Variable products allow you to sell multiple versions of the same product using a single product page. This is particularly useful for products that come in different sizes, colors, materials, or formats.
For example, you can sell:
- Clothing available in multiple sizes and colors.
- Books available as printed, PDF, or audiobook versions.
- Products with different capacities or configurations.
Table of Contents
Contents
- Creating a Variable Product
- Creating Attributes
- Generating Variations
- Configuring Variation Settings
- Default Variation
- Managing Inventory and Pricing
Creating a Variable Product
Step 1
Log in to your WordPress administration panel.
Step 2
Navigate to:
Products → Add New
Step 3
Enter the basic product information:
- Product name
- Product description
- Product image
- Product gallery
- Categories
- Tags
Step 4
Scroll down to the:
Product Data
section.
Step 5
From the product type dropdown menu, select:
Variable Product
Creating Attributes
Attributes define the options available for your product variations.
Examples:
| Attribute | Values |
|---|---|
| Color | Red, Blue, Green |
| Size | S, M, L, XL |
| Format | Printed Book, PDF, Audiobook |
Step 1
Open the:
Attributes
tab.
Step 2
Choose either:
Existing Attribute
or
Custom Product Attribute
Step 3
Enter the attribute values.
Example:
Green | Blue | Red
Separate each value with the pipe symbol:
|
Step 4
Enable:
Used for Variations
This allows WooCommerce to generate variations based on the attribute.
Step 5
Click:
Save Attributes
Generating Variations
After saving the attributes:
Step 1
Open the:
Variations
tab.
Step 2
From the dropdown menu, select:
Create Variations from All Attributes
Step 3
Click:
Go
WooCommerce will automatically generate all possible combinations.
Example
If you create:
Colors: Red, Blue
Sizes: S, M
WooCommerce will generate:
- Red / S
- Red / M
- Blue / S
- Blue / M
Default Variation
You can choose which variation should be preselected when customers open the product page.
Example:
Blue / M
This variation will appear automatically when the page loads.
Configuring Variation Settings
Each variation can have its own configuration.
Click a variation to expand its settings.
Available options include:
Product Image
Assign a unique image to each variation.
Example:
- Red shirt → red image
- Blue shirt → blue image
SKU
Assign a unique SKU for inventory management.
Example:
TSHIRT-BLUE-M
Price
Set a specific price for the variation.
Example:
| Variation | Price |
|---|---|
| Small | €20 |
| Large | €25 |
Sale Price
Optionally define a discounted price.
Stock Management
You can manage inventory separately for each variation.
Example:
| Variation | Stock |
|---|---|
| Red / S | 15 |
| Red / M | 5 |
| Blue / L | 22 |
Weight and Dimensions
Useful for shipping calculations.
Shipping Class
Assign a specific shipping class to the variation.
Tax Settings
Configure tax status and tax class.
Virtual Product
Enable this option if the variation does not require shipping.
Examples:
- Online services
- Software licenses
- Memberships
Downloadable Product
Enable this option if the customer receives a downloadable file.
Examples:
- PDF books
- Audio files
- Software packages
Saving the Product
Once all variations are configured:
- Review the settings.
- Click:
Publish
or
Update
The product and all variations will become available in your store.
Best Practices
Use Clear Attribute Names
Good examples:
Size
Color
Material
Storage Capacity
Add Variation Images
Variation-specific images improve customer experience and reduce confusion.
Use Unique SKUs
Each variation should have its own SKU for inventory tracking.
Manage Stock per Variation
This prevents overselling specific variants.
Avoid Excessive Combinations
Large numbers of attributes can generate hundreds of variations and may affect store performance.
Summary
To create a variable product in WooCommerce:
- Navigate to:
Products → Add New
- Select:
Variable Product
- Create attributes such as size or color.
- Enable:
Used for Variations
- Save attributes.
- Generate variations automatically or create them manually.
- Configure pricing, inventory, images, and other settings for each variation.
- Publish the product.
Variable products allow you to manage multiple product options efficiently while keeping everything organized under a single product page.