Shopify CSV Documentation

CSV File Documentation – Shopify Format

Important structure info:
Shopify requires a specific CSV file structure. Products are grouped based on the Handle column. Each size variant is a separate row in the file, but all variants of the same model must have an identical Handle.

Product Variant Structure

Each row in the file describes a single product variant (specific size) or an additional image.

The main product description (Title, Body (HTML)) is located only in the first row for a given model. Subsequent rows (subsequent sizes) contain only variant-specific data (e.g., SKU, size, inventory status).

CSV File Structure Example

Below is an example fragment of a CSV file. Note the repeating identifier in the Handle column.

Handle,Title,Option1 Name,Option1 Value,Variant SKU,Variant Price,Variant Inventory Qty,Image Src
555,"Dress with collar",Size,S,111-2-S,86.09,15,https://domain.com/img/photo1.jpg
555,,Size,M,111-2-M,86.09,12,
555,,Size,L,111-2-L,86.09,5,
555,,,,,,,https://domain.com/img/photo2.jpg

Grouping Variants (Key Columns)

Handle – unique model identifier (groups variants into one product)

Option1 Name – name of the variant option (in this file always: "Size")

Option1 Value – variant value (specific size: XS, S, M, L)

Title – product name (filled only in the first row)

For Shopify to correctly group sizes S, M, and L as one product, these rows must have the identical value in the Handle column.

Identifiers and Mapping

For updating stock levels and prices in the Shopify store, we recommend basing integration on these fields:

Variant SKU – unique product code assigned to a specific size

Handle – constant main product identifier

In this file, Handle is a numeric identifier (e.g., 555), which ensures update stability even if you change the product name in your store.

Data Updates vs. URLs (SEO)

In the file, we use constant product ID numbers as URL identifiers (Handle). Thanks to this, even if you change product names in your store, we will be able to update their stock levels and prices in the future without errors.

Changing links (SEO): If you want to change URLs to be SEO-friendly (with names), you can do this manually in the product editing page (at the bottom in the SEO section).

Important for updates:
During the next update import, you must select the option 'Overwrite any current products that have the same handle'. This ensures the system links data by SKU or ID and updates stock instead of creating duplicate products.

Prices and Availability

Variant Price – net/gross price of the variant

Variant Inventory Qty – quantity available in stock

Variant Inventory Policy – inventory policy (e.g., "deny" - do not sell below 0)

Each variant (size) has its own stock level and price defined in the corresponding row.

Product Images

Image Src – URL link to the image

Image Position – image display order

Image Alt Text – alternative text for the image (SEO)

Note: The main image is assigned in the first row of the product. Additional images (gallery) are in separate rows at the end of the product group, where only Handle and Image Src columns are filled.