How to Create Sub Collections in Shopify?

Sub collections help organize your Shopify store's products in a hierarchical structure. This helper article shows you different ways to create and manage sub collections effectively.

Understanding Sub Collections

Sub collections in Shopify are collections organized under main collections, creating a nested structure like:

• Women's Clothing (Main Collection)
  • Dresses (Sub Collection)
  • Tops (Sub Collection)
  • Bottoms (Sub Collection)

Method 1: Using Navigation Structure

Create Collections First

1. Go to Products > Collections
2. Click "Create collection"
3. Create all needed collections:
   • Main collections
   • Sub collections

Set Up Navigation Menu

1. Go to Online Store > Navigation
2. Select your main menu
3. Add your main collection
4. Create dropdown menu:
   • Click "Add menu item"
   • Select the sub collection
   • Drag it under main collection
   • Indent to create hierarchy

Method 2: Using Collection Tags

Set Up Main Collection

1. Create your main collection
2. Add relevant products
3. Tag products appropriately:
   • Use consistent naming
   • Include category identifiers

Create Sub Collections

1. Make new automated collection
2. Set conditions based on tags
3. Choose products matching tags
4. Organize under main collection

Method 3: Using Collection Landing Pages

Create Collection Pages

1. Go to Online Store > Pages
2. Create new page
3. Add collection links:
   • Main collection
   • Related sub collections

Link Collections

1. Add collection section
2. Choose display format
3. Select collections to show
4. Arrange in hierarchy

Managing Sub Collections

Add Products

1. Select target sub collection
2. Click "Add products"
3. Choose items to include
4. Save changes

Edit Structure

1. Access navigation menu
2. Adjust collection order
3. Update indentation
4. Save new arrangement

Remove Sub Collections

1. Go to navigation menu
2. Find sub collection
3. Click remove (×)
4. Save changes

Quick Tips

Organization

1. Plan Your Structure
   • List main categories
   • Identify sub-categories
   • Map relationships
2. Consistent Naming
   • Use clear names
   • Follow same format
   • Keep it simple

Navigation

1. Menu Setup
   • Limit menu depth
   • Keep names short
   • Use clear hierarchy
2. Mobile View
   • Test dropdown menus
   • Check spacing
   • Verify tap targets

Common Issues & Solutions

Sub Collections Not Showing

Check:

• Navigation settings
• Collection visibility
• Menu structure
• Theme settings

Products Not Appearing

Verify:

• Product status
• Collection conditions
• Tag spelling
• Automation rules

Best Practices

Structure Tips

1. Keep It Simple
   • 2-3 levels maximum
   • Clear categories
   • Logical grouping
2. User Experience
   • Easy navigation
   • Clear labels
   • Consistent structure

Maintenance

1. Regular Tasks
   • Check links
   • Update products
   • Review structure
2. Updates
   • Add new items
   • Remove old products
   • Adjust categories

Quick Fixes

Navigation Issues

1. Re-save menu
2. Check theme settings
3. Clear cache
4. Update structure

Display Problems

1. Verify visibility
2. Check conditions
3. Update products
4. Review settings

Remember: Keep your sub collection structure simple and intuitive for the best customer experience. Regular maintenance ensures your collections remain organized and effective.