The Dropdown option type presents choices in a classic dropdown menu. It’s ideal when you have many values that don’t need visual representation (like swatches).
When to Use Dropdown
- You have 5+ options that don’t benefit from visual previews
- You need a compact layout that saves vertical space
- Options are text-based (sizes, quantities, placements, materials)
How to Add a Dropdown
- In the option set editor, click Add Option.
- Select Dropdown from the list of option types.
- Name your option (e.g., “Ring Size”, “Quantity”, “Font Style”).
- Add your dropdown values one by one.
- Optionally, set an additional price for specific values.
Configuration Options
Default Value
Set a pre-selected value or leave the dropdown with a “Select…” placeholder to prompt customer action.
Required Selection
Mark the dropdown as required to ensure customers make a choice before adding to cart.
Additional Pricing
Assign different add-on prices to each dropdown value. For example, “Rush Processing” might add 15while"Standard"adds0.
Example Use Cases
- Ring sizes — 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, … 13
- Engraving placement — Inside band, Outside band, Front, Back
- Gift wrapping — None, Standard box, Premium box (+$10)
- Quantity of charms — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Dropdown vs Other Option Types
| Use Dropdown When | Use Swatches When |
|---|
| Options are text/numbers | Options are visual (colors, images) |
| Many values (5+) | Fewer values (2–8) |
| Space is limited | Visual preview helps the decision |
Best Practices
Use dropdowns for options with many values to keep the page clean. For 2–4 visual options, swatches or badge groups provide a better experience.
Order dropdown values logically — by size (small to large), by price (low to high), or alphabetically.
