Metaobjects
Metaobjects are custom content objects in Shopify that store structured information in one place so it can be reused across your store. Instead of adding the same content repeatedly, you can create a metaobject once and reference it wherever needed. A metaobject contains multiple related fields such as text, images, links, or files. This makes it useful for managing content that follows a consistent structure.
A metaobject definition is the structure or blueprint that determines how a metaobject is created. It defines what fields a metaobject will have and what type of data each field can store, and where the metaobject can be accessed. You create the definition first, then add entries based on that structure.
How Metaobjects Work
A metaobject groups multiple related fields into a single, reusable content block. These fields can hold different types of content, such as text, images, files, URLs, colors, or references to other Shopify resources.
Metaobjects are standalone content objects. Unlike metafields, which attach a single custom value to an existing Shopify resource like a product or collection, metaobjects exist independently and can be referenced from multiple places across your store.
Metafields add individual custom fields to existing Shopify resources, whereas metaobjects let you create entirely new types of structured data.
Examples of metaobjects
Author Profile
- Name
- Bio
- Profile image
- Social media link
Size Guide
- Size chart image
- Measurements
- Instructions
FAQ Item
- Question
- Answer
Brand Information
- Brand name
- Logo
- Brand description
- Website link
Using metaobjects helps keep content organized, consistent, and easier to manage.
How Metaobject Definitions Work
A metaobject definition is the structure or blueprint that determines how a metaobject is created. It defines what fields a metaobject will have and what type of data each field can store. Think of it as a blank form — the definition decides what fields appear on the form, and each entry is a completed version of that form with actual content filled in.
One definition can have unlimited entries. All entries follow the same structure set by the definition.
For example, a definition called “Designer” with fields for name, bio, and photo can have separate entries for each designer — one for Anna Lee, another for Mark Chen, and so on.
Components of a Definition
A metaobject definition is made up of the following:
Name: A label used to identify the metaobject in your Shopify admin (e.g., “Authors,” “Size Charts,” “Brand Profiles”).
Type: A system identifier automatically generated from the name. It can be edited before saving.
Fields: The individual pieces of content stored in the metaobject. Each field includes:
- A name (required)
- A description (optional)
- A content type such as single-line text, rich text, image, file, URL, or color
- Validation rules such as character limits, minimum/maximum values, or preset choices
Display name: One field is selected as the display name to identify each entry in the admin. By default, this is assigned to the first text field. If no text field exists, it is autogenerated.
Access options: Controls where the metaobject can be accessed, such as the Shopify admin or the storefront.
Example metaobject definition
FAQ Definition
- Question (text)
- Answer (text)
Once the definition is created, you can add multiple entries based on that structure, such as many FAQ items that all follow the same format.
Shopify does not natively support bulk import or export of metaobject or metaobject definitions. To transfer or back up definitions across stores, you can use the StoreRobo Import Export app.
Check out this documentation to learn more: