Add structured, reusable details to your products without creating extra templates or hard-coding content. This guide shows you how to define, populate, and display product metafields the right way, so your product pages stay clear, consistent, and easy to maintain.
Think of metafields as small, structured “data pockets” that live inside each product. They store details that Shopify doesn’t capture out of the box. Instead of cramming everything into the description, metafields keep your data clean and reusable across templates.
In your Shopify admin, go to Settings → Metafields and metaobjects → Products and choose Add definition. Give each metafield a clear name and select the most specific content type so your data stays consistent and easy to validate.
custom.fabric_typeUse validation wherever possible (lists, number ranges, file types). It prevents typos and keeps your storefront output consistent.
After you create definitions, Shopify adds those inputs to the product editor. You or your VA can fill them out during normal product updates. If your products differ by color, size, scent, or roast, consider variant metafields for even more precision.
Fabric Type: Linen
Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, hang dry
Burn Time: 40 hours
Size Guide: /files/size-guide.pdf
Pro tip: Try using Shopify’s bulk editing tool to update metafields faster. From your Products list, select all the products you want to edit, then click Bulk edit. You can add your new metafield columns and make updates for multiple products in one view.
If you’re using a Shopify theme like Dawn, you can display metafields right through the Shopify Theme Editor without any coding.
Prefer using Liquid? You can output a metafield directly with a simple snippet:
{{ '{{ product.metafields.custom.fabric_type ' }}}}
Design tip: Pair short labels with icons (like a fabric bolt, timer, or thermometer) and keep your copy concise so details scan quickly on mobile.
Metafields can connect to metaobjects for reusable content, power custom sections and comparison tables, and even fuel filters in Shopify Search & Discovery. If that sounds like the kind of upgrade your store needs, I can help you implement it cleanly and scale it across your catalog.
