Product variations let you manage the same item in multiple versions: size, colour, format. This way, you create your variations from a source product without re-entering all the details.

What are product variations for?

The Variations module creates variants of a product or service based on attributes. For example, from an existing shoe, you generate a new product in red and size 40.

In this case, colour and size are attributes, with values “red” and “40”. You can also apply a price impact, in value or percentage, as well as a weight impact on each variation.

Create a variation attribute

Setup begins with attributes. In the Product menu, the Variations submenu displays the list of attributes. Then, add a new attribute with the “New” button.

Next, click on an attribute reference to open its record, then add a new value. This reference will complete the reference of the varied product.

Create an attribute and its values, step by step

1. Products menu, then “Variations” in the left menu: the list shows your attributes (Colour, Size…). Their rank sets the order in which they are offered; drag a row to change it.
2. Click “New”. Enter a short reference (“MAT”) and the label you will see everywhere (“Material”).
3. Linked PrestaShop shop: leave “Duplicate to Prestashop” unticked as long as you do not want to create this attribute in the shop.
4. Click “Add”: the attribute appears at the bottom of the list. Click its reference to open its record.
5. Click “New attribute value”: a short reference (“COT”) and the displayed value (“Cotton”), then “Add”. Repeat for each value (“Polyester”…).

A value already used by a varied product can no longer be deleted.

Create a varied product

Now for creation. Go to the product record, then open the Variations tab and add a new variation. You can then combine multiple different attributes.

The reference remains optional. By default, DoliPlus takes the reference of the source product, completed with attribute values and the separator defined in settings. Additionally, a price and weight impact applies to each variation.

Once created, the varied product appears in the list with a link. On its record, the Variations tab disappears, but information links it to the source product.

Create a variation, step by step

1. On the base product record, open the “Variations” tab, then click “New variation”.
2. Choose the attribute (Colour, Size…), then its value in the second list, which fills in immediately.
3. Click “Select combination”: the pair (Colour: Red) is added below the lists. Repeat to combine several attributes (Red + size L).
4. Leave the reference empty so that DoliPlus builds it (product reference, separator, value code: TABLIER-L_R), or enter it yourself.
5. Enter the price impact: +2.00 adds €2 to the price of the base product; tick “Percentage variation” for a percentage. The weight impact is set just below.
6. Click “Create”: the variation appears in the list, with its combination and its price impact. It is a product in its own right: click its reference to manage its stock or barcode, and choose it in your quotes and orders.

Set the reference separator

On the attribute list, an administrator sees “Module configuration”. The “Character separator for product combinations” field sets the character placed between the product reference and the value codes: “_” by default, which gives TSHIRT_ROUGE_XL. Change it before creating your variations: existing ones keep their reference. “Save” confirms.

PrestaShop compatibility

Finally, product variations synchronise with your shop. To do this, activate the DoliPresta module and the variation management option. The parent product must already be synchronised. Learn more about the PrestaShop connector

Why use product variations?

Creating each variant as a separate product multiplies the work and errors. Product variations, on the other hand, start from a common template.

You benefit in three ways:

• a consistent catalogue: all variants derive from the same product;
• time savings: references and prices are automatically derived;
• a synchronised shop: your variants update in PrestaShop.

Learn more about products and services

To go further

• Products and Services in DoliPlus
• PrestaShop 1.7 Connector