Organize Multi Option values into subcategories
Want to separate everyday colors from a limited collection? Subcategories organize values inside a Multi Option option, while keeping your existing product combinations.
This walkthrough uses the Sports shorts product group. Its Color option has two categories:
- Core: Dark green and White
- Limited Editions: Olive green and Red
Shoppers still choose one color and one size. You can enable subcategories on one or more options independently.
1. Enable subcategories
Open your Multi Option product group and find Color (or the option you want to organize).
- Click the ⋯ option menu beside Option name, as marked 1 below.
- Select Group values into subcategories, marked 2.
Two category cards appear. When enabling grouping for the first time, all existing values go into the first card. Values, swatches, and linked-product assignments are retained. If you previously configured categories, enabling grouping again restores that configuration.
2. Fill in category names and values
Follow the numbered controls in the screenshot:
- 3 — Subcategory name: Replace the placeholder with your own name. Here we use Core and Limited Editions.
- 4 — Option values: Enter each value's name and configure its swatch. For this color example, select One color and click the color square to choose the color.
- 5 — Add value: Add another value directly inside that category.
- 6 — Add subcategory: Use the link below the cards when you need another category.
- 7 — Preview: Check how the groups appear on your product page.
For the result shown above, place Dark green and White in Core, and Olive green and Red in Limited Editions. Use the movement controls in the next step to distribute existing values.
An empty category shows a blank value row with controls for the option's style. The example text in the category-name field is only a placeholder; enter a name before saving.
The original Option name is disabled while grouping is on. It remains the underlying option used for product combinations.
3. Move or reorder values
There are two ways to move a value:
- A — Drag handle: Drag the six-dot handle on the left to reorder a value or move it into another category in the same option.
- B and C — Value menu: Click ⋯ on the right of the value, then choose its destination category.
For example, to move Dark green into Limited Editions, open its value menu and choose Limited Editions. Moving a value preserves its swatch and product associations.
The up and down arrows beside a category name change the order of category cards.
Keep at least two categories, each with a unique, nonempty name. When more than two categories exist, deleting a category moves its values into the first remaining category instead of deleting them.
4. Check the preview and save
Review Preview on product page on the right. In this example, Core and Limited Editions appear above the regular Size option, with Dark green selected in Core.
When you finish, click Save in the Unsaved changes bar at the top of the page. The first screenshot shows this Save button.
For buttons, color swatches, and image swatches, each category follows your template's label settings, including visibility, typography, separator, and selected value. The original parent label, such as Color, is hidden.
Unavailable values follow your template's availability styling. Dropdown options use one dropdown with category headings inside its list. Product-card options remain a flat list. Empty categories do not appear on the storefront.
Turn grouping off later
Open the option's ⋯ menu, select Turn off subcategories, and save. The regular value list returns. Category names and assignments are retained for the next time you enable grouping.
Common questions
Does this create another option selection?
No. Core and Limited Editions organize Color values. A shopper selects one color, not one from each category.
Why can't I save?
Give every category a unique name and complete any added option-value fields marked as required.
Why is a category missing from the storefront?
Check that it contains values linked to products available for the page and market. Availability settings can hide all values in a category.
Can I keep Size unchanged?
Yes. Enable subcategories only on the options you want to organize.
Updated on: 11/10/2026
Thank you!