How to Hide Single Variant Options in Shopify

Introduction

Shopify is a powerful e-commerce platform that offers merchants a wide range of customization options for their online stores. One common challenge that store owners face is managing product variants, especially when dealing with single variant options. In this guide, we’ll explore how to hide single variant options in Shopify, providing you with step-by-step instructions and alternative solutions to optimize your product pages.

Understanding Single Variant Options

What are Single Variant Options?

Single variant options occur when a product has only one option available for a particular attribute, such as color or size. While these options can be useful in some cases, they often clutter the product page and may confuse customers.

Why Hide Single Variant Options?

Hiding single variant options can:

Streamline the user experience
Reduce visual clutter on product pages
Simplify the purchasing process for customers

The Most Effective Solution: Editing the Product Template

Locating the Product Template

The most reliable method to hide single variant options involves editing the product-template.liquid file in your Shopify theme. This file controls the layout and functionality of your product pages.

Implementing the Code

To hide single variant options, replace the existing variant code in your product-template.liquid file with the following:

<div class="selector-wrapper js product-form__item" {% if option.values.size == 1 %} style="display: none;" {% endif %}>
  <label {% if option.name == 'default' %}class="label--hidden" {% endif %}for="SingleOptionSelector-{{ forloop.index0 }}" {% if option.values.size == 1 %} style="display: none;" {% endif %}>
    {{ option.name }}
  </label>
  <select class="single-option-selector single-option-selector-{{ section.id }} product-form__input" id="SingleOptionSelector-{{ forloop.index0 }}" data-index="option{{ forloop.index }}" {% if option.values.size == 1 %} style="display: none;" {% endif %}>
    {% for value in option.values %}
      <option value="{{ value | escape }}"{% if option.selected_value == value %} selected="selected"{% endif %}>{{ value }}</option>
    {% endfor %}
  </select>
</div>

This code checks if there’s only one option value and hides the entire selector wrapper if that’s the case.

Understanding the Code

The key part of this solution is the conditional statement {% if option.values.size == 1 %}. This checks if there’s only one option value, and if so, applies style="display: none;" to hide the element.

Alternative Approaches and Considerations

Using JavaScript

For more dynamic control, you can use JavaScript to hide single variant options. This approach allows for real-time updates based on user interactions.

Theme-Specific Solutions

Different Shopify themes may require slight variations in the implementation. Always test your changes in a development or staging environment before applying them to your live store.

Customizing the User Interface

Consider redesigning your product pages to better accommodate various product configurations. This might involve using tabs, accordions, or other UI elements to organize product options more effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Blank Spaces After Hiding Options

Some users report blank spaces appearing where the hidden options used to be. To resolve this, ensure you’re using display: none; instead of visibility: hidden;.

Theme Compatibility

If you’re using a theme other than Debut (like Brooklyn), you may need to locate the appropriate file for your specific theme. Consult your theme’s documentation or contact Shopify support for guidance.

Multiple Variants and Options

For products with multiple variants and options, you may need a more complex solution. Consider using a product option linking app from the Shopify App Store or implementing custom JavaScript to manage option relationships.

Best Practices for Managing Product Variants

Simplify Your Product Structure

Whenever possible, simplify your product structure. Consider consolidating similar products or using metafields to manage additional product information.

Use Clear and Concise Labels

Ensure your variant labels are clear and easy to understand. This can significantly improve the user experience, even when dealing with multiple options.

Regularly Review and Update Your Products

Periodically review your product catalog to ensure all variants are necessary and up-to-date. Remove any obsolete options to keep your store streamlined.

Conclusion

Hiding single variant options in Shopify can significantly improve your store’s user experience and streamline the purchasing process. By implementing the solution outlined in this guide and considering alternative approaches, you can create a more polished and user-friendly product page that encourages conversions and customer satisfaction.

Remember to always test your changes thoroughly and consider seeking professional help if you’re unsure about making theme modifications. With these techniques in your toolkit, you’ll be well-equipped to optimize your Shopify store’s product pages for success.