What are Product Options?
Product Options let your customers personalize products beyond Shopify's standard variants. Whether you sell custom t-shirts, gift boxes, or services, Product Options makes it easy to offer the exact customizations your customers want.
Why do I need this?
Shopify limits you to 3 options and 100 variants per product. If you need more flexibility, Product Options helps you:
Add unlimited customization options to your products
Let customers add gift wrapping, engraving, or special instructions
Offer add-ons like warranties or special packaging
Build complex product configurations like custom computers or meal kits
Show different options based on what customers select
Real examples
Gift Shop Owner: Let customers build custom gift boxes by choosing items, box size, and adding a gift message.
Apparel Store: Offer custom embroidery with text input, thread color selection, and placement options.
Service Provider: Add time slots, additional services, and location options to booking products.
Your First Product Option in 4 Steps
Let's create a simple gift wrap option that adds $5 to any product.
Step 1: Create an Option Group
Click Option Groups in the sidebar
Click the Create button
Name it "Gift Wrap Add-on"
Under "Apply to", select Selected products (we'll add products in Step 4)
Click Save
Step 2: Create an Option
In your new option group, click Create Option
Set the name to "Add Gift Wrap?"
Leave the type as Select (dropdown)
Check Mark as Required if you want every customer to make a choice
Click Save
Step 3: Add Option Values
These are the choices customers can select.
Click Add value
For the first value:
Name: "Yes, add gift wrap"
Click Add value again for the second value:
Name: "No thanks"
Click Save at the bottom
Step 4: Add Pricing
On same page scroll down to Pricing card
Next to "Yes, add gift wrap" click "Select" to assign a product to this option.
Search and select the product you want. (You can create "Gift Wrap" product in Shopify with price $5)
Click Save
That's it! Visit one of those products in your store to see the gift wrap option in action.
Making Options Conditional
Conditional options are only available on Professional plan.
With conditional logic, you can show or hide options based on what customers select. This keeps your product page clean and only shows relevant options.
Example: Gift Message Field
Let's make a gift message field that only appears when customers choose gift wrap.
In your "Gift Wrap Add-on" group, click Create Option
Name it "Gift Message"
Change the type to Text Field
Scroll down to Conditional Display
Click the toggle to enable it
Set up the rule:
"Show this option when"
Select your "Add Gift Wrap?" option
Select "Yes, add gift wrap"
Click Save
Now the gift message field only appears when customers choose gift wrap!
Tips for Success
Keep it simple
Don't overwhelm customers with too many choices. Start with a few essential options and add more based on customer feedback.
Use clear names
Instead of "Option 1", use descriptive names like "Choose Your Size" or "Add Engraving". Tell customers exactly what they're selecting.
Add images when helpful
For options like colors or styles, add product images so customers can visualize their choice.
Test your options
Always test your options in your store before announcing them. Add a product to cart and check that prices calculate correctly.
Reuse common options
Create options like "Gift Wrap" once, then add them to multiple option groups. Changes will update everywhere automatically.
What's Next?
Now that you've created your first option, explore these features:
Conditional Logic - Show options based on customer selections
Option Groups - Organize options and apply them to product collections
Custom Pricing - Set up percentage-based or quantity-based pricing
Ready to take customization further? Upgrade to Growth or Professional to unlock advanced features!