Products in WooCommerce explained
Understand the different product types in WooCommerce — simple, variable, virtual, and downloadable — before you start building your catalog.
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 core product types: simple (one item, one price), variable (items with options like size or color), virtual (services or non-physical items), and downloadable (digital files). Every product you add will be one of these types.
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.
Virtual product
A virtual product does not have a physical form and does not require shipping. WooCommerce skips the shipping step at checkout for virtual products. Use it for:
- Consulting sessions or service packages
- A membership fee
- An online workshop registration
A virtual product can also be a downloadable product — see below.
Downloadable product
A downloadable product is a digital file that the customer receives automatically after purchase. WooCommerce generates a secure download link and emails it to the customer. Use it for:
- Ebooks and PDFs
- Music or audio files
- Stock photos or digital artwork
- Software, plugins, or templates
- Printable planners or worksheets
See Selling digital & downloadable products for full details.
Product type comparison
| Type | Requires shipping? | Has options/variations? | Delivers a file? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple | Yes (by default) | No | No |
| Variable | Yes (by default) | Yes | No |
| Virtual | No | No | No |
| Downloadable | No | No | Yes |
Combining types
A product can be more than one type. For example, a product can be both virtual and downloadable — meaning no shipping required and a file is delivered. You can also have a variable downloadable product if different variations deliver different files.
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. This panel changes based on the product type you choose. The key tabs within Product data are:
| Tab | What you set here |
|---|---|
| General | Price, sale price, and download settings |
| Inventory | Stock quantity, low stock threshold, backorders |
| Shipping | Weight, dimensions, shipping class |
| Linked products | Upsells and cross-sells |
| Attributes | Options used for variations (e.g., Size, Color) |
| Variations | The individual combinations and their prices/stock |
| Advanced | Purchase note, menu order, reviews on/off |
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
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
Need a hand?
Learn more
A tour of your WooCommerce dashboard
A guided walkthrough of the WooCommerce admin area — where to find your orders, products, customers, reports, and settings.
How to add a simple product
Step-by-step instructions for creating a simple product in WooCommerce, including name, price, description, image, and publishing.