Before you start
- Your store is created (even if it's still empty — that's fine).
- You are logged in to your admin area.
No technical knowledge is required. If you can fill in a form, you can create a category.
What you'll learn
- Open the page that manages your product categories.
- Create a parent category with a clear name.
- Confirm your category is ready to receive products.
Step by step
Step 1 — Open the “Categories” page
In the left-hand menu, open the Catalog section, then click My categories. You land on the “Add or edit product categories” page.
Step 2 — Click “Add a parent category”
Click the blue “+ Add a parent category” button (marker ①). A 5-step wizard opens: Name, Image, Filters, SEO and Summary.
Step 3 — Enter a name and a description
On the first step (Name), fill in:
- Category name (marker ②) — this is the name your customers will see. Example: Cupcakes.
- Description (marker ③) — optional, but useful for search engines and to guide your customers.
Then click “Next” (marker ④). Your changes are saved automatically at every step.
Step 4 — Finish the wizard
Go through the remaining steps if you like (add an image, some SEO text), or simply close the wizard. Your category is already created.
Expected result
Your new category appears in the list (marker ⑤). It shows “0 product(s)” and is ready to receive your products. From its card you can Edit it, add Sub-categories, or show/hide it with the toggle on the right.
Expert tips
- Keep it to 5–8 main categories. Too many categories lose the customer; too few bury your products.
- Think “like a customer”. Name your categories with the words your customers use to search.
- Save sub-categories for large catalogs. Under 30 products, a single layer of categories is usually enough.
- Order by popularity. Once created, drag and drop your categories to put the best sellers first.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it's a problem | The fix |
|---|---|---|
| Creating products before categories | Your products end up “uncategorized” and hard to find. | Create your categories first, then file your products into them. |
| Vague names (“Misc”, “Other”) | The customer can't tell what's inside. | Use concrete, meaningful names. |
| Too many main categories | The menu becomes unreadable and navigation confusing. | Group into 5–8 families, with sub-categories if needed. |
| Forgetting to activate the category | The category exists but stays invisible to customers. | Check that the visibility toggle (on the right) is on. |
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a category and a sub-category?
A parent category is a large family (e.g. “Cupcakes”). A sub-category is a subdivision (e.g. “Vegan cupcakes”, “Gluten-free cupcakes”). Sub-categories are useful when a family holds many products.
Can I edit or delete a category later?
Yes. From the categories list, each category offers Edit and Delete buttons. Deleting a category does not delete your products: they simply become “uncategorized”.
Do I have to add an image and SEO text?
No. Only the name is required. The image and SEO improve appearance and visibility, but you can add them anytime.
How many categories can I create?
As many as you like. For clarity, we recommend 5 to 8 main categories, adding sub-categories underneath if needed.
How do I change the order of my categories?
On the categories page, drag and drop the categories to reorder them. The order you choose is the one shown in your store.
My category doesn't appear in my store — why?
Two common causes: the category is disabled (check the visibility toggle), or it is empty (a category with no product may be hidden). Add at least one product and enable it.