Welcome to Optionify! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with adding custom product options to your Shopify store.
What is Optionify?
Optionify is a powerful Shopify app that allows you to add custom options to your products beyond Shopify's standard 3 variant limit. With 11 different option types and 4 flexible assignment methods, you can create unlimited customization possibilities for your customers.
!Optionify dashboard overview The Optionify dashboard showing available option types and recent configurations
Why Use Optionify?
Overcome Shopify's Variant Limitations
Shopify limits products to 3 options with 100 variants total. Optionify breaks through these limitations by allowing you to:
- Add unlimited custom input fields
- Collect customer personalization data
- Offer product customizations without creating variants
- Gather special instructions and preferences
Powerful Features
- 11 Option Types: Text, textarea, radio, switch, checkbox, dropdown, image upload, date picker, email, number, and color
- 4 Assignment Methods: Apply options to all products, specific tags, collections, or individual products
- Conditional Logic: Show or hide options based on customer selections
- Pricing Integration: Add extra costs to specific options
- Mobile Responsive: Works perfectly on all devices
Installation
Step 1: Install from Shopify App Store
- Go to the Shopify App Store
- Search for "Optionify"
- Click Add app
- Review the permissions and click Install app
!Installing Optionify from Shopify App Store Click "Add app" to begin the installation process
Step 2: Grant Permissions
Optionify requires the following permissions to function properly:
- Read and modify products: To add custom options to your products
- Read orders: To include custom option data in orders
- Read themes: To integrate with your store's theme
Step 3: Complete Initial Setup
After installation, you'll be guided through a quick setup wizard:
- Choose Your Plan: Select the plan that fits your needs
- Theme Integration: Optionify will automatically integrate with most themes
- Test Product: Create a test option to see how it works
!Setup wizard completion screen The setup wizard helps you get started in under 2 minutes
Understanding the Dashboard
Once installed, you'll see the Optionify dashboard with several key sections:
Option Types Panel
Displays all 11 available option types:
- Text, Textarea, Radio, Switch
- Checkbox, Dropdown, Image Upload
- Date Picker, Email, Number, Color
Recent Options
Shows your most recently created or modified options for quick access.
Quick Actions
- Create New Option
- View All Options
- Settings & Configuration
!Main dashboard layout The dashboard provides easy access to all features
Your First Steps
Now that Optionify is installed, here's what to do next:
1. Create Your First Option
Start with something simple like a text field for gift messages or engraving. Our Creating Your First Product Option guide walks you through this step-by-step.
2. Understand Assignment Types
Learn how to apply options to products using tags, collections, or individually. Check out Understanding Assign Types for details.
3. Explore Option Types
Browse through our comprehensive guides for each of the 11 option types to see which ones fit your needs:
- Text Options - For single-line input
- Checkbox Options - For multiple selections
- Image Upload - For custom graphics
- And many more!
Common Use Cases
Here are some popular ways merchants use Optionify:
Personalization & Customization
- Name engraving on jewelry
- Custom text on apparel
- Monogram initials on accessories
- Gift messages for presents
Service Add-ons
- Gift wrapping (+$5)
- Express shipping
- Installation services
- Extended warranties
Customer Preferences
- Delivery date selection
- Special instructions
- Dietary restrictions
- Size preferences beyond variants
File Uploads
- Custom artwork for printing
- Logo files for embroidery
- Photos for personalized products
- Design mockups for approval
Best Practices
Naming Conventions
Use clear, descriptive names for your options:
- ✅ "Gift Message (optional)"
- ✅ "Engraving Text (max 20 characters)"
- ❌ "Text field 1"
- ❌ "Option A"
Test Before Launch
Always test new options on your store before making them live:
- Add the option to a test product
- Place a test order
- Verify the option data appears correctly in your order
- Check mobile responsiveness
Organization
As you create more options:
- Use consistent naming
- Document what each option does
- Group related options together
- Archive unused options instead of deleting
Getting Help
If you need assistance:
- Search this Help Center: Most questions are answered here
- Check Troubleshooting: See Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Contact Support: Reach out via the in-app chat or email
Next Steps
Ready to create your first option? Continue to:
- Creating Your First Product Option - Step-by-step tutorial
- Understanding Assign Types - Learn where options appear
- Text Options Guide - Start with the most popular option type
Questions? Visit our Troubleshooting Guide or check out the FAQ section.