> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.qwoty.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Variants and options

> Configure product categories, variant options, and billing frequencies to structure your catalog.

Product options centralize three types of configurations that structure your catalog: product categories, variant options, and billing frequencies. You define these options once and reuse them across products.

## Product categories

Categories group similar products into a hierarchical tree structure. You can create parent categories and subcategories to organize your catalog for easier browsing and management.

**Key attributes:**

* **Name**: Category label
* **Parent category**: Optional parent to create nested subcategories
* **Description**: Category details
* **Status**: Active or Inactive

### Access categories

1. Click **Products & pricing** in the left menu
2. Click **Product options**
3. Click **Manage** in the **Setup Product category** block

### Create a category

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the form">
    Click **New** at the top right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in general information">
    * **Name**: Enter the category name
    * **Parent category**: (Optional) Select an existing category to create a subcategory
    * **Description**: Add details about the category
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set status and save">
    In the right panel, set **Status** to Active or Inactive, then click **Save**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Create hierarchical structures for easier navigation. Example: Electronics → Computers → Laptops.
</Tip>

### Edit a category

1. Click the **⋮** menu next to the category
2. Select **Edit**
3. Make your changes
4. Click **Save**

## Variant options

Variant options define the variable characteristics of products. Each option (e.g., Color) contains multiple values (e.g., Red, Blue, Green). You use these options when creating product variants.

**Key attributes:**

* **Name**: Option name (Color, Size, Material)
* **Value**: List of possible values with name and API name

### Access variant options

From the **Product options** page, click **Manage** in the **Setup Product variant options** block.

### Create a variant option

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the form">
    Click **New** at the top right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name the option">
    Enter the option **Name** (e.g., Color, Size, Material).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add values">
    In the **Option** block, add values:

    * **Name**: Value label (e.g., Red, Blue)
    * **API Name**: Technical identifier

    Click **Add an option** to add more values.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Save** to create the option.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Example: Create a "Size" option with values S, M, L, XL. Associate this option with apparel products to generate variants automatically.
</Info>

### Edit a variant option

1. Click the **⋮** menu next to the option
2. Select **Edit**
3. Add, edit, or delete values
4. Click **Save**

<Warning>
  Deleting an option value that's already used by existing variants may impact those products.
</Warning>

## Billing frequencies

Billing frequencies define recurring intervals for subscription products. You configure these frequencies once and select them when setting up product pricing.

**Key attributes:**

* **Period**: Number of units (1, 2, 3, 6, 12)
* **Unit**: Time unit (Day, Week, Month, Year)

### Access billing frequencies

From the **Product options** page, click **Manage** in the **Setup Billing Frequency** block.

### Create a billing frequency

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the form">
    Click **New** at the top right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Define the interval">
    * **Period**: Enter the number of units
    * **Unit**: Select Day, Week, Month, or Year
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Save** to create the frequency.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  **Common examples:**

  * Monthly: Period = `1`, Unit = Month
  * Quarterly: Period = `3`, Unit = Month
  * Annual: Period = `1`, Unit = Year
  * Bimonthly: Period = `2`, Unit = Month
</Tip>

### Edit a billing frequency

1. Click the **⋮** menu next to the frequency
2. Select **Edit**
3. Make your changes
4. Click **Save**

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I create categories within categories?">
    Yes. Select a parent category when creating a new category to build nested subcategories. This creates a hierarchical tree structure.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I deactivate a category?">
    Deactivated categories remain in the system but won't appear when filtering or browsing the catalog. Products already assigned to that category retain the assignment.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How many values can I add to a variant option?">
    There's no hard limit, but keep the number manageable. Too many values can make variant creation complex and slow down product configuration.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use the same variant option for multiple products?">
    Yes. That's the purpose of variant options. Define an option once (e.g., Size) and reuse it across all relevant products.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What billing frequencies should I create?">
    Create only the frequencies you offer. Common options include monthly, quarterly, and annual. Add custom frequencies (e.g., every 6 months) if your business needs them.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create a product" icon="box" href="/user-guide/catalog/how-tos/create-product">
    Learn how to create and configure products in your catalog
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage product variants" icon="grid-2" href="/user-guide/catalog/how-tos/manage-variants">
    Create and edit product variants using your variant options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configure pricing" icon="dollar-sign" href="/user-guide/catalog/reference/pricing-types">
    Set up prices for products and recurring subscriptions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pricebooks" icon="book" href="/user-guide/catalog/introduction">
    Apply different price lists to customer segments
  </Card>
</CardGroup>