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Using Metafields and Metaobjects

Metafields and metaobjects are powerful Shopify features that let you store and display custom data—beyond what’s available in the standard Shopify admin—directly on your online store, without writing code.

While incredibly useful, they can feel complex at first. This guide explains what they are, when to use them, and how to display them in your theme.

🏷️ What Are Metafields?​

Metafields let you attach custom information to Shopify resources like products, collections, pages, and more—information that isn’t supported natively in the admin.

Common Use Cases:​

  • Product ingredients or materials
  • Launch date or seasonal availability
  • Volume capacity (e.g., “500ml”)
  • Care instructions (e.g., “Machine wash cold”)
  • Explanatory videos (via URL or embed)
  • Internal SKU notes or supplier codes

✅ Example: You sell skincare products and want to show a “How to Use” guide that’s unique to each item. Since Shopify doesn’t have a built-in field for this, you’d use a metafield.

How to Use Metafields:​

  1. Create a metafield in Shopify Admin > Settings > Metafields.
  2. Assign it to a resource type (e.g., “Products”).
  3. Fill in the value for each product.
  4. Display it on your store using the Theme Editor (see below).

📘 For step-by-step instructions, see Shopify’s official metafields guide.

🛠️ Need help setting up metafields? Contact Shopify Support.

🖼️ Displaying Metafields in Your Theme​

Once created, metafields can be connected directly in the Theme Editor—no coding required.

To connect a metafield:​

  1. Open the Theme Editor (Online Store > Themes > Customize).

  2. Select a section or block that supports dynamic content (e.g., a product info section).

  3. Next to a compatible setting (e.g., a text field), click the database icon 🗃️.

    Database icon for connecting metafields in Shopify Theme Editor

  4. Choose the metafield you want to display from the list.

⚠️ Important:

  • Metafields must match the setting type (e.g., an image metafield can only connect to an image setting).
  • Some metafield types (e.g., PDF files, JSON, or file references) cannot be connected in the editor.
  • Variant-level metafields are not supported in the Theme Editor—you’ll need a developer to display them.

💡 Tip: If you have a specific use case that isn’t supported, share it with Shopify Support. Your feedback helps shape future features!

📦 What Are Metaobjects?​

Metaobjects are groups of related metafields treated as a single structured entity. Think of them as “custom content types.”

Example Use Case:​

You sell furniture and want to show designer profiles (name, bio, photo, country) across multiple product pages. Instead of creating 4 separate metafields per product, you create one metaobject called “Designer,” then link it to products.

When to Use Metaobjects:​

  • Managing complex, reusable content (e.g., team members, certifications, size charts)
  • Avoiding repetitive metafield setup
  • Building structured data relationships

⚠️ Note: Metaobjects are advanced and rarely needed for new stores. Most merchants start with basic metafields and adopt metaobjects only as their store scales.

📘 Learn more in Shopify’s metaobjects documentation.

🧭 Best Practices & Recommendations​

  • ✅ Start simple: Use metafields before diving into metaobjects.
  • ✅ Name clearly: Use descriptive names like product.care_instructions (Shopify auto-generates handles).
  • ❌ Don’t overuse: Only create metafields you’ll actually display or use.
  • 🛠️ For variants or unsupported types: Hire a Shopify Expert for custom development.

💡 Remember: The goal is to enhance your store—not complicate it. Use metafields to solve real customer or business needs, not just because you can.

🌟 Final Tip: Metafields unlock endless customization—while keeping your store fast, maintainable, and upgrade-safe. Use them wisely!