To import a variable product in WooCommerce, you can try to use the default importer, but your import file must be almost perfect, as that built-in tool doesn't offer much flexibility. A much better choice is to use WP All Import, which gives you complete control over the import process.
The biggest challenge when importing a variable product is the layout and format of the product attributes and variations. These can be defined in a surprising number of ways, some of which are quite complex. If you have control over your import file, no problem. You can avoid unnecessary complexities like storing multiple values in the same import column.
However, if you are trying to import a variable product from an external data source, you no longer have that luxury. You have to deal with the data as it comes to you. This is where WP All Import shines. You can map any incoming data element to any WooCommerce product field. You can parse or reformat incoming values on the fly. You can import taxonomies, images, custom fields, and pretty much anything else.
You can also filter your imports, schedule them to run automatically, and even insert conditional logic into the process, all without skipping a beat because WP All Import is built to handle everything from a straightforward import to the most challenging import imaginable.
Back Up Your Database Before Importing Variable Products
WooCommerce store owners are often in a hurry. They have too many tasks and not enough time. Now, there are some things you can do in WordPress and WooCommerce that don't pose much risk to your overall store. A quick edit here and there, small adjustments to inventory, etc.
But importing variable products in WooCommerce is not one of these trivial tasks. It's risky because the data is complex, and if you muck it up, you may find it difficult to untangle the mess you've created. So here's the golden rule: before you import variable products into your WooCommerce store, back up your database. In fact, back it up and then restore it to a test system so that you're confident you can recover from a mistake.
How to Import a Variable Product in WooCommerce
- Install the pro versions of WP All Import and the WooCommerce Add-On.
- Navigate to All Import > New Import and select the method to import your variable product file. You can upload it, download it from a URL or FTP/SFTP site, or use a file that you've previously uploaded to your server.
- Select WooCommerce Products as your import target.
- Use the Drag & Drop interface to map incoming data to the correct product fields. The Attributes and Variations tabs contain fields of special interest when importing variable products.
- Process the import. When it is complete, make sure to check your imported variable products to ensure they are correct. Again, pay special attention to the attribute and variation details.
How to Import a Variable Product in WooCommerce — Related Documents
How to Import WooCommerce Products
The official documentation for importing WooCommerce products. This document walks you through the basics of importing products while also briefly touching on some advanced topics. This is probably the best place to start for someone new to WP All Import.
How To Import Variable Products in WooCommerce
Another official documentation page, this one on how to import variable products. The advantage of this document over the preceding one is that it gives you much more detailed information on importing variable products, especially the Attributes and Variations tabs.
Import WooCommerce Products Plugin Features
A complete description of WP All Import's product import features and capabilities.
How to Bulk Upload Variable Products in WooCommerce?
A blog post similar to the one you are currently readings. These posts contain much of the same information, but sometimes it helps to have the same topic explained in different ways.
How to Export WooCommerce Variable Products
Detailed instructions on how to export WooCommerce variable products, including specific instructions on handling product attributes and product variations. It also shows you how to export to different file types.
How to Export Variable Products in WooCommerce
A shorter version of the preceding document.
How to Export a Product Variation in WooCommerce
A short article focusing on exporting a single product variation from WooCommerce.
How to Migrate WooCommerce Products to a Different Website
Do you need to move variable products from one WooCommerce store to another? If so, this document is for you. It will show you how to export WooCommerce variable products, then import them to another WooCommerce website with only a few clicks — a real time saver!
Bulk Editing WooCommerce Products
Sometimes, you need to bulk edit variable products in your store without moving them anywhere. This is achieved by exporting them, editing them in a spreadsheet, then reimporting the changes back into WooCommerce. Again, the ability to handle the import portion of this process with just a few clicks is another example of why WP All Import is the industry leader.
Exporting WooCommerce Products to the Google Merchant Center
Given Google's dominance in internet search traffic, getting your products listed on the Google Merchant Center is a must. Of course, this includes variable products. This article provides complete instructions on how to generate a product feed for the Google Merchant Center, including all the variable product details.
How to Import a Variable Product in WooCommerce — Related Videos
