It’s an online curtain catalog, requiring 5 attributes: fabric, colour, width, drop & header style option. NO – The shopify 3 option type limit, one of the oldest in the platform is still in force. The variant cap bump in 2024 did not address this issue and you’re still only allowed 3 option types per product.FW
Even with a bunch of new mobile features coming in Version 2.1, there are 5 issues that Shopify can’t seem to figure out. The good news is that there are 5 workarounds to these problems – some legit, some wacky, and one solution that Shopify themselves use on their own Plus stores. In this post, I’ll go through all 5 of them.
In this post
- Why Shopify limits you to 3 options
- Workaround 1: combine two options into one
- Workaround 2: line item properties
- Workaround 3: combined listings
- Workaround 4: product personalizer app
- Workaround 5: split into SKU family
- Comparison table
- FAQ
Why Shopify limits you to 3 options
Shopify restricts themselves to three option fields, since their product data model defines three hard-coded fields: option1, option2, and option3. Every variant in the product has three fields to store options, the storefront and themes query/store these fields, and Liquid assumes a max of three options in product.options_with_values. If the product had more than three options, the whole thing would break. In the end, Shopify decided not to make the change, because every theme and API consumer in existence would break.
Is this annoying? Yes. Is it changing? No. Plan around it.
Workaround 1: combine two options into one
The oldest trick in the Shopify playbook. If your product has 4 variables, reduce one variable to a single value (in this case, “Material”) and then create multiple values (Linen Matte, Linen Glossy, Cotton Matte, Cotton Glossy, etc.). You’ll lose the ability for customers to filter by the now reduced variable, but you’ll keep the product in the store’s search results.
Pros: zero cost, no apps, instant results ; Cons: admin gets messy, you can only have so many collection filters, and Google Shopping only sees one dimension.
Workaround 2: line item properties
Use a custom field on product page (eg. Engraving or Gift Message) that isn’t turning the product into a variant. These are called line item properties. They get saved with the order but don’t multiply your SKU count.
Used for 4th dimension that is non-inventory such as customization settings, text notes, etc. DO NOT USE THIS FOR 4TH DIMENSION THAT CHANGES WHAT PRODUCT(S) SHIP. Will result in incorrect inventory tracking.
Workaround 3: combined listings (the right answer)
How does Shopify deal with this problem? Combined listings allow you to group a set of products together (like splitting a 5 dimensional product into 5 separate products, each with 3 options) to create a single product page. The shop will display a single product page, but the catalog will include all 5 products.
Native Shopify combined listings are Advanced and Plus only. If you are on Basic or Shopify plan, you can use an app like Rubik Combined Listings that works on any plan.
Link to demo, tutorial, and documentation
Workaround 4: product personalizer / option set apps
Many apps allow product options, such as Shopify’s own Product Customizer, which add their own dropdowns that appear as separate line item properties on the order. These can be unlimited in number, and each combination is not tracked as a separate SKU, in inventory, or at a different price (although some apps might work around this by adding custom charge rules to the order).
Use this for things like “engraving font”, “gift wrap yes/no”, “monogram letters”. You can add more options as needed but don’t use this for things you would actually need to keep inventory of (like “style” for a product that comes in different styles).
Workaround 5: split into SKU family
Split a 5D product into separate products with 3 or fewer options and crosslink them (perhaps via related products, metafields, or a “choose your style” section at the top of the page). This old-school technique does not require a combined listing app, and you would just link to the separate products via their URL.
This is how most brands (pre-2024) handled additional products – It works, it’s ugly, it creates a mess on separate product pages, and effects conversions – Try to avoid this look if at all possible, only use it as a last resort.
Which workaround is right for you?
| Workaround | Cost | Inventory tracking | Plan required | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combine two options | Free | Yes | Any | Similar subvariants |
| Line item properties | Free | No | Any | Gift notes, engraving |
| Native combined listings | Free | Yes | Advanced/Plus | Any use case |
| Rubik Combined Listings | Free tier + paid | Yes | Any | Any use case |
| Product personalizer | Paid | Partial | Any | Customization |
| Split into products | Free | Yes | Any | Last resort |
Plan out your options before you commit to a variant? Then try out our free variant calculator and SKU generator – no variant is created, and you don’t need to signup.
FAQ
Can I have 4 option types on Shopify Plus?
No. The 3 option type cap applies to every plan, including Plus.
Did the 2024 variant limit update change the option cap?
No. Only the variant count moved (from 100 to 2048). Option types stayed at 3.
What is the best workaround for 4+ dimensions?
Combined Listings. Either native (Advanced/Plus) or via an app like Rubik Combined Listings (any plan).
Do line item properties show up in Shopify reports?
These are reported on the order summary but are not included in variant sales reports.
Can I split a product after launching?
Yes, but redirect the old URL to avoid SEO loss. Use 301s.
Does Rubik Combined Listings require Shopify Plus?
No. It works on every plan (Basic, Shopify, Advanced, Plus).
Will a product personalizer app break my checkout?
It may not easily integrate with other enterprise or subscription software. Check compatibility before you buy.
Related reading
- The Shopify 2048 variant limit explained
- Bypass the variant limit without Plus
- Shopify variant limit by product type
- Combined listings bypass workflow (rubikify.com)
- Rubik Variant Images site
For the curtain scenario Combined listings is usually the answer. 5 base products (fabric + colour + size) grouped together by header style and then by any further filters, such as material or lining. Zero admin rewrites. You can have a store live in an afternoon.
