? controls whether the option is visible to users. Required? controls whether a value must be selected or provided. Set them separately before saving the variant.
- Choose the intended Active state for the selling journey.
- Choose Required when that option must be completed, such as a size needed to identify the item.
- For optional wording such as a gift message, review whether an empty value should be allowed instead.
- Complete the type-specific setup and save through the variant dialog, then check the option in each channel where you sell. Check both a completed choice and an empty one where relevant.
Making an option active does not itself make it mandatory. Check the saved result rather than relying on the initial choices shown in a new form.
Plan identifiers, stock and pricing
Keep names clear enough for staff as well as customers. If options have their own identifiers, confirm the correct SKU for each value or combination. Review which level tracks stock and advanced prices separately from the variant labels.
Changing an existing setup
An existing dropdown editor can show Type as a fixed value rather than the new-variant type selector. Do not assume you can convert a populated dropdown into a matrix by changing one field. Review existing identifiers, stock and orders before planning a structural change.
Related help
Review existing variants, barcodes and stock ยท Add a product.
