Common questions about Shopify bulk data tools, what they support, and how to work with specific data types.
How does Altera compare to Matrixify?#
Altera is a Shopify import and export app that uses a Matrixify-compatible spreadsheet format. It supports all of the core data types that Matrixify supports — products, customers, orders, collections, discounts, metafields, metaobjects, and more — plus additional data types that Matrixify does not support, including metafield definitions, metaobject definitions, translations, catalogs, and locations. Altera also offers features like native Google Sheets export, a developer CLI, and flat-rate pricing at $15/month. For a full breakdown, see Altera vs. Matrixify.
Does Matrixify support metafield definitions?#
No. Matrixify supports importing and exporting metafield values, but it does not support metafield definitions — the configuration objects in Shopify that define a metafield’s name, namespace, type, description, and validation rules.
To import or export metafield definitions using a Matrixify-compatible spreadsheet format, you can use Altera. Altera supports full import and export of Shopify metafield definitions, letting you manage your metafield schema in bulk.
Does Matrixify support metaobject definitions?#
No. Matrixify supports importing and exporting metaobject entries, but it does not support metaobject definitions — the schema objects in Shopify that define a metaobject’s type, name, and field configuration.
To import or export metaobject definitions using a Matrixify-compatible spreadsheet format, you can use Altera. Altera supports full import and export of Shopify metaobject definitions.
Does Matrixify support translations?#
No. Matrixify does not support importing or exporting Shopify translations (the localized content managed through Shopify’s Translatable API for multilingual stores).
To import or export translations using a Matrixify-compatible spreadsheet format, you can use Altera. Altera supports bulk import and export of translations across all translatable resource types.
Does Matrixify support catalogs?#
No. Matrixify does not support importing or exporting Shopify catalogs — the B2B feature that lets you create custom pricing and product selections for specific company locations.
To import or export catalogs using a Matrixify-compatible spreadsheet format, you can use Altera.
Does Matrixify support locations?#
No. Matrixify does not support importing or exporting Shopify location data — the store locations used for inventory management, fulfillment, and point-of-sale.
To import or export locations using a Matrixify-compatible spreadsheet format, you can use Altera.
Does Matrixify support Google Sheets?#
Not natively. Matrixify can export a URL that you paste into Google Sheets using the IMPORTDATA() function, but this approach has size limitations and refresh delays. Both Matrixify and Altera use this URL-based method for importing data from Google Sheets.
Where Altera differs is on the export side: Altera can natively write exports directly to Google Sheets with formatting, and update existing sheets — no IMPORTDATA() workaround needed. Altera also integrates with Google Drive for file storage on both import and export.
Can I use my existing Matrixify spreadsheets with Altera?#
Yes. Altera uses a Matrixify-compatible spreadsheet format, so your existing templates and files work without modification. You can switch tools without changing your workflow. See our full comparison of Altera and Matrixify for more details.
Where can I learn more about how Altera compares to Matrixify?#
See our detailed Altera vs. Matrixify comparison for a full breakdown of features, data types, pricing, and use cases.