A complete guide to showing the exact product image when customers select multiple options like Color + Style, Stone 1 + Stone 2, or Material + Size.
The Multi-Option Variant Problem
If you sell products with multiple variant options on Shopify, you’ve probably run into a frustrating limitation. Standard Shopify functionality and most variant-image apps only let you assign images to a single option, typically color.
But what happens when your product images depend on multiple options?
Imagine you sell jewelry with two-stone options. Customers can choose “Blue” for Stone 1 and “Red” for Stone 2. The combination creates a unique product that looks different from “Blue + Blue” or “Red + Red.” With standard Shopify, customers see all your product images regardless of their selection, which can create confusion and lead to returns when the product doesn’t match expectations.
This is where the Rubik Variant Images & Swatch app changes everything.
The Solution: Multi-Option Variant Images
Unlike other variant-image apps that filter by a single option, Rubik lets you assign images to multiple variant options simultaneously. When a customer selects “Blue” for Stone 1 AND “Red” for Stone 2, they see the exact product image for that combination, not just images filtered by a single option.
The app calculates the intersection of all your image assignments and automatically displays only the relevant images for any combination your customers select.
Perfect For Stores Selling
- Jewelry with multiple stones or gems
- Furniture with Color + Material options
- Apparel with Color + Style combinations
- Customizable products with 2-3 variant options
- Any product where the image changes based on multiple selections
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Setting up multi-option variant images is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Select Your Product in Rubik
After installing the Rubik app, open it from your Shopify admin and select the product you want to configure. The app will display all your product images and variant options.
Step 2: Assign Images to Your First Option
Start by assigning images to your first variant option. For example, if you have “Stone 1” with Red, Green, Purple, and Blue options, select all images that contain a red stone and assign them to “Red.” Repeat for each color.
Pro tip: Leave lifestyle photos and common images unassigned; they’ll remain visible for all variant combinations.
Step 3: Assign Images to Your Second Option
Now assign images to your second option (e.g., “Stone 2”). Select all images containing a red second stone and assign them to “Red,” and so on for each value.
As you make assignments, you’ll see the preview panel on the right side showing the image intersection for each combination. This lets you verify that the correct images will display for every possible selection.
Step 4: Save and Activate
Click Save to store your configuration. Then navigate to “Enable on Theme Editor” and click Save in the theme editor (no changes needed, just save). That’s it! Your multi-option variant images are now live.
Bonus: Adding Custom Color Swatches
Rubik also includes a powerful swatch feature that lets you replace Shopify’s default variant selectors with beautiful visual swatches. You can use images from your product gallery or upload custom swatch images.
Setting Up Swatches
- Go to “Manage Swatch Settings” in the Rubik app
- Enable swatches and activate them on your theme
- Add your option names (e.g., “Stone 1” and “Stone 2”)
- Upload custom swatch images for each option value
- Customize the appearance, choose circle or rounded shapes, and adjust the size.
The app uses Shopify metaobjects to store your swatch configurations, ensuring fast loading and seamless integration with your theme.
Why Multi-Option Variant Images Matter for Your Business
Implementing proper variant images for multiple options delivers real business results:
Higher Conversion Rates
When customers see exactly what they’re buying, they make purchasing decisions with confidence. No more scrolling through dozens of irrelevant images trying to find their specific combination.
Lower Return Rates
Returns often happen because the delivered product doesn’t match customer expectations. By showing the precise product image for each combination, you eliminate the confusion that leads to “not as pictured” returns.
Better Advertising ROI
You can create targeted ads for specific variant combinations and drive customers directly to a clean product page that shows only the relevant images. This creates a seamless experience from ad to checkout.
Professional Store Appearance
A cluttered product gallery with dozens of variant images looks unprofessional. Showing only relevant images creates the polished, high-end shopping experience that builds trust and brand value.
Real-World Example
Consider a jewelry store selling rings with two customizable stones. With 4 colors for Stone 1 and 4 colors for Stone 2, you have 16 possible combinations. Without Rubik, customers would see all 16+ product images regardless of their selection.
With Rubik, when a customer selects “Blue + Red,” they see only:
- The product image shows the Blue-Red combination
- Your lifestyle photos that apply to all variants
Clean, clear, and precisely what they need to make a confident purchase decision.
Get Started Today
Ready to transform your product pages and boost conversions? Install Rubik Variant Images & Swatch from the Shopify App Store:
Install Rubik Variant Images & Swatch App
If you have any questions about setting up multi-option variant images for your store, our support team is here to help. We’re also happy to provide personalized assistance to ensure your setup is perfect.
Rubik Variant Images & Swatch is built by Craftshift, helping Shopify merchants create better shopping experiences.
