If you’re a Shopify store owner, you’ve likely run into this frustrating problem: your product has multiple colors or variants, but when a customer clicks on a new color swatch, all the images stay in the gallery. This messy visual experience can confuse customers and lead to abandoned carts.
The good news? This is a known issue, and there’s a simple and powerful solution. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to permanently fix the variant image issue using the Rubik Variant Images app. We’ll also explore the app’s advanced features, like AI-powered assignment and custom swatches, to create a stunning and intuitive product page.
Step 1: Install and Enable the Rubik App
The first thing you need to do is install the app from the Shopify App Store. The great thing about this app is that it offers a free plan, so you can test it out before committing.
- Install the App: Go to the Shopify App Store, search for “Rubik Variant Images,” and add it to your store.
- Activate the App Embeds: Once installed, you need to enable the app on your theme. From your Shopify admin dashboard, go to Online Store > Themes.
- Click the “Customize” button on your current theme.
- In the theme editor, look for the “App embeds” icon (usually a small plug or app icon on the left sidebar).
- Search for “Rubik” and enable the relevant app embeds. This allows the app to integrate with your product page.
- Click “Save.”
Step 2: Auto-Assign Variant Images with AI
Now that the app is enabled, you can start assigning images to your product variants. The Rubik app’s AI-powered feature makes this process incredibly fast.
- Open the Rubik App: Go to your Shopify admin dashboard and find the Rubik Variant Images app.
- Search for a Product: Use the search bar within the app to find the product you want to fix.
- Use the Auto-Assign Feature: Instead of manually assigning each image, simply click on the “Auto Assign” button.
- The app’s AI will automatically detect the colors and match the correct images to their corresponding variants. It’s a huge time-saver!
- Once the process is complete, click “Save.”
After a few moments, when you refresh your product page, you’ll see that clicking on a color swatch now only shows the images for that specific color. Problem solved!
Step 3: Go Beyond Basic Swatches with Advanced Features
The Rubik app is more than just a quick fix; it’s a tool for creating a more professional and visually appealing store.
Customize Your Swatches
By default, Shopify often uses the first image of the variant as the swatch. The Rubik app lets you create custom swatches.
- In the app, find the “Assign Images” section and click on “More Actions.”
- Select “Edit Swatches.” Here, you can remove the default swatches and add your own.
- Add Custom Swatch Colors: You can assign a specific color code to each swatch. This is perfect for ensuring your colors are an exact match to your product.
- Use Custom Swatch Images: For patterns or more complex colors, you can upload a custom image to be used as a swatch.
Change Swatch Appearance
The app also gives you full control over how your swatches look on the page.
- In the app settings, find the “Swatch Variant Picker” section.
- Click on “Customize Appearance.”
- Here you can change the shape of your swatches (Circle, Rounded, or Square) and adjust their size in pixels. You can also change settings for image fitting to ensure they look perfect.
Conclusion:
Fixing the variant image issue is one of the quickest ways to improve your Shopify store’s user experience. By using an app like Rubik Variant Images, you can create a clean, organized, and professional-looking product gallery that helps customers find exactly what they’re looking for. This not only builds trust but also significantly reduces the friction in the buying process, ultimately helping you increase your sales.
