How to Create Products with Variants in Shopify: Sizes, Colors, and More
Updated
If you sell clothing, jewelry, or any item that comes in different options, you don't need to create a new product for each one. Shopify lets you group everything into a single product with Variants.
What Are Variants in Shopify and How Do They Work?
Variants are options within the same master product that allow the customer to choose specific characteristics like Size, Color, or Material. Each combination (e.g., Size M / Color Red) generates a unique SKU, allowing you to control the inventory and price of each version separately.
- Price 24k gold is more expensive than 10k.
- Inventory You have 5 units in size S but 0 in size M.
- Photo When selecting "Red", the photo changes to the red shirt.
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Step by Step: Creating a Product with Options
1 Add the Base Product
Go to Products > Add product. Fill in the title (e.g., Cuban Chain) and upload all the general product photos.
2 Activate and Define Variants
Scroll down to the Variants section and click on "Add options like size or color".
In "Option name" you can type whatever you want (e.g., Karats, Material, Size). In "Option values", enter the options separated by comma or enter (e.g., 10k, 14k, 18k, 24k).
3 Edit Price and Stock per Variant
Once the variants are created, you'll see a table below. This is where the magic happens:
- Prices: Change the price individually if a variant costs more (e.g., 24k is worth more than 10k).
- Quantities: Enter the actual stock you have for each specific option.
4 Image Optimization
Shopify has a built-in photo editor. If you upload a photo and it looks cropped, click on it and use the crop tool to make it Square (1:1). This ensures your catalog looks neat and professional on any device.
💡 Pro Tip: Visual Swatches
If you want "color dots" to show instead of text in your variants, you'll need a special configuration. Check out our guide on How to add visual color variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many variants does Shopify allow?
Shopify allows up to 100 variants per product and a maximum of 3 options (e.g., Size, Color, Material). If you need more, you'll need third-party apps.
Can I change the order of the options?
Yes, in the variants section you can click "Edit" next to the options and drag them to change the order the customer sees them.
For more information, check the official Shopify Variants documentation.