Shopify Development 
Ever find yourself listing the same product multiple times just because it comes in different colors or sizes? If yes, you’re probably missing out on a better way: Grouping product variants. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 2 easy ways to group products as variants in Shopify, including a powerful app option for more flexibility.
Let’s make your product pages cleaner, more user-friendly, and better optimized for conversions.
| Method | Best for | Key steps |
| 1. Group variants using a CSV file | Bulk edits or catalog migrations | Export product CSV → Edit Handle, Titles, Option Names/Values → Re-import to Shopify |
| 2. Use NS Color Swatch Variant Images | Showing separate products as variants | Install app → Create product group → Add related products → Customize swatches & save |
Option 1: Group variants using a CSV file
Unfortunately, Shopify hasn’t allowed you to merge existing separate products into one product’s variants directly. However, you can still do the task manually by modifying your product’s CSV file without using other additional tools.
If you prefer bulk editing or want to update a large catalog quickly, this method is for you. It takes a bit more work, but it’s powerful – and yes, you can group variants this way!
Step 1: Export Your Product CSV
- Go to Shopify Admin > Products
- Click Export
- Choose All products or just Selected products. Also, Choose “CSV for Excel, Numbers, or other spreadsheet programs”
- Click Export products
Step 2: Edit the CSV to Group Variants
To merge two products into one, start by updating the Handle and Product Title so that both products share the same handle and title.
Next, adjust the Option Name and Option Value for each product. Make sure both products have the same option name (for example, “Color” or “Size”), but different option values to distinguish them.
For a clearer idea of how it works, check out the key rules below:
Key rules:
- All variants of the same product must have the same Handle
- Only the first row in the group should contain the product Title
- Fill out Option1 Name/Value (and Option2/3 if needed)
- Include either a shared or unique Image Src for each variant
🟡 Important tips:
- Don’t delete critical columns like Handle, Variant Price, Option Names, or Variant ID (if updating existing products)
- Each row = 1 variant. Be precise!
Step 3: Import the CSV Back to Shopify
- Return to Shopify Admin > Products. Then, click Import
- Upload your modified CSV file. Next, check “Overwrite products with matching handles” if updating
- Click Upload and continue
That’s it! Shopify will re-import your product with grouped variants ready to go.
✅ Pros
- Allows batch grouping of variants without manual clicks
- Great for migrating products from another platform
- Gives you more control over variant structure and images
⚠️ Considerations
- Requires spreadsheet knowledge
- Easy to make formatting mistakes (which can break product listings)
- Slower process for beginners or single-product edits
- You must be careful with column headers and required fields
Option 2: Use NS Color Swatch Variant Images to group similar products as variants
Sometimes, each variant (like different colors or prints) already exists as a separate product – especially if you’ve done it for SEO or inventory purposes. But showing them as separate listings can confuse shoppers.
Solution? Use the NS Color Swatch Variant Images app to group multiple related products as variants under one product view.
Step 1: Install NS Color Swatch Variant Images on Your Store
- Search for NS Color Swatch Variant Images in the Shopify App Store.
- Click Install to add the app to your store.
- Locate the app within your store and pin it for easy access in the future.
Step 2: Create a new product group
- Click on Product Group in the app.
- Select Create New Product Group.
- Enter the Product Group Name and the Option Name (e.g., Color, Style). The Product Group Name will only be visible within your settings for easier management in the future. However, the Option Name will be displayed on your storefront for customers to see – so be careful when naming this section.
- Add the products you want to include in this group.
- Return to the Product Group dashboard and select your desired display style for both the product page and the collection page, if you’d like the variants to appear on both.
- Click Save.
Once done, your products will be displayed like this
✅ Pros
- Best for stores that list each variant as a separate product (common in fashion & beauty).
- Combines SEO-friendly listings with intuitive customer navigation.
- Highly customizable swatch styles for better UX.
- No coding or CSV needed.
- Each product retains its own page, but variant options will be visible when customers click on any of them.
- Helps maintain individual inventory and pricing.
⚠️ Considerations
- Requires installing an app (though it’s lightweight and easy).
- May need theme tweaks for perfect visual match (you can contact support for help!).
- Works best if you’ve already structured your store around separate listings.
FAQ
Q: Can I merge existing products into one with variants directly in Shopify?
A: No, Shopify doesn’t support merging separate product listings into a single product with variants directly via the admin. However, you can do it manually using a CSV file or by using an app like NS Color Swatch Variant Images.
Q: When should you group products as variants vs. keep them separate?
A: Not sure whether to group or split? Here’s a quick decision guide:
| Use variants if… | Use separate products if… |
| All versions share the same title | Each version needs unique SEO content or description |
| They only differ by size, color, material, etc. | Inventory or fulfillment needs to be tracked differently |
| You want customers to select from one product | Each product has different pricing, images, or customer targeting |
Pro tip: You can still link separate products using NS Color Swatch to get the best of both worlds.
Q: Will grouping products into variants affect my SEO?
A: It depends on the method:
- CSV method: Consolidates pages, which may reduce duplicate content but could limit SEO flexibility.
- App method: Keeps separate URLs for each product while still presenting them as variants—so you get the best of both worlds (SEO + UX).
