Attribute CSVs use one row per option. The attribute columns identify the parent attribute, and the option columns describe the nested option on that row. Rows that share the same slug (or, in update mode, the same ID) are grouped into one attribute, so a two-option attribute takes two rows. Attribute-level columns such as Name and Sub Type are read from the first row of each group; blank them on the following rows. Export includes parent IDs, option IDs, slugs, subtype, option labels, values, colors, image URLs, and sort order.
Import modes
Attribute CSVs run in one of these modes. Import creates new attributes with their options. Update attributes changes only the editable attribute-level fields (name, slug, description, and sort order) and does not touch options. Update attribute options changes only the options and leaves the attribute-level fields alone. Each mode allows only the columns for that mode: an option column in an update-attributes file, or an attribute field change in an update-attribute-options file, is reported as an error.
Create imports
Create imports need a Name, a Slug, and at least one option for every attribute. Slug is required for create; a blank slug is reported as an error rather than generated from the name. A slug that already exists in your store, or that another row in the same file already uses, is reported as an error. An option value left blank is generated from its label. Use Sub Type to choose standard, swatch, or image. Swatch options require Option Color, and Option Color is only allowed on swatch attributes. Image options require Option Image URL, which is only allowed on image attributes.
| Name | Slug | Sub Type | Option Label | Option Value | Option Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | color | swatch | Red | red | #ef4444 |
| color | swatch | Blue | blue | #3b82f6 |
Update imports
Update imports use the attribute ID column from an export to identify which attribute each row updates. An ID that is missing or does not match an attribute in your store is reported as an error. Sub Type cannot change on update: a row whose Sub Type differs from the attribute's current sub type is reported as an error. When updating options, an option row uses Option ID to change an existing option; a row with a blank Option ID adds a new option. Options you leave out of the file are kept, not deleted.
| ID | Option ID | Option Label | Option Value | Option Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 41 | Crimson | red | #dc2626 |
| 7 | Green | green | #22c55e |
Images
Option Image URL is only valid for image attributes. External option image URLs are imported during the job. Import and update require product write plus file write permission for option image URLs. Exporting Option Image URL or Option Image Site URL requires product read plus file read permission.