Product options: define the fields
Use text, uploads, swatches and conditional fields to collect the information each order needs. Keep size or stocked base-color SKUs in Shopify variants; add personalization around them.
Explore product optionsAdd shopper-entered text, image uploads, swatches, conditional choices, and paid add-ons to an existing Shopify product page—without custom theme development for the standard setup.

Direct answer
Use text, uploads, swatches and conditional fields to collect the information each order needs. Keep size or stocked base-color SKUs in Shopify variants; add personalization around them.
Explore product optionsCombine fields, dependencies, prepared 2D views, pricing and optional component stock into one guided buying experience. Both workflows use the same Podifai app.
Explore the configuratorTry the storefront
Start with a ring’s text and font fields, or explore a tote with patterns, colors and a paid monogram. These demos show configured storefront examples; your fields and charges remain under your control.

Enter a short message and compare the offered fonts. Check small lettering on mobile as well as on desktop.
Try engraved wedding ring ↗Follow the ring engraving setup
Change the initials and font, then compare the lettering against different patterns and leather colors.
Try monogram tote bag ↗Connect options to a previewProduct evidence
These examples show real Podifai controls for adding product options, guiding dependent choices, displaying a paid add-on, and reviewing the saved result after checkout.
Add the text, upload, swatch, dropdown, badge, and other fields required by the product shoppers will personalize.

Use conditional logic so dependent fields appear only after the shopper selects the option that requires them.
Display a fixed surcharge beside the relevant field or selected value before the configured product reaches checkout.
Inspect the configured product, selected option values, uploaded image URLs, price, and preview result in Podifai Orders.
Choose the right model
The right data model depends on whether a choice defines a stocked SKU, captures shopper personalization, or requires engineering and manufacturing logic.
| Dimension | Shopify variants | Podifai product options | Advanced configurator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Standard products with inventory-bearing SKU choices | Shopify personalization, visual choices, and paid add-ons | Complex products, quoting, engineering, or manufacturing rules |
| Shopper input | A defined set of variant values | Text, uploads, swatches, dropdowns, badges, and other fields | Varies by platform and implementation |
| SKU and stock | Each combination can identify a Shopify variant and inventory record | Personalization stays separate; supported values can link to Shopify variants or optional stock behavior | May connect to ERP, PIM, or manufacturing inventory systems |
| Visual preview | Usually variant media selected by the shopper | Layered 2D live preview with one to five configured views | May include 2D, 3D, AR, CAD, or multiple views |
| Customer upload | Not a native variant value | Saved as a separate file and optionally displayed in the configured 2D preview | May include artwork processing or production workflows |
| Rules and pricing | Variant availability and Shopify-managed variant prices | Conditional fields, fixed or percentage adjustments, and linked prices | May include formulas, compatibility rules, quotes, or contract pricing |
| Order handoff | Variant and standard Shopify order data | Readable line item properties, uploaded image URLs, and Podifai order details | May connect to ERP, PIM, CAD, or manufacturing systems |
| 3D or AR | Not the purpose of Shopify variants | Not currently supported | Available from some specialist platforms |
| Production files | Not generated automatically | Transparent PNG per customized view when enabled; no vector or machine files | Available from some production-focused platforms |
Capabilities vary by app, platform, plan, and implementation. Confirm preview, pricing, inventory, 3D, AR, production-file, and integration requirements directly with each provider.
Podifai is designed for shopper-facing Shopify product options and layered 2D personalization. It is not built for interactive 3D or AR, engineering validation, enterprise CPQ, dealer quoting, or CAD and machine-file generation. Enabled print-ready generation supports transparent PNG artwork.
Implementation workflow
Keep the base Shopify catalog understandable, then layer personalization around it and test the same choices through checkout.
Use variants for inventory-bearing size, material, finish, or base product choices that identify a standard SKU.
Create text, upload, swatch, dropdown, badge, and add-on fields with clear labels, helper text, required states, and limits.
Map supported visual choices to the 2D canvas, reveal dependent fields, and attach surcharges or supported linked prices.
Check the product page, uploaded files, price changes, cart, checkout, Shopify order, and Podifai order data before launch.
Options can increase or decrease the price by a fixed amount or percentage, or add a linked Shopify variant’s price. Each percentage uses the same effective product price after any sale, rather than the compare-at price; adjustments are added, not compounded.
Illustrative calculation: $100 base + 10% − 5% + $8 fixed add-on = $113 before tax and shipping. Quantity-based or tiered option pricing is not supported.
Pricing methods and examplesAn inventory link alone adds neither a price nor a separate order line. A bundle-price link can create a separate add-on line, but other option price adjustments can fold its price into the main product. Check the saved order and stock change to choose the appropriate inventory setup and avoid deducting the same component twice.
Linked pricing and inventory rulesAfter checkout
Podifai attaches shopper selections to the Shopify cart line as line item properties. After checkout, merchants can review selected text, option values, and uploaded image URLs in Shopify Admin and Podifai Orders. A customer upload remains a separate file even when the merchant also enables and positions it in the layered 2D preview. Enabled print-ready generation combines included text and customer-uploaded image layers into a transparent PNG per customized view, excluding product backgrounds and Image Swatch artwork.
Merchant proof
Verified Shopify App Store reviews from merchants using Podifai for apparel, engraving, uploads, and made-to-order products.
4.9 on the Shopify App Store · 24 reviewsI run a custom apparel lab (DTF printing and embroidery) and Podifai has been exactly what I needed to offer personalization directly on my Shopify store. The live customizer works beautifully — customers can see their name, number, and logo on the garment in real time. What really stood out was the support… that level of founder-direct support is rare.
The app is great. One of the key strengths the developer should continue focusing on is simplicity. After comparing it with other apps on the market, I found that most competitors are overly complicated. This gives Podifai a strong opportunity to stand out and compete effectively by keeping the user experience simple and intuitive.
The options available are great for engraving customisations on my products. The support team have been amazing with helping to guide me and make my set up quicker, look and feel the way I hoped. Thank you Podifai team!
Continue exploring
Continue with the focused Podifai pages and documentation for each part of this Shopify workflow.
Start with Podifai's primary app page for live preview and product customization.
Review the full storefront-to-order configuration workflow.
Combine fields, uploads, pricing, rules, and preview in one shopper flow.
Understand the supported layered 2D preview model.
Configure initials, styles, fonts, colors, placement, and order data.
Compare broad product-option controls with a visual-first customization workflow.
Compare plan-level live preview, option scope, and Shopify store fit.
Use the category guide when comparing multiple customization app types and workflows.
Questions before setup
Direct answers about variants, custom fields, image upload, pricing, preview boundaries, order data, and free eligibility.
A Shopify product options app adds shopper-facing fields such as text, image upload, swatches, dropdowns, checkboxes, and paid add-ons to a product page without requiring a separate Shopify variant for every possible personalization answer.
Use variants for inventory-bearing SKU choices such as size, material, or a stocked base color. Use product options for shopper-entered text, uploads, monograms, engraving requests, gift options, charms, and other personalization that should not create a separate SKU for every answer.
Yes. Podifai's standard app embed or app block setup does not require custom theme development or coding. A heavily customized product form, media gallery, or non-standard theme may still need a placement and compatibility check.
Yes, when the merchant enables the image upload field for the live customizer and configures its position. The customer's upload remains a separate file, while the same image can also be displayed as a layer in the 2D preview.
Yes. Podifai supports fixed or percentage increases and decreases on fields or selected values, plus linked Shopify variant prices. Merchants should test the product page, cart, and checkout price before launch.
Selected values and uploaded image URLs remain available as Shopify line item properties and can be reviewed in Shopify Admin and the Podifai Orders tab.
Podifai provides layered 2D preview and transparent PNG artwork when print-ready generation is enabled. Included text and customer uploads are exported per customized view; product backgrounds and Image Swatch artwork are excluded. It does not provide interactive 3D, AR, SVG, DXF, CAD, or embroidery-machine files.
Yes. Free forever supports 3 custom products. Starter supports 30 for $7.9/month and Growth supports unlimited products for $15.9/month. Existing customers keep their current full access.

Start free with 3 custom products, or choose a paid plan from $7.9/month as your catalog grows.