Categorization for Shopify

How does Shopify categorization work?

Nifelo imports Shopify core fields through the managed catalog contract. Categorization uses the Smart Field product_type, sourced from Shopify’s free-text Product type field. Unique product types are mapped to official Google Product Categories.

Shopify Product type, Shopify Standard Product Category, and Google Product Category are three different concepts. A Shopify value is not automatically a confirmed Google category.

Shopify Product type

Product type is free text, such as Dresses or Home accessories > Lighting. Nifelo imports it as a managed, read-only product_type; variants inherit it from their parent product.

Use clear, consistent product types. Avoid brands, temporary campaigns, and meaningless internal codes. Split broad groups when products require different Google categories. Correct structural errors in Shopify and import again.

Shopify Standard Product Category

Shopify may also provide a category from its own standard taxonomy. Nifelo imports its full path as a separate managed Smart Field. It can provide useful context but is not the Google taxonomy; IDs, paths, details, and requirements may differ.

Always review the final Google category in Nifelo.

One row per product type

Categorization works per unique product_type, not per product or variant. If one Shopify product type contains different kinds of products, split it in Shopify first.

AI, history, and credits

AI can use product type, title, description, and an image to propose a Google category. Review the full path, whether it applies to the whole group, confidence, and required fields. Confirm only correct suggestions.

Previously confirmed choices may be reused. AI categorization consumes credits; monthly limits and wallet permission are managed under AI management. Apply history first and scan only unmapped active types.

Missing product types

When Shopify Product type is empty, Nifelo cannot create a product_type categorization row. Fill it in Shopify and import again. Do not create a second manual mapping; the managed Shopify mapping remains the source of truth.

Category requirements

Google categories may require brand, GTIN/EAN, color, size, gender, material, or age group. Shopify variant options differ between stores. Only supported—and where necessary reviewed—dynamic fields count reliably. A warning may mean that an option is missing or not yet available as a managed Smart Field.

Changes and recommended check

Categorization in Nifelo does not change Shopify Product type or Shopify’s category. Make source changes in Shopify and re-import. Google categories are used inside Nifelo for analysis, validation, and channels; writing back requires a separately configured synchronization or export.

1. Give every Shopify product a clear Product type.
2. Re-import after source changes.
3. Check inheritance on variants.
4. Keep the three category concepts separate.
5. Apply history and scan only unmapped types.
6. Review and confirm every suggestion.
7. Resolve required Smart Field warnings.
8. Save and inspect products and variants before enrichment or export.