Change sidebar from category and type to collections and type

Store Design
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Topic summary

A Shopify store owner selling military antiques wants to reorganize their Classic theme sidebar navigation. Currently displaying “shop by category” and “shop by type,” they need to switch to “shop by collections” (WW1, WW2, post-war) and “shop by type.”

Solution provided:

  • Create collections via Products > Collections > Create collection
  • Assign products to collections through product editing
  • Modify sidebar through Online Store > Themes > Customize > Edit sidebar
  • Add a “Collections list” block or menu to display collections
  • Maintain product type field for the “Type” filter

Status: Resolved - the store owner successfully implemented the changes.

Summarized with AI on October 26. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi, I am trying to improve my Shopify shop, I have the Classic theme. We sell military antiques and I should have put the products into collections of WW1, WW2, post war etc at the beginning! Now I want to do this and I thought I was using a AI help thing on my shop yesterday but nothing has been saved, I want to change my sidebar from ‘shop by category’ and ‘shop by type’ to ‘shop by collection’ and ‘shop by type’ since when you enter the info about each product it only gives you type and collections. Does that make sense? I am very wary about using the Shopify AI help thingy now!

2

Hi,

Hope this will help

  • Create collections (WW1 etc): Products > Collections > Create collection
  • Add products to collections : Products > Edit product > Check collection
  • Change sidebar: Online Store > Themes > Customize > Edit sidebar
  • Show collections in sidebar: Add a “Collections list” block or menu
  • Keep “Type” as is: Ensure products have a product type filled in
3

Thank you so much, I seem to have done it!

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