Tutorials

Question 1

How to Import Product Variants

Accepted Answer

In this tutorial, we will describe how to import variants.Each product variant consists of one or more options:The option name is the variant title, such as &laquo;Size&raquo; or &laquo;Color&raquo;.  
The option value is the variant value, for example: &laquo;M&raquo;, &laquo;S&raquo; or &laquo;Grey&raquo;.Example: if you want to import a product with 8 variants:
  Black &ndash; M, L
  Green &ndash; M, L
  Red &ndash; M, L
  Blue &ndash; M, L
You can use a file in the following format:&#128073; Each product variant must be listed on a new line.  
Each line should contain the product identification key (in this example: product name) plus other information you want to import: SKU, price, vendor, collections, quantity, etc.How to Import VariantsIn this example, we use a file exported from a PrestaShop store. The process is similar for files from other stores or suppliers.Step 1: Open the General Settings tab in the Products Sync Master app and upload your file.Step 2: Adjust the field mapping between your file and the import data.Step 3: Configure variants:
  In the Options group, select Enter manually.
  Enter a name for the option (e.g., &laquo;Size&raquo;).
  Select the corresponding Option value field from your file (e.g., &laquo;Size&raquo; column).
  Click Add option to add another (e.g., &laquo;Color&raquo; with values from the &laquo;Color&raquo; column).
  Select other variant data to import (SKU, price, etc.).
Step 4: Save the import settings and click Import Now.Step 5: Wait until the import is finished.  
&#9888;&#65039; Import duration depends on the number of products &mdash; it can take seconds or hours.  
You can close the window and review progress on the Latest Jobs page. After completion, you&rsquo;ll see a confirmation message:Step 6: Verify imported products in your store.That&rsquo;s it! You&rsquo;ve successfully imported products with multiple variants and options.

Question 2

How to Map Collections During Import

Accepted Answer

In your import file, products may already be associated with categories or collections.  
However, sometimes the collection names in your file are different from the collections in your Shopify store.In this tutorial, we will learn how to match collections.Example import file:In this file, we have two columns with collections: Main Category and Child Category.Example scenario:  
In the file, there is a collection called Sunglasses, but in your store, these products should appear in the collection Luxury Sunglasses.Step-by-Step: How to Map CollectionsStep 1: Go to the Associations tab in the Products Sync Master app.Step 2: In the Collections import method setting, choose how you want to import collections (e.g., by Collection Name or Collection Tree).Step 3: Select the file column that contains the collections (e.g., Main Category or Child Category).Step 4: Click on Link collections from file to existing store collections.Step 5: Add a mapping rule:
  File value: Sunglasses
  Store collection: Luxury Sunglasses
Step 6: Save your settings.  
Now, every time the system finds Sunglasses in the file, it will automatically assign products to Luxury Sunglasses in your store.Why Use Collection Mapping?
  Ensures consistency between supplier files and your Shopify collections.
  Saves time by avoiding manual adjustments after import.
  Supports multiple mapping rules for different categories.

Question 3

Import Files by Dynamic URL Pattern

Accepted Answer

In this tutorial, we will learn how to import a file from a URL that changes daily.Some suppliers provide product feeds where the file name contains the current date.  
Example:
  Today (30 August 2022): https://example.com/products-30-08-2022.csv
  Tomorrow (31 August 2022): https://example.com/products-31-08-2022.csv
Instead of manually updating the file URL every day, you can use patterns in the file name.  
This way, the system will automatically replace the date with the current day.Step 1: Use a Pattern in the File URLExample pattern:https://example.com/products-{d-m-Y}.csvHere:
  d = day (with leading zero, e.g., 01&ndash;31)
  m = month (with leading zero, e.g., 01&ndash;12)
  Y = year (four digits, e.g., 2022)
So on 30 August 2022, the system will automatically generate:  
https://example.com/products-30-08-2022.csvImportant: The app uses GMT timezone when calculating the date.Step 2: Configure in Products Sync Master
  Open the import settings in Products Sync Master.
  In the File Source field, paste the URL with your pattern.  
      Example: https://example.com/products-{d-m-Y}.csv
  Save your settings. The app will automatically replace the placeholders with the correct date at runtime.
Step 3: Available Pattern CharactersYou can use many date and time placeholders.  
Here are some useful examples:
  d &ndash; Day of the month (01&ndash;31)
  m &ndash; Month (01&ndash;12)
  Y &ndash; Year (e.g., 2022)
  H &ndash; Hour (00&ndash;23)
  i &ndash; Minutes (00&ndash;59)
  W &ndash; ISO week number
&#128073; For the full list of supported placeholders, see the table below:(insert your table of all format characters here)Step 4: Examples
  https://example.com/products-{Y}-{m}-{d}.csv &rarr; 2022-08-30
  https://example.com/feed-{Y}{m}{d}.xml &rarr; 20220830
  https://example.com/products-week-{W}.csv &rarr; week-35
  https://example.com/pricelist-{Y}-{m}-{d}-{H}.csv &rarr; 2022-08-30-15 (file for 3 PM)
Why Use Patterns?
  Save time &ndash; no need to update the file URL every day.
  Avoid mistakes when typing or pasting file links.
  Automate imports from suppliers that refresh files daily, weekly, or monthly.

Question 4

Import Files from FTP with Dynamic File Names

Accepted Answer

In this tutorial, we will learn how to import a file from FTP when the file name changes.Case 1: File Name Depends on the DateSome suppliers upload a new file to FTP every day. The file name contains the current date.Example:
  Today (30 August 2022): /files/products-30-08-2022.csv
  Tomorrow (31 August 2022): /files/products-31-08-2022.csv
To avoid editing the file path every day, you can use patterns for the file name.Example pattern:/files/products-{d-m-Y}.csvWhere:
  d = current day (01&ndash;31)
  m = current month (01&ndash;12)
  Y = year (4 digits, e.g., 2022)
So on 30 August 2022, the system will automatically read the file:  
/files/products-30-08-2022.csvImportant: The app uses the GMT timezone to calculate the current date.&#128073; You can find the full list of available date/time format characters in the table below.Case 2: Unknown File NameSometimes the file name may not contain a predictable date, but instead has random or changing numbers.Example:
  Today: /files/products-123.csv
  Tomorrow: /files/products-456.csv
Here, only part of the name is stable (products-), while the rest changes.In this case, you can use the special wildcard pattern [*], which means "any value".Pattern example:/files/products-[*].csvThis tells the app to:
  Look in the folder /files
  Find a file that starts with products-
  And ends with .csv
Result: The app will automatically detect and import the correct file each day without you needing to change the path manually.Examples of FTP File Patterns
  /files/pricelist-{Y}{m}{d}.csv &rarr; pricelist-20220830.csv
  /files/products-{d-m-Y}.csv &rarr; products-30-08-2022.csv
  /feeds/feed-week-{W}.xml &rarr; feed-week-35.xml
  /files/products-[*].csv &rarr; Matches any file starting with "products-"
Why Use FTP Patterns?
  Save time &ndash; no manual editing of file paths.
  Automation &ndash; always fetch the correct daily or weekly file.
  Flexibility &ndash; supports both date placeholders and unknown parts of file names.

Question 5

How to Import Product Translations

Accepted Answer

In this tutorial, we will learn how to import product catalog translations.Step 1: Enable Translation ImportOn the first step of the import, enable the switch &laquo;Import Translations&raquo;:Important: Translations can only be imported for products and fields that already exist in your store in the primary language.Step 2: Select Fields for TranslationOn the Fields Mapping step you will see:
  Fields available for translation
  Fields that can be used as a product identification key
Here you must select the language into which you want to import translations:Step 3: Example &ndash; Translating into UkrainianSuppose your primary language is English, and you want to add translations into Ukrainian.For this:
  Select the target language: Ukrainian.
  Set the fields you want to translate (e.g., Title, Description, Meta fields).
Step 4: Choose Product Identification KeyYou must also select a unique product identifier in the primary language.  
This can be:
  Product title
  SKU
  Barcode
  Handle
  Meta field identification key
Step 5: Translating Collections and VariantsIf you also want to translate collections or product variants, you need to provide their names in the primary language.  
This allows the app to correctly detect them during translation import.Example &ndash; primary language settings:Example &ndash; translation language settings:Step 6: Run the ImportAfter selecting all required fields and configuring mappings, click Import Now to start the translation import process.

Question 6

Import Products from Google Sheets

Accepted Answer

In this tutorial, we will learn how to import products directly from Google Sheets into Products Sync Master.Step 1: Get the Share LinkOpen your Google Sheet document and copy the share link:Example link:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UTbgP_28rxRR908v5mCNNcS4I16BiKGU/edit?usp=sharingStep 2: Modify the LinkThe link you copied cannot be used directly.  
We need to adjust it so that it can be read as a CSV file by Products Sync Master.Take the part of the link before the word "edit":https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UTbgP_28rxRR908v5mCNNcS4I16BiKGU/Then add this to the end:export?format=csv&#9989; Final link will look like this:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UTbgP_28rxRR908v5mCNNcS4I16BiKGU/export?format=csvStep 3: Use the Link in Sync MasterPaste the modified link into the file source field in Sync Master and continue with your import settings.Tips:
  Make sure your Google Sheet is set to &ldquo;Anyone with the link can view&rdquo;, otherwise the app will not be able to access it.
  Each worksheet in Google Sheets can be exported separately. By default, only the first sheet is used.
  If you make changes in Google Sheets, they will be reflected immediately in the CSV export link.

Question 7

Error during sync locations - need to update access scopes

Accepted Answer

When importing some products or groups of products, you must select a &laquo;Quantity Location&raquo; in the Inventory tab.Step 1: Open the Inventory TabNavigate to the Inventory tab during your import setup.  
Here you will see the Quantity Location field:Step 2: Sync Store LocationsClick the Sync button to load the list of locations from your Shopify store:Step 3: Fixing Errors (Update Access Scopes)If you receive an error when syncing, this usually means your app permissions need to be updated.You can make it by click the button below:Step 4: Select LocationAfter the access scopes are updated, click the Sync button again.  
Now your store locations will appear, and you can select the location where you want to process the import.

Question 8

Import Optimization – Control New & Existing Product Updates

Accepted Answer

We present another useful feature in Products Sync Master &ndash; Import Optimization.What is Import Optimization?Previously, the application processed all fields when importing or updating products.  
With Import Optimization, you can now separate the logic for new products and existing products.  
This makes the process faster, reduces server load, and gives you more precise control over your data.In short:
  New products &ndash; choose which fields should be imported the first time a product appears.
  Existing products &ndash; choose which fields should be updated on already imported products.
For example, you may want to import all fields for new products, but update only stock and price for existing ones.Step 1: Open the Optimization TabGo to the Optimization tab in the second step of the import process:Step 2: Set Import ConditionsFirst, decide what you want to do with new products and existing products.  
Open the Import Conditions tab and configure the options:Step 3: Select Fields for Import/UpdateAfter setting the conditions, go to the field selection tabs and choose which fields to import or update:When you change the number of selected fields, the system will remind you to check the Import Optimization tab:Step 4: Configure Import OptimizationNow, open the Import Optimization tab:Here you will see that some fields are marked as hidden.  
These fields are always imported by default, since they are required to identify products and variants:
  Product Name
  SKU
  Barcode (ISBN, UPC, GTIN, etc.)
  Handle
  Meta Field Identification Key
  Variant Options
Step 5: Choose Fields for New and Existing ProductsSelect which fields should be imported for new products and which should be updated for existing products.Note: If you do not select any fields in the Import Optimization tab, the app will import all mapped fields by default.Example:
  New products: import all fields (title, description, images, price, stock, etc.)
  Existing products: update only stock and price
Step 6: Save and Run ImportOnce you&rsquo;ve configured your fields:
  Click Save if you want to store the optimization settings.
  Click Import Now to start the import process immediately.
Note: If you later change the fields in other tabs, the system will prompt you again to review the Import Optimization tab, since the number of fields has changed.

Question 9

Generate Variants from Option Values

Accepted Answer

Sync Master App can automatically generate product variants from option values in your file.How Does It Work?If your product file contains variant values on a single line, separated by commas, the app can split them into separate variants.Example file format:Important: Variant generation will not work if your product identification key is set to SKU or Barcode in Step 1 of the import process:Step 1: Go to the Variants TabNavigate to the Variants tab in Step 2 of the import process.Enable the option: &laquo;Generate variants from option values&raquo;.Step 2: Configure Variant FieldsNext, set up the fields that will be used to generate variants from your file.  
For example, you may want to generate variants based on:
  Color (e.g., Red, Green, Blue)
  Size (e.g., S, M, L)
In the app, describe and indicate which columns from your file should be treated as variant fields:Step 3: ImportAfter configuring the variant fields, click Import Now.  
The app will generate all possible product variants from the option values you specified.&#9989; That&rsquo;s it &ndash; your product variants are created automatically!

Question 10

Import Products from Icecat Catalog

Accepted Answer

Sync Master can import product data directly from the Icecat catalog.What is Icecat?Open Icecat is a unique worldwide catalog with product data sheets, created in cooperation with high-tech sponsoring brands and online channel partners.  
Open Icecat data sheets are fully approved by sponsoring manufacturers and are distributed for free to online retailers.Free vs Paid Icecat Access
  Free version &ndash; you can import basic product data without registration, App Key, or Content Key.
  Paid version &ndash; gives access to the full catalog with extended product data and more detailed information.
Note: If you use the paid version, you must whitelist our Sync Master app IP address in your Icecat account:Sync Master IP address: 65.109.19.16Step 1: Choose IdentifiersTo import product data from Icecat, you can use the following identifiers:
  Icecat ID
  Brand
  SKU
  GTIN (EAN/UPC)
Step 2: Configure Product Data UpdatesNext, select which product data fields you want to update from the Icecat catalog.  
You can choose fields such as:
  Product title
  Description
  Specifications
  Images
  Other attributes provided by Icecat
Step 3: Import ProductsOnce your identifiers and update settings are configured, start the import.  
The app will fetch product data directly from the Icecat catalog and enrich your Shopify store products.

Question 11

Import Conditions – Control How Products Are Imported

Accepted Answer

The "Import Conditions" section contains special import rules that define how products are handled during the import process.These settings are critical because they control the conditions for importing products from your file as a whole:Main Options in Import Conditions1. Draft Products with Zero QuantityIf enabled, all products with a quantity of 0 in your file will be automatically moved to the Draft status in your Shopify store.2. New ProductsControls how to handle products that exist in your file but do not yet exist in your store. Options:
  Add &ndash; create new products.
  Skip &ndash; ignore new products.
3. Existing ProductsControls what to do with products that already exist in your store. Options:
  Update &ndash; update product fields with values from the file.
  Skip &ndash; leave existing products unchanged.
4. Products in Store but Not in FileDetermines how to handle products that exist in your store but are not found in the import file.5. Imported/Updated ProductsSets conditions for products that are either newly imported or updated from the file.6. Skip Products from ImportAllows you to skip specific products during import. To use this option:
  Create a custom field with a formula to define which products should be skipped, OR
  Use a field from your file where the value 1 means "skip this product".
7. Import Just from Selected CollectionsAllows you to import products only from specific collections. Click the Sync button to load the list of collections from your store.Note: To import products by selected collections, you must configure the collections association in the Associations tab.  
Read more: Collections Association.8. Import Just from Selected Vendors / Product Types / Product TagsAllows you to filter imports by vendors, product types, or tags.  
Click the Sync button to load the current list from your store.Best Practices
  Carefully review all conditions before starting the import.
  Always keep a backup of your products, collections, and images.
  Use filters (collections, vendors, tags) to avoid unnecessary imports.

Question 12

Import Product and Variant Metafields

Accepted Answer

The SyncMaster app allows you to import metafields for your Shopify products and variants.What Are Metafields?Metafields are a flexible way to store additional details about Shopify resources, such as products, orders, customers, and more.  
They can be almost anything &ndash; related products, release dates, approval statuses, part numbers, or other custom data.Metafields power many Shopify features:
  In Shopify Admin: customer segmentation, smart collections, product taxonomy.
  For Customers: product recommendations, swatches, customized checkouts (via Shopify Functions).
Each metafield has a type, which defines the kind of data it stores (text, number, reference, etc.) and enforces validation.  
Read more about Shopify metafields here.

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Importing Product MetafieldsStep 1: Open the Product Metafields TabGo to the Product Meta Fields tab in step 2 of the import process:Step 2: Sync Store MetafieldsClick the Sync button to fetch the list of metafields from your store:Step 3: Map File ColumnsSelect the metafield from your store, then map it to the correct column in your uploaded file that contains the metafield value:Step 4: Add or Delete Metafields
  Click Add to include another metafield for import.
  Click Delete to remove a metafield from the import process.
Note: Each metafield has a definition, which specifies the type of information it can store. Shopify validates these types automatically.  
Read more about metafield types here.

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Importing Variant MetafieldsStep 1: Go to the Variants TabOpen the Variants tab during step 2 of the import process:Step 2: Sync Variant MetafieldsScroll down and click the Sync button to load metafields available for variants:Step 3: Map Variant MetafieldsSelect the metafield and assign the corresponding metafield value from your file:Step 4: Add More MetafieldsClick the Add Meta Field button to add additional metafield associations for variants:

Question 13

How to Import Collections

Accepted Answer

There are 2 ways to import collections in Products Sync Master:
  Import by Collection Name
  Import by Collection Tree (a list of collections separated by special characters)

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1. Import by Collection NameTo import collections by name, navigate to the Associations tab:Then:
  Select &laquo;Collections import method&raquo; &rarr; &laquo;Collection Name&raquo;
  Choose the corresponding column from your file that contains collection names
If you need to add another condition for collections, click the &laquo;Add Collection&raquo; button:

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2. Import by Collection TreeIf your file contains hierarchical data (categories/subcategories), you can import by Collection Tree.Select the &laquo;Collection Tree&raquo; option:Example file with categories:Next:
  Select a separator in the &laquo;Collections delimiter&raquo; field (for example: /, |, ,)
  Choose the &laquo;Collection tree list&raquo; option from your file

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3. Remove Current AssociationsIf you need to remove all existing product collection associations during the import, enable the option:&laquo;Remove collections associations&raquo;

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Tips
  Collection Name import for simple, flat structures.
  Collection Tree splits values using the selected delimiter (e.g., ->) and assigns products to all levels as separate collections.
  Always double-check the delimiter when using Collection Tree to ensure proper splitting of levels.
  If replacing collections, remember that Remove associations will unlink products from all collections first.

Question 14

How to Import Product Categories (Shopify Standard Taxonomy)

Accepted Answer

Product Category is the standard category of a product defined by Shopify's Standard Product Taxonomy.  
Every product in your store can be assigned to a specific category from this taxonomy.Step 1: Prepare Your FileTo import product categories, your file must contain a column with the Product Category ID values:You can find the correct category code by browsing Shopify&rsquo;s taxonomy.  
For example, select your desired category from the list to get its code:Step 2: Go to Associations TabOnce your file is ready, navigate to the Associations tab in the import process:Step 3: Map Product Category IDIn the Product Category ID option, select the column in your file that contains the taxonomy category IDs:Tips
  Always use the official codes from Shopify&rsquo;s taxonomy, not free text.
  Check for the correct subcategory to make your product listings more accurate.
  Using the right categories improves SEO and search filtering in your Shopify store.