How to Add Custom Fields to Orders in Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Custom Fields Matter
3. Options for Adding Custom Fields
4. Addressing Specific Needs
5. Examples and Case Studies
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

At some point, many Shopify store owners find themselves needing to capture additional information from their customers during the order process. This need could range from collecting delivery instructions, personalization details for products, or even unique customer preferences. Yet, achieving this functionality might seem daunting, especially for those not using Shopify Plus. How can store owners optimize their order management by adding custom fields? By the end of this guide, you'll have the knowledge to add custom fields to your Shopify orders, regardless of whether you are on Shopify Plus or a non-Plus plan.

Why Custom Fields Matter

Custom fields serve as essential tools for tailoring the shopping experience to fit specific business needs. For instance, a store selling personalized gifts might require customers to provide a name or a message for engraving. Alternatively, a store offering delivery services might need customers to specify delivery dates or add special instructions. These custom fields ensure that the additional data is collected efficiently, enriching the customer experience and business’s operational accuracy.

Options for Adding Custom Fields

On Shopify Plus: Checkout UI Extensions

If you're a Shopify Plus customer, your options for adding custom fields are more extensive. Shopify Plus offers the Checkout UI Extensions, which enable you to add custom fields at various stages of the checkout process.

Steps to Create a Checkout UI Extension

1. Scaffold Your App: Using Shopify CLI, scaffold an app designed for checkout customizations.

   shopify create extension
   

2. Set Up Your Extension: Choose “Checkout UI” as your extension type and create your extension.
3. Target Assignment: Assign where in the checkout process your custom field will be rendered (e.g., shipping or payment step).
4. Add Input Components: Use React UI components to add fields like checkboxes, text inputs, and dropdowns.
5. Store Data in Metafields: Save the input values as metafields that can be accessed in the Shopify admin panel.
6. Preview and Test: Ensure your custom fields appear and function correctly by testing on a development store.

On Non-Plus Plans: Cart Attributes and Order Notes

For those not on Shopify Plus, you can still add custom fields using cart attributes and order notes. Although this method offers fewer customization points compared to Shopify Plus, it is a powerful and effective way to collect necessary information from customers.

Adding Cart Attributes

Cart attributes are custom fields that you can add to the cart page:

1. Edit Your Theme Code: Navigate to Online Store -> Themes -> Edit Code.
2. Modify Cart Template: Locate the cart template file, typically named cart.liquid.
3. Add Input Fields: Insert HTML for input fields (e.g., text box, dropdown).

   <label for="cart-attribute">Special Instructions</label>
   <input type="text" id="cart-attribute" name="attributes[special_instructions]" />
   

4. Handle Data Submission: When a customer fills these fields and proceeds to checkout, the data is submitted along with the cart attributes.

Using Order Notes

Order notes allow customers to leave special instructions on their orders.

1. Enable Order Notes: Go to Online Store -> Themes -> Edit Code.
2. Activate Notes Section: In the cart.liquid template, ensure the order notes section is included.

   {{ cart.notes }}
   

Addressing Specific Needs

Product-Specific Custom Fields

To add custom fields for specific products, you can utilize line item properties. Line item properties are associated directly with products in the cart.

Steps:

1. Edit Product Template: Go to Online Store -> Themes -> Edit Code.
2. Modify Product Form: In the product template (e.g., product.liquid), add input fields within the product form.

   <input type="text" name="properties[engraving]" placeholder="Enter engraving text" />
   

3. JS Validation: Add JavaScript to ensure these fields are required if necessary.

Displaying Custom Fields in Admin

To review collected data, you'll often need to check order details in the Shopify admin. For cart attributes and order notes, you can view these under the "Additional details" or "Notes" sections of an order summary.

Adding Custom Fields to Admin

For advanced use cases, you might utilize apps or custom solutions to ensure the data appears as a separate column or more prominently in the admin interface.

Examples and Case Studies

Example: Collecting Delivery Instructions

Scenario: A bakery wants to collect delivery instructions for orders.

• Method: Add a text box on the cart page using cart attributes.
• Implementation:

  <label for="delivery-instructions">Delivery Instructions</label>
  <textarea id="delivery-instructions" name="attributes[delivery_instructions]"></textarea>
  

• Result: Delivery instructions appear in the Additional Details section of order summaries.

Example: Personalizing Products

Scenario: A jewelry store offers personalized engravings.

• Method: Use line item properties on the product page template.
• Implementation:

  <label for="engraving">Engraving Text</label>
  <input type="text" id="engraving" name="properties[engraving]" />
  

• Result: Engraving details are tied to specific line items within orders.

Conclusion

Adding custom fields to orders in Shopify enhances the flexibility and capability of your store to meet customer needs and improve order management. Whether you’re on Shopify Plus with access to Checkout UI Extensions or utilizing cart attributes and order notes on a non-Plus plan, you can effectively gather and manage additional information. Take advantage of these tools to tailor your checkout process, ensure data accuracy, and provide a superior customer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I add custom fields to the Shopify admin orders page? A: Direct modification of the admin interface is not possible, but you can display additional details via cart attributes or notes.

Q: Do custom checkout fields require a Shopify Plus subscription? A: Custom checkout fields via the Checkout UI Extensions do, but non-Plus users can use cart attributes and order notes.

Q: How can I validate that custom fields are filled before checkout is completed? A: JavaScript can be leveraged to enforce field validation on the cart or product pages.

Q: Are there apps to help with custom fields? A: Yes, there are several apps in the Shopify App Store designed to add and manage custom fields in both the cart and checkout processes.

By following these guidelines, you can make informed decisions about incorporating custom fields into your Shopify store’s order process, thereby elevating your overall customer experience and operational efficiency.