Products in WooCommerce explained
Understand the product types WooCommerce offers — simple, grouped, external/affiliate, and variable — plus the virtual and downloadable options, before you start building your catalog.
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Before you start adding products to your store, it helps to understand the different product types WooCommerce offers. Choosing the right type from the start saves you time and avoids confusion later.
Quick summary
WooCommerce has four built-in product types: simple (one item, one price), variable (one item with options like size or color), grouped (several products shown on one page), and external/affiliate (a listing that links out to another site). Virtual and Downloadable are not types — they are two checkboxes you can tick on a simple product or on a variation.
The four product types
Simple product
A simple product is the most straightforward type. It has one price and no options to choose from. Use it for:
- A single book with one edition
- A candle in one size and scent
- A service fee with a fixed price
- Anything a customer can just add to their cart and buy
See How to add a simple product for step-by-step instructions.
Variable product
A variable product is an item that comes in different versions — called variations. Each variation can have its own price, stock level, and images. Use it for:
- Clothing that comes in multiple sizes and colors
- A product that has different options (finish, material, length)
- Items where price changes based on the option chosen
For example, a t-shirt might be available in Small, Medium, and Large. Each size is a variation of the same product. The customer selects their size on the product page before adding to their cart.
See How to add a variable product for step-by-step instructions.
Grouped product
A grouped product is a container that shows several other products on one page. Each item in the group is added to the cart on its own, at its own price. Use it for:
- A collection or set, like a set of furniture
- A bundle of related books sold individually
- A "shop the range" page
A grouped product starts out empty — you create it first, then add the other products to it.
External/Affiliate product
An external (or affiliate) product is listed and described on your site, but sold somewhere else. Instead of an Add to cart button, the customer gets a link to the other site. Use it for:
- Affiliate listings
- Products a supplier sells direct
- Curating items from several sources in one place
Virtual and downloadable products
Virtual and Downloadable are two checkboxes next to the product type, not types of their own. They are available on simple products and on the variations of a variable product.
- Virtual means the product does not need shipping. Ticking it hides the Shipping section. A virtual product on its own does not trigger the shipping calculator at checkout — though any physical item in the same order still does. Use it for consulting sessions, membership fees, or workshop registrations.
- Downloadable adds fields where you attach the file (or files). After a successful purchase, the order email sends the customer a download link. Use it for ebooks and PDFs, audio, stock photos, software, or printables.
Most digital products tick both boxes. See Selling digital & downloadable products for full details.
Product type comparison
| Type | What it is | Needs shipping? | Customer picks options? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | One item, one price | Yes, unless you tick Virtual | No |
| Variable | One item with variations | Yes, unless the variation is virtual | Yes |
| Grouped | Several products on one page, bought separately | Depends on the products inside it | No |
| External/Affiliate | A listing that links out to another site | No — the sale happens elsewhere | No |
Combining the options
The Virtual and Downloadable checkboxes work together. A product that is both virtual and downloadable needs no shipping and delivers a file. On a variable product you tick them per variation, so one variation can deliver a file while another ships.
What you see when you add a product
When you add or edit a product, the main panel you work in is called Product data. At the top of it is the Product type dropdown, which defaults to Simple product, and the Virtual and Downloadable checkboxes. Those three choices decide which sections you see. The default sections are:
| Section | What you set here |
|---|---|
| General | Regular price, sale price, cost of goods, tax status, and the download fields when Downloadable is ticked |
| Inventory | SKU, stock quantity, low stock threshold, backorders, sold individually |
| Shipping | Weight, dimensions, shipping class |
| Linked Products | Upsells and cross-sells |
| Attributes | Details like Size or Color, which can also be used to build variations |
| Advanced | Purchase note, menu order, enable reviews |
| Get more options | Suggested extensions |
Variations is an extra section that appears once you choose Variable product. Shipping only appears on simple and variable products that are not marked Virtual.
Product categories and tags
Every product can be placed in one or more categories (like "Jackets" or "Sale") and given tags (like "organic" or "handmade"). Categories and tags help customers browse your store and help with SEO.
See Organizing products with categories & tags for more.
Common questions
What if I want to sell a product that comes in one size but two colors — is that variable?
Yes. If the customer has to pick an option before they can buy, and the options need their own prices, SKUs, stock or images, use a variable product. Even two options (like two colors) work this way.
Can I change a product's type after I create it?
Yes — the Product type dropdown in the Product data panel can be changed at any time. Settings that only apply to the old type may stop being used, so it is still best to choose the right type from the start. Check the product on the front end after you switch.
What are upsells and cross-sells?
Upsells are products you recommend instead of the one being viewed, usually a better or pricier alternative. Depending on your theme, they show on the product page below the description. Cross-sells are complementary products promoted in the cart, below the cart table. You set both in the Linked Products section of the product editor. Related products are different again — WooCommerce picks those automatically from shared categories and tags, and you cannot choose them by hand.
Can I have grouped products — like a gift set made up of other products?
Yes. A Grouped product shows several of your products on one page, but each one is still added to the cart and priced on its own. If you want a true bundle — one price for the whole set — that needs an extension such as Product Bundles. Ask your Chykalophia project lead if you are not sure which you need.
Related guides
- How to add a simple product
- How to add a variable product
- Selling digital & downloadable products
- Organizing products with categories & tags
- Managing stock & inventory
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