Import Attributes

Import product attributes and attribute terms into WooCommerce

Overview

Attribute imports allow you to migrate product attributes from another store, import attribute structures from external systems, or bulk create attributes for your products.

Attributes are used to define product characteristics (Color, Size, Material, etc.) and can be used to create variations for variable products.

Understanding Attributes

What are Attributes?

Attributes define product characteristics:

  • Attribute Name: The attribute itself (e.g., "Color", "Size")
  • Attribute Terms: Values for the attribute (e.g., "Red", "Blue", "Green" for Color)
  • Used for Variations: Whether attribute is used to create variations
  • Visible on Product Page: Whether attribute is displayed to customers

Example

A "Color" attribute might have terms:

  • Attribute: Color
  • Terms: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Black, White
  • Used for Variations: Yes (creates color variations)
  • Visible: Yes (shown on product page)

Attribute Fields Overview

Basic Information

  • Attribute Name: Name of the attribute (required)
  • Attribute Slug: URL-friendly attribute name
  • Attribute Terms: Values/terms for the attribute
  • Type: Select (dropdown) or Text (custom values)

Settings

  • Used for Variations: Enable to use attribute for variations
  • Visible on Product Page: Show attribute on product page
  • Order By: How to order terms (name, id, menu order)

Import Process

Step 1: Welcome

Start the attribute import wizard from PrimeLink → Imports → New Import → Attributes

Step 2: Select Data Source

Choose where your attribute data is coming from

Step 3: Import Strategy

Choose how to handle existing attributes:

  • Create & Update: Create new attributes and update existing ones
  • Create Only: Only create new attributes, skip existing
  • Update Only: Only update existing attributes, skip new ones

Step 4: Filters & Preview

Filter your attribute data and preview results

Step 5: Field Mapping

Map source fields to WooCommerce attribute fields:

  • Map attribute name and slug
  • Map attribute terms
  • Map settings (used for variations, visible, etc.)

Step 6: Options & Scheduling

Configure import options and scheduling

Step 7: Review

Review your import configuration

Step 8: Run Import

Start the import and monitor progress

Attribute Terms

Importing Terms

Attribute terms can be imported in different formats:

Format 1: Comma-Separated

  • Terms separated by comma
  • Example: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow
  • Simple and straightforward

Format 2: Pipe-Separated

  • Terms separated by pipe
  • Example: Red | Blue | Green | Yellow
  • Useful when terms contain commas

Format 3: Semicolon-Separated

  • Terms separated by semicolon
  • Example: Red; Blue; Green; Yellow
  • Alternative separator option

Term Creation

When importing attributes:

  • Attribute terms are created automatically if they don't exist
  • Existing terms are reused
  • Terms are linked to the attribute

Matching Attributes

Matching Criteria

When updating existing attributes, PrimeLink needs to match them. Available options:

  • Attribute Name: Match by attribute name (recommended)
  • Attribute ID: Match by WooCommerce attribute ID
  • Slug: Match by attribute slug
  • Custom Field: Match by custom field value

Best Practices

  • Use Attribute Name for matching (most intuitive)
  • Attribute names should be unique
  • Use Attribute ID if importing from another WooCommerce store

Used for Variations

Variation Attributes

Attributes can be used to create product variations:

  • Mark attribute as "Used for Variations"
  • When assigned to a variable product, variations are created
  • All combinations of variation attributes create variations
  • Example: Color (3 terms) × Size (4 terms) = 12 variations

Regular Attributes

Attributes not used for variations:

  • Mark attribute as NOT "Used for Variations"
  • Displayed on product page for information
  • Useful for product specifications
  • Example: Material, Brand, Warranty
💡 Tip: When importing attributes for variable products, ensure "Used for Variations" is enabled. See Variable Products for more details.

Best Practices

  • Use unique names: Ensure attribute names are unique
  • Test with sample data: Run a test import with a few attributes first
  • Import before products: Import attributes before importing products that use them
  • Use consistent terms: Use consistent term names across products
  • Backup first: Always backup your store before large imports
  • Verify terms: Check attribute terms are correct
  • Plan variation attributes: Plan which attributes will be used for variations

Common Issues and Solutions

Attributes Not Created

  • Check required fields are mapped (Attribute Name is required)
  • Verify attribute name format is correct
  • Check import logs for specific errors
  • Ensure attribute names are not empty

Terms Not Created

  • Verify attribute terms format is correct
  • Check term separator is correct (comma, semicolon, pipe)
  • Ensure terms are not empty
  • Verify attribute exists before importing terms

Variations Not Created

  • Verify "Used for Variations" is enabled
  • Check attribute is assigned to variable product
  • Ensure attribute terms are properly formatted

Next Steps

🔄 Variable Products

Learn how to use attributes for variations

Learn More →
🔄 Import Variations

Learn how to import variations separately

Learn More →
📦 Import Products

Learn how to import products with attributes

Learn More →