Import Variations

Import product variations separately with specific data for each variation

Overview

Variation imports allow you to import individual product variations with their specific data (SKU, price, stock, images, etc.) separately from the parent product.

This is useful when you have detailed variation data in a separate file or when you need to update variation-specific information without affecting the parent product.

Variation Fields Overview

Parent Product

  • Parent ID: WooCommerce parent product ID
  • Parent SKU: Parent product SKU (alternative to ID)
  • Parent Title: Parent product title (alternative to ID)

Variation Attributes

  • Attributes: Variation attribute values (Color, Size, etc.)
  • Attribute:Color: Specific attribute value (e.g., "Red")
  • Attribute:Size: Specific attribute value (e.g., "Large")

Variation Data

  • Variation SKU: Unique SKU for the variation
  • Regular Price: Variation price
  • Sale Price: Variation sale price
  • Stock Quantity: Variation stock level
  • Stock Status: In stock, Out of stock, On backorder
  • Manage Stock: Enable/disable stock management
  • Weight: Variation weight
  • Length, Width, Height: Variation dimensions

Variation Content

  • Description: Variation description
  • Short Description: Variation short description
  • Image: Variation-specific image

Import Process

Step 1: Welcome

Start the variation import wizard from PrimeLink → Imports → New Import → Variations

Step 2: Select Data Source

Choose where your variation data is coming from

Step 3: Import Strategy

Choose how to handle existing variations:

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

Step 4: Filters & Preview

Filter your variation data and preview results

Step 5: Field Mapping

Map source fields to WooCommerce variation fields:

  • Map parent product reference (ID, SKU, or Title)
  • Map variation attributes
  • Map variation-specific data (SKU, price, stock, etc.)
  • Map variation content (description, image)

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

Linking Variations to Parent

Parent Product Reference

Variations must be linked to a parent variable product. You can reference the parent by:

  • Parent ID: WooCommerce product ID (most reliable)
  • Parent SKU: Parent product SKU
  • Parent Title: Parent product title

Best Practices

  • Use Parent ID for most reliable linking
  • Use Parent SKU if importing from another WooCommerce store
  • Ensure parent product exists before importing variations
  • Verify parent product is set to "Variable" type

Variation Attributes

Mapping Attributes

Variation attributes define which variation this is:

  • Map to "Attributes" field or specific attribute fields
  • Format: Color: Red | Size: Large
  • Or use specific fields: Attribute:Color = "Red"
  • Attributes must match parent product attributes

Attribute Format

  • Combined: Color: Red | Size: Large
  • Separate Fields: Map to Attribute:Color and Attribute:Size
  • JSON: {"pa_color":"red","pa_size":"large"}

Matching Variations

Matching Criteria

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

  • Variation SKU: Match by variation SKU (recommended)
  • Variation ID: Match by WooCommerce variation ID
  • Parent + Attributes: Match by parent product and attribute combination
  • Custom Field: Match by custom field value

Best Practices

  • Use Variation SKU for matching (most reliable)
  • Ensure each variation has a unique SKU
  • Use Variation ID if importing from another WooCommerce store
  • Parent + Attributes matching is useful when SKUs are not available

Best Practices

  • Import parent first: Ensure parent variable product exists before importing variations
  • Use unique SKUs: Each variation should have a unique SKU
  • Test with sample data: Run a test import with a few variations first
  • Verify parent linking: Ensure parent product reference is correct
  • Backup first: Always backup your store before large imports
  • Check attributes match: Verify variation attributes match parent product attributes
  • Use SKU for matching: Most reliable way to match variations

Common Issues and Solutions

Variations Not Created

  • Check parent product exists and is variable type
  • Verify parent product reference is correct
  • Check required fields are mapped (Parent reference, Attributes)
  • Check import logs for specific errors

Variations Not Linked to Parent

  • Verify parent product ID, SKU, or title is correct
  • Check parent product exists in your store
  • Ensure parent product is set to "Variable" type
  • Verify parent matching criteria is correct

Attributes Don't Match

  • Verify variation attributes match parent product attributes
  • Check attribute names are correct
  • Ensure attribute terms exist
  • Verify attribute format is correct

Next Steps

🔄 Variable Products

Learn how to import variable products with variations

Learn More →
🏷️ Import Attributes

Learn about product attributes

Learn More →
📦 Import Products

Learn how to import products

Learn More →