How to Use Category Templates

How to Use Category Templates

Audience: Admin, Product Manager, Data Specialist

Prerequisites: Access to Catalog → Attributes → Category Templates

Status: General Availability

Overview

Category Templates let you define preset attribute structures for specific product categories.

Instead of manually assigning fields each time you create a product, MerchPIM automatically applies the correct attributes based on its category template — ensuring consistency, speed, and data accuracy.

For example, a “Shoes” category template might include attributes like Size, Color, Material, and Gender, while a “Furniture” template includes Dimensions, Material, and Assembly Required.

Why Category Templates Matter

• Enforce consistent data entry across similar products.
• Automatically populate required fields when creating new items.
• Reduce manual setup and errors in catalog building.
• Maintain a clean, structured attribute hierarchy across your PIM.

Steps

1. Open Category Templates

Navigate to Catalog → Attributes → Category Templates.

Expected: The page displays a list of templates showing Template Name, Linked Category, Attributes Count, and Last Modified.

2. Create a New Template

Click + Add Template.

Fill in:

• Template Name – Example: Clothing – General Template
• Linked Category – Select the product category this template applies to (e.g., Apparel, Footwear, Furniture).

Click Save.

Expected: Template is created and listed in the overview table.

3. Add Attributes to the Template

Open your new template → click Add Attribute.

Select attributes from your existing list (e.g., Material, Size, Color).

Choose whether each is:

• Required – Must be filled before publishing.
• Optional – Additional or descriptive fields.

Click Save.

Expected: Attributes are now linked to this template.

4. Apply Template Automatically

When creating a product under the linked category, MerchPIM auto-applies all attributes from its template.

Expected: The product creation form pre-fills with correct fields ready for data entry.

5. Edit or Duplicate Templates

You can duplicate a template to reuse its structure for similar categories.

To update fields, open the template, add or remove attributes, and click Save.

Expected: Changes apply to all new products created under that template (existing products remain unchanged).

Validate

• Create a test product under a category linked to a template.
• Verify that all template-defined attributes appear automatically.
• Check that “Required” fields enforce completion before saving or publishing.

Troubleshooting

Best Practices

• Create templates for every major product category (e.g., Apparel, Electronics, Furniture).
• Keep attribute names uniform across templates for easier bulk editing.
• Review templates quarterly to ensure alignment with current catalog needs.

Impact

🧩 100% data consistency across similar product types

⚡ 60% faster product creation

✅ Reduced catalog errors and rework

Updated on: 04/11/2025