Shopify’s linked product options (also called metafield-linked product options) let you connect variant options like Color or Material to metaobjects. Instead of free-text option values, each value references a structured metaobject entry — enabling color swatches, standardized size lists, material specs, and other rich product data.
While Matrixify does not support importing or exporting linked product options, Altera fully supports this feature. You can manage your linked options in bulk using spreadsheets.
What Are Linked Product Options?#
Linked product options are variant options that are connected to metaobject entries through a product metafield. Shopify introduced this as part of its updated product model.
Here’s how the pieces fit together:
- Metaobject entries represent structured option values — for example, a “Color” metaobject with entries like “Ocean Blue” (with a hex code, swatch image, and taxonomy reference) and “Graphite”
- A product metafield of type
list.metaobject_referenceconnects the product to those entries - The product option (e.g., “Color”) is linked to that metafield, so its values come from the metaobject entries instead of free text
This is different from regular product options, where values like “Red” or “Large” are just plain strings with no structured data behind them.
Why Linked Options Matter#
- Color swatches — connect Color options to metaobjects that include hex codes and swatch images, so your theme can render visual swatches instead of text labels
- Standardized values — update a metaobject entry once (e.g., rename “Black” to “Graphite”) and it updates across every product that references it
- Category metafields — connect options to Shopify’s standard taxonomy (like
shopify.color-pattern) so your products work with Shopify’s marketplace integrations and standardized filters - Custom types — link to your own metaobject types like “Fabric,” “Finish,” or “Scent” with whatever fields your business needs
The Problem: Matrixify Doesn’t Support Linked Options#
Matrixify does not currently support importing or exporting metafield-linked product options. If you rely on Matrixify to manage your product catalog, you can’t bulk-manage the metaobject connections behind your variant options.
This makes it difficult to:
- Migrate products with linked options between stores — the metaobject connections are lost
- Convert existing products from plain-text variant options to linked options in bulk
- Bulk-update which metaobject entries are linked to which product options
- Audit your product catalog to see which options are linked and which are still plain text
- Set up linked options in bulk instead of connecting them one by one in the Shopify admin
How Altera Handles Linked Product Options#
Altera adds dedicated spreadsheet columns for linked option data:
Option LinkedTo Columns#
The Option1 Linked To, Option2 Linked To, and Option3 Linked To columns specify which metafield definition each option is connected to. For example:
| Option1 Name | Option1 Values | Option1 Linked To |
|---|---|---|
| Color | ocean-blue; graphite; ivory | custom.product_color |
| Material | cotton; silk; polyester | custom.product_material |
The “Linked To” value is the namespace and key of the product metafield definition that connects the option to its metaobject type.
Metaobject Handle Resolution#
Option values use metaobject handles in your spreadsheet. Altera resolves these handles to Shopify’s internal IDs automatically during import. You don’t need to look up or manage Shopify IDs — just use the human-readable handles from your metaobject entries.
Custom Metaobject Linking#
You can link options to your own custom metaobject types by referencing the metafield namespace and key. This works with any metaobject type you’ve created, not just Shopify’s standard ones.
Converting Plain Options to Linked Options#
If your store has existing products with plain-text variant options, Altera can convert them to linked options in a single import. Export your products, add an Option Linked To column pointing to the metafield definition you want to use, replace the plain-text option values with the matching metaobject handles, and re-import. Altera handles the conversion for every product in the file at once — no need to recreate variants or touch each product in the admin.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What are linked product options in Shopify? Linked product options (also called metafield-linked product options) are variant options that are connected to metaobject entries through a product metafield. Instead of plain-text values like “Red,” the option values reference structured metaobject entries that can include additional data like hex codes, images, and taxonomy references.
Can I import linked product options with a spreadsheet?
Yes. Altera supports importing and exporting linked product options using Option Linked To columns in your spreadsheet. Option values reference metaobject handles, and Altera resolves them to Shopify IDs automatically.
Does Matrixify support linked product options? No. Matrixify does not support importing or exporting metafield-linked product options. You’d need to manage those connections in the Shopify admin or use a tool like Altera.
Can I convert existing products from plain variant options to linked options?
Yes. Altera can convert plain-text variant options to metafield-linked options in bulk. Export your products, add an Option Linked To column, swap plain option values for the matching metaobject handles, and re-import. Altera applies the conversion to every product in the file keeping the existing variant data intact.
What are category metafields?
Category metafields are Shopify’s standard metafield definitions tied to the product taxonomy — like shopify.color-pattern for colors or shopify.material for materials. Linking your product options to these enables standardized color swatches, marketplace integrations, and taxonomy-based filtering.
Can I link options to custom metaobject types? Yes. Altera supports linking to both Shopify’s standard category metafields and your own custom metaobject types. Reference the metafield namespace and key in the “Option Linked To” column.
What happens if I import products with linked options into a store that doesn’t have the metaobject definitions? You’ll need the metaobject definitions and entries to exist in the target store first. Altera can help with this — use our metaobject definition import/export to transfer definitions, then import your entries, and finally import your products with linked options.
See our full Altera vs. Matrixify comparison for a breakdown of all the differences between the two tools, or check the FAQ for more common questions.
