How to Add Product Variations (Like Color, Size, or Style)

How to Add Product Variations
(Like Color, Size, or Style)

If you make something in different colors, sizes, or materials, you don't need separate listings for each one. You can create one product listing where customers choose their preferred option from a dropdown menu.

When to Use Variable Products

You should use a Variable Product when:

You offer different versions of a product (like color, size, or material) – and –
Each version might have a different price, stock level, image, or other settings

This works well for handmade sellers who:

Price differently based on material (Gold is ₪120, Silver is ₪90)
Have unique photos for each option
Track separate stock for each version

Important: If all your versions are the same price and don’t need separate stock tracking, you might not need variable products. If the options are just for visual reference and nothing else changes, a simple product with basic attributes might work better.

Here’s how to set up variable products:

Step 1: Start with a Variable Product

When you’re creating your product (or editing one you already have), look for the Product data box. Right at the top, you’ll see it says Simple product. Change that to Variable product using the dropdown. This tells the system you’re offering choices.

Step 2: Add Attributes

Step 2: Add Attributes

Click over to the Attributes tab. Attributes are the different ways your product can vary. Think of them as categories like “Color,” “Size,” or “Material.”

You can choose an existing attribute like “Color” from the dropdown, or select Custom attribute to create your own. Click Add attribute.

Now you’ll see some fields appear:

In Name, write the category you’re offering like “Material,” “Size,” or “Finish”
In Value(s), list each specific option separated by | like Gold | Silver | Brass or Small | Medium | Large
Check both boxes:
- “Visible on the product page”
- “Used for variations”
Click Save attribute

Step 3: Create Your Variations

Head to the Variations tab. From the dropdown, choose Create variations from all attributes and click Go. When the pop-up appears, click OK.

The system will automatically create separate variations for each option. If you listed Gold, Silver, and Brass as materials, you’ll now have three variations, one for each.

Step 4: Give Each Variation Its Own Details

You’ll see all your variations listed now. Click the little triangle next to each one to open it up.

Now you can set up the details for each variation:

Set a price (this one’s required because people need to know what they’re investing in your work)
Add stock quantity if you want to track how many you have
Upload a different image for each variation so someone choosing brass can see exactly how that warm metal catches the light
Add sale price, shipping class, or other details as they make sense for you

Want more help managing inventory for products with variations? Click Here!

Step 5: Choose What People See First

Scroll to Default Form Values. This is what someone will see pre-selected when they first visit your product page. You can choose your favorite option, or leave it blank so they start with a fresh choice. Think about what represents your work best, or what people tend to love most.

Final Step: Save Your Product

When everything feels right, click Save Product.

Your listing is now ready to welcome people into the full world of what you’ve created. Every color, every size, every variation that makes your work uniquely yours.