The 3 questions
- Does the choice need its own inventory count? → Variant
- Does the choice have infinite possible values (text, photo)? → Option (line-item property)
- Does the choice affect price via fee, not different SKU? → Option with Cart Transform
Examples
- Size, Color, Material → Variants
- Custom name engraving → Option
- Gift wrap add-on → Option
- Photo upload → Option
- Delivery date preference → Option
- Rush production → Option with Cart Transform fee
Gray area: monogram initials
Fixed set of 26×26×26 = 17,576 possible monograms. Too many for variants. Use option with text-input + monogram builder UI.
Migration path
Started with a variant per personalization? Migrate to line-item properties via personalizer app. Preserves historical orders; new orders use cleaner data model.
Frequently asked questions
Is Size always a variant?
Yes for physical products where inventory tracks per size.
Is Color always a variant?
Usually — inventory per color. Exception: 'custom color' as text input (option).
When to use variant for engraving?
Never. Engraving = infinite text possibilities. Use line-item property.
Should quantity be a variant?
No — quantity is per line, not a SKU dimension. Use standard quantity input.
Can I use both variants and options on one product?
Yes. Variants for size (S/M/L) + options for custom name + gift wrap. Cart shows both.
Do options work without an app?
Basic line-item property field works via theme code. Live preview, upload, per-character pricing all need an app.
Which is faster to set up?
Options via app — 5 minutes. Variants require setup per SKU (barcode, inventory count, weight).
Which is better for SEO?
Variants — each has its own URL that can rank. Options don't create URLs.
Related reading
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