How to Add Shopify Variant Metafields

Looking to make your Shopify product pages more dynamic and tailored to each customer? Metafields are a powerful way to add variant-specific details that improve the shopping experience. 

Research shows personalised product pages can increase conversion rates by up to 20 percent when customers see content that matches their preferences.

With Shopify variant metafields, you can add unique details such as size charts, materials, care instructions, or nutritional facts to each product variant. Since Shopify does not support this level of detail by default, metafields allow you to provide richer information that helps customers make informed decisions.

This guide will show you how to add variant metafields to create engaging product pages and boost sales. First, let's clarify what variant metafields are, how they differ from product metafields, and their key uses.

Understanding Shopify Variant Metafields

In Shopify, metafields store custom data that isn’t part of the default product fields. But there’s an important distinction between the two key types:

• Product Metafields store data related to the entire product, such as brand information, overall dimensions, or a general warranty.
• Variant Metafields, on the other hand, store variant-specific data—like the weight of a small size vs. large, or unique care instructions for a cotton vs. silk version.

This distinction is crucial when displaying detailed and accurate information for individual variants within the same product.

For example, imagine you're selling a hoodie in multiple colors and fabrics. While the product description and brand remain the same, each variant's fabric composition or washing instructions might vary. With variant metafields, you can show specific instructions like “Hand wash cold – 100% wool” only for the wool version, without cluttering the page for other variants.

Common Use Cases for Variant Metafields

Variant metafields unlock powerful customization options on your Shopify store. Here are some common and practical use cases:

• Material or fabric details for each color or texture
• Care and washing instructions that differ by fabric
• Tech specifications for various device models
• Nutritional labels or ingredients for different food variants
• Stock updates or expiry dates for perishable goods
• Size-specific measurements or guides

These aren't just helpful for users, and reduce return rates and support tickets by giving buyers the correct information upfront.

Supported Metafield Types for Variants

Shopify supports various metafield types to help you display the right kind of data cleanly and effectively. These include:

• Single-line and multi-line text – for short notes or detailed descriptions
• Numbers (integer or decimal) – for measurements, weights, or quantities
• Boolean values – great for toggles like “Is this variant vegan?”
• Date and time – perfect for expiry dates or special availability windows
• URLs – to link to external resources like certificates or size charts
• Files – such as PDFs, manuals, or product images
• References – linking to other Shopify resources like products, variants, or collections

Choosing the right metafield type ensures that your data is easy to manage, displays cleanly, and offers the best user experience on your storefront.

Before adding variant metafields, there are a few important prerequisites to consider. Let's go over them

Prerequisites Before Adding Variant Metafields

Meeting these prerequisites will make the setup process smoother and help you maximize your metafields.

Required Shopify Plan or App Access

Variant metafields are supported on all Shopify plans, but to manage them easily, you'll benefit from one of the following:

• Shopify's Online Store 2.0 themes
• Access to Shopify Admin
• Optional use of third-party apps like Metafields Guru or Accentuate Custom Fields
  

Basic Knowledge of Shopify Admin and Liquid (Optional but Helpful)

While Shopify now offers a visual editor for metafields, having a basic understanding of Liquid (Shopify’s templating language) helps if you want to customize how variant metafields appear on your product pages.

Access to Shopify Admin or Shopify CLI

You can manage metafields in either of the following:

• Directly through Shopify Admin (recommended for most users)
• Or via Shopify CLI and theme code (ideal for developers and advanced customization)

Now that you're familiar with the prerequisites, let’s explore the different methods you can use to add and manage variant metafields in your Shopify store, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned developer.

Methods to Add Shopify Variant Metafields

There are several ways to add variant metafields in Shopify, each suited to different levels of technical skill and store complexity. Choose the method that best fits your needs and comfort level.

1. Using Shopify Admin (Native Metafields Interface)

Shopify’s Admin now includes a user-friendly native interface for managing variant metafields, especially with Online Store 2.0 themes.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Go to your Shopify Admin and navigate to Products.
2. Select the product you want to edit.
3. Scroll to the Variants section and click on a variant.
4. Look for the Metafields section (usually near the bottom).
5. Click Add metafield, then choose the metafield type (text, number, date, etc.).
6. Enter a name and value specific to that variant.
7. Save your changes.

This interface makes assigning unique data to individual variants easy without coding. The metafields you add here will display correctly on Online Store 2.0 themes and third-party themes supporting Shopify’s metafield features.

Tips:

• Use clear, consistent naming conventions for your metafields.
• Group related metafields logically to keep them organized.
• Document your metafield keys and types to maintain clarity across your team.
  

2. Using Shopify Metafields API

For developers or stores needing bulk or automated metafield updates, Shopify's Metafields API offers powerful flexibility.

Overview:

• The API lets you programmatically create, update, and retrieve metafields.
• You’ll need proper API credentials and permissions, typically via a private or custom app.

Basic example of an API call to add a variant metafield:

Json

POST /admin/api/2024-04/variants/{variant_id}/metafields.json
{
  "metafield": {
    "namespace": "custom",
    "key": "fabric_type",
    "value": "Cotton",
    "type": "single_line_text_field"
  }
}

Requirements:

• API authentication using OAuth or API keys.
• Permissions to read and write variant metafields.
  

This method is ideal for developers managing extensive inventories or integrating with external systems.

3. Using Shopify Apps

If you want an easy, no-code way to add and manage variant metafields, several Shopify apps can simplify the process and add powerful features to your store.

To conclude, Shopify offers three ways to manage variant metafields: a native Admin interface, a flexible API for developers, and easy no-code apps. No-code apps are often the simplest choice. Here are some top apps from StarApps Studio for managing variant details:

1. Variant Descriptions King

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

This app helps you display unique descriptions for each product variant, reducing confusion and lowering product page drop-offs. It leverages variant metafields to add rich, variant-specific info without needing any coding knowledge. You can install it for free and access basic features, while premium plans unlock bulk editing, custom display options, and priority support.

Key Features

• Show variant-specific descriptions
• Bulk edit variant content
• Easy-to-use interface without coding
  

2. Variant Title King: Color, SKU

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

Customize variant titles by adding extra details like color names, SKUs, or other metafield data to improve clarity and help shoppers quickly find the right option. The app offers a free version with basic title customization, and premium plans unlock advanced formatting and bulk updates.

Key Features

• Add color and SKU info to variant titles.
• Bulk update variant titles.
• Improve storefront clarity.

3. Color Swatch King: Variants

Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars 

Boost sales by displaying color swatches and variant images directly on product pages. While it doesn’t edit metafields, it uses variant data to enhance how customers visualize their choices. A free plan provides basic swatch features, with premium plans offering advanced styles and customization.

Key Features

• Add variant image swatches
• Display color options visually.
• Compatible with Online Store 2.0 themes.

Compatibility Notes

• These apps are designed to work best with Online Store 2.0 themes, which offer native support for metafields and dynamic content.
• If you use an older or legacy theme, some additional custom coding may be required to properly display variant metafields on your storefront.
• Always remember to test how metafields appear on your theme after making any changes to ensure a smooth customer experience.

Benefits of Using Apps for Variant Metafields

• Simplifies metafield management with bulk editing features.
• No coding skills needed, making it accessible for all merchants.
• Offers convenient options for importing and exporting metafields to streamline data updates.
• Provides customer support to help troubleshoot and resolve any issues quickly.

Once you've added variant metafields using your preferred method or app, the next step is ensuring they appear correctly on your storefront. Let’s explore how to display them effectively across different Shopify themes.

Displaying Variant Metafields on the Storefront

If you want your customers to see the detailed variant information you’ve added through metafields, you need to display that data on your product pages. How you do this depends on the theme your store uses.

When working with variant metafields, it’s important to understand how your Shopify theme impacts their display and management. Not all themes handle metafields the same way, and this can affect how easily you integrate and showcase variant-specific data.

Here’s what to consider:

1. Older Shopify Themes:

• Typically require editing Liquid files directly.
• You need to add custom code to product templates to display variant metafields.
• Best suited for those comfortable with coding or with developer support.

2. Online Store 2.0 Themes (e.g., Dawn):
   
   • Offer native support for metafields and dynamic sources.
   • Allow you to display variant metafields through the theme editor without coding.
   • Designed to seamlessly showcase custom metafield content, making setup faster and easier.

How to Check Theme Compatibility:

• Look for integration with Shopify’s metafield definitions and dynamic sources.
• Check if metafield-related sections or blocks are available in the theme editor.

For the best experience, especially if you want an easy way to add and manage variant metafields without extensive coding, it's recommended to use Online Store 2.0 themes.

Below, we’ll look at both methods and share some tips to troubleshoot common display problems.

1. Editing Theme Liquid Files for Older Themes

If you're using an older Shopify theme, displaying variant metafields usually requires editing your theme's code:

• Go to your Shopify Admin, then navigate to Online Store > Themes and select Edit code for your current theme.
• Look for the product template file, often named product-template.liquid, usually found in the Sections folder.
• You’ll need to add code that fetches and displays variant metafields within the product details section. If you're uncomfortable with coding, consider asking a developer for help.
• Always back up your theme before making any changes to avoid accidental issues.
• After saving, preview your storefront to confirm that the variant information displays correctly.

2. Using Shopify Online Store 2.0 Metafield Features

For themes built on Shopify Online Store 2.0, such as Dawn, you can display variant metafields without diving into code:

• Go to Online Store > Themes in Shopify Admin, then click Customize on your active theme.
• Choose the product page template to edit.
• Use the theme editor's built-in options to add a block or section that supports metafields.
• Connect your variant metafields through the editor interface to display the data dynamically based on the selected variant.
• Save your changes and check the product page on your storefront to see the variant-specific information in action.

This approach is much easier for non-technical users and leverages Shopify’s dynamic content features for a smoother experience.

If you're still having trouble, consider using metafield management apps. Many apps offer easy-to-use interfaces and built-in troubleshooting tools to help ensure your metafields display correctly across themes.  

Tips and Best Practices For Adding Shopify Variant Metafields

To keep your metafields organized, manageable, and scalable as your store grows, follow these best practices:

• Consistent Naming: Use clear, consistent naming conventions for namespaces and keys. This reduces confusion and makes metafield management easier.
• Appropriate Metafield Types: Choose the correct metafield data types (text, number, file, boolean, etc.) based on the kind of information you’re storing.
• Test Before Going Live: Always test metafield displays on a duplicate or unpublished theme first to catch any issues before customers see them.
• Logical Organization: Group related metafields under a shared namespace to keep your data structured and easy to navigate.
• Leverage Metafield Apps: Use trusted Shopify apps designed for metafield management. These tools simplify bulk editing, updating, and troubleshooting, especially when handling large product catalogs.

Conclusion

Variant metafields let you add detailed, variant-specific info that improves product management and enhances your customers’ shopping experience. Using an Online Store 2.0 theme ensures easy metafield integration without complex coding.

For a simple, efficient way to create and manage variant metafields, try StarApps Studio. Its user-friendly interface, bulk editing, and seamless theme support help you unlock the full potential of metafields—no coding needed.

Explore StarApps Studio on the Shopify App Store and start customizing your product pages today.

FAQs

1. How to add metafields in Shopify products?

To add metafields to a product, log in to your Shopify Admin and open the product you want to update. 

Scroll down to the Metafields section, which is usually at the bottom of the page. Click on “Add metafield,” select the appropriate metafield type such as text, number, or date, then enter a clear name and the value specific to your product. 

Once done, save your changes. These metafields let you store extra product details that standard fields don’t cover.

2. How do I add a variant option in Shopify?

To add a variant option, go to the Products section in your Shopify Admin and select the product you want to modify. 

Scroll to the Variants section and click on “Add variant.” Here, you can enter the new variant’s option details like size, color, or any custom option you want to offer. 

After filling in the necessary information such as price and inventory, save the variant to make it available for customers to choose.

3. How to add category metafields in Shopify?

Shopify organizes products into collections rather than traditional categories. 

To add metafields related to categories, navigate to the Collections area in your Shopify Admin. Select the collection you want to enhance, then scroll to the Metafields section. 

Here, you can add custom metafields to store additional information about the collection, such as descriptions or tags that aren’t available by default. Save your changes to apply the metafields.

4. How do I add metadata in Shopify?

Metadata, which helps with SEO, can be added directly in the product or page editor. 

In Shopify Admin, open the product or page and find the “Search engine listing preview” section. Click “Edit SEO” to enter a custom page title and meta description that will appear in search engine results. 

To add other metadata fields or structured data, you can use metafields or install apps designed to manage advanced SEO settings. Remember to save your changes before exiting.