Attribute usage

Attributes can be used in the following ways:

• Product attributes
• Variant attributes
• Custom field attributes

Product attributes

When an attribute is used as a product attribute, it defines the characteristics of a product.

To make an attribute available as a product attribute, the marketplace operator must assign it to the Product Attributes section of a product template.

warning

Keep in mind that setting an attribute as mandatory will apply it to all products, no matter which template they use. Use this option with caution when creating attributes.

Variant attributes

When an attribute is used as a variant attribute, it defines the characteristics of the variants of a single product.

To make an attribute available as a variant attribute, the marketplace operator must assign it to the Variant Attributes section of a product template.

Custom field attributes

When an attribute is used as a custom field attribute, it defines the characteristics of a custom field and by extension - any object that custom field is applied to. Objects that custom fields can be assigned to include staff members, categories, products, variants, collections, and orders.

For instance, in a marketplace that offers both new and pre-owned vehicles, each vehicle's condition will be either new or pre-owned, regardless of its make, model, drivetrain, or fuel type.

You can create a Condition attribute with values New and Pre-owned to reflect this in the marketplace. Once the attribute is created, assign it to the PRODUCT custom field model to ensure that all products in the marketplace include this attribute.

Considerations when working with attributes

1. An attribute becomes required once it's used as a variant attribute, even if it's not marked as mandatory.
2. In a product template, an attribute can be set as either a product attribute or a variant attribute but not both.
3. Note that setting an attribute as mandatory will apply it to all products, regardless of their template. Use this option carefully when creating attributes.
4. If your marketplace uses the Flexible template strategy, sellers can assign attributes to a product even if these attributes are not part of its template. Learn more about how product template strategy works here.
5. Only the following attribute input types can be assigned as variant attributes:
   • Boolean
   • Dropdown
   • Swatch