How to Add a Variable Product

If you sell products that come in different variations like sizes, colors, formats, or license types, WooCommerce lets you create a variable product. This is ideal for offering multiple options under one product listing, improving the customer experience, and keeping your store organized.

With just a few steps, you can:

• Offer multiple product options under a single listing
• Set individual prices, stock, and images per variation
• Simplify product management and improve conversion

Step 1: Navigate to the "Products" page

1. In your WordPress Dashboard, go to the left sidebar.
2. Click Products > Add New.
3. This opens the product creation screen, where you can start entering product details. You can check the article about adding a product here.

Step 2: Enter product name and description

1. In the Product Title field, enter the name of your digital product.
2. Use the main editor area to describe your product in detail.

Step 3: Set product type as “Variable product”

Scroll down to the Product Data section (just below the editor).

1. In the dropdown menu, select Variable Product.
2. This unlocks tabs like Attributes and Variations, where you’ll configure the product options.
3. Add necessary details about the product. You can check the article about adding a product here.

Step 4: Add attributes 

Add descriptive pieces of information that customers can use to search for this product in your store, such as “Material” or “Size”.

1. Click the “Add New” button at the top of the settings.
2. Add a name for your attribute (examples: Size, Color).
3. Add the values (variations) separated with | (i.e., Medium | Large | XL).
4. Check both Visible on the product page and Used for variations.
5. Click Save Attributes.

Step 5: Create variations

Once you've added your attributes under the Attributes tab and marked them Used for variations, navigate to the Variations tab.

You'll see two options:

• Generate variations: Automatically create all combinations of attributes (e.g., Small–Red, Medium–Blue).
• Add manually: Add variations one at a time if you only want specific combinations.

For each variation, expand the menu and add the information:

• Variation Image: Upload variation-specific image.
• SKU: A unique identifier (Stock Keeping Unit) for managing inventory.
• GTIN/UPC/EAN (optional): Global product codes used for tracking and identification (useful for marketplaces and barcode systems).
• Downloadable/Virtual settings (if applicable): Mark products as non-physical (virtual) or provide files if they are downloadable. To create a downloadable variation:

• Manage Stock? – Enables stock tracking per variation.
  
  Allow Backorders? – Choose if backorders are allowed.
  Low Stock Threshold – To trigger alert notifications.

• Regular price (required): The standard selling price of the product.
• Sale price (optional): A discounted price that temporarily replaces the regular price.
• Stock status: Indicates whether the product is in stock, out of stock, or on backorder.
• Weight, dimensions: Physical measurements needed for shipping calculations.
• Shipping class: Groups products by shipping rules or rates.
• Description: Additional info specific to the variation (e.g., fit, color tone, or fabric).
• Use the Bulk Actions dropdown to quickly apply settings to all variations.
• Click Save changes.
• Click Publish in the top right of the screen.

Step 6: Publish product

When you’ve configured all variations and are satisfied with the product listing, click the Publish button on the right sidebar.