The original poster questioned the purpose of category metafields in Shopify, noting they couldn’t be used to create collections despite being introduced nearly six months prior. They expected metafields to replace tags with enhanced functionality, similar to product metafields.
Community responses explained:
Category metafields store additional custom information for collections (banners, promotional messages, featured products)
They enable theme customization and content flexibility on collection pages
They support third-party app integrations and SEO enhancements
They help maintain store-wide consistency by defining shared attributes at the category level
Key limitation identified: Category metafields cannot directly filter or create collections, which still rely on tags, product types, and automated rules.
Resolution: The original poster later clarified that Shopify has since resolved this issue by introducing metafields to collections, suggesting the discussion occurred during a transitional period when this functionality was being developed.
Summarized with AI on November 1.
AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
I’ve been thinking for some time now and still need help figuring out the purpose of the category metafields.
I thought the purpose of metafields was to replace tags (with additional features), and that’s how it works with product meta fields. However, this cannot be the case with category metafields. Namely, although they were introduced almost a half year ago (if not more), they are still not available for creating collections, and as far as I know, that should be their main function (purpose). I didn’t think (understand) correctly.
I’d like someone to explain to me what the purpose of category metafields is when they can’t be used to create collections.
Category metafields in Shopify are designed to add additional, custom information to categories (also known as collections), not to create collections themselves. Their primary purpose is to enhance or customize the data that collections can hold, enabling you to display more dynamic content on your store. Here’s how they work and what they’re used for:
Additional Information Display:
You can use category metafields to display extra details on collection pages that go beyond the default information (like the collection’s name, image, or description). For example:
Highlighting a featured product in the collection.
Adding custom banners, icons, or promotional messages.
Displaying seasonal notes or styling tips specific to that collection.
Filtering and Automation:
While category metafields aren’t used to create collections directly, they can be helpful for custom filtering within themes that support advanced filtering systems.
You can also use these metafields to store custom properties that may be referenced in conditional logic for apps or scripts to automate specific actions.
Theme Customization:
Shopify themes can be customized to display category metafields. This allows merchants to personalize the look and feel of their collection pages based on metafield data, offering a more tailored experience for customers.
Integrations and Apps:
Many third-party apps can leverage category metafields for various purposes, like SEO enhancements, filtering systems, or promotional setups that require additional information stored at the collection level.
So, while they aren’t intended to replace tags or create collections, category metafields allow for more content flexibility and customization of your collection pages, enhancing the overall presentation and user experience.
If it resolves your issue, please mark my answer as a solution, or if you need further assistance let me know
I didn’t answer because I thought your answer was ironic (sarcastic). Now I see that you meant everything you wrote. If you do not see that yourself (tragi-comically,) with an idea to try to explain the purpose of metafields, you even had to mention collections five times, then I have nothing to add to your “answer”.
@wpCloudSolution its just the point of view that matters, we are here to assist people with their issues not to have conversations. if you still have confusions please let me know
I noticed your question and completely understand the confusion around category metafields, especially since they don’t function the same way as product metafields. Let me clarify their purpose for you.
Category metafields in Shopify are mainly used to store additional structured data at the category level, rather than being a replacement for tags or a direct tool for creating collections. Unlike product metafields, which can be used for various dynamic functionalities, category metafields help define category-specific attributes that can be shared across all products within a category.
Here’s why they exist and how they work:
They enhance product categorization: You can store extra data like specifications, size charts, warranty information, or sustainability details at the category level instead of adding the same metafield to every product individually.
They help with store-wide consistency: Instead of manually updating product metafields for multiple products, you can assign shared attributes at the category level, ensuring uniformity across all items in that category.
They improve storefront filtering and SEO: If your theme or app supports it, category metafields can be used to display category-related details dynamically, helping with better searchability and structured content.
They integrate with third-party apps and API functionalities: Some Shopify apps and headless commerce setups can leverage category metafields for advanced filtering, API requests, and structured content display.
Why can’t they be used for collections?
You’re absolutely right—Shopify hasn’t yet allowed category metafields to be a direct filtering or grouping tool for collections. Collections still rely on tags, product types, and manual/automated rules. It’s unclear whether Shopify will expand metafield functionality in this direction, but for now, category metafields are best used for adding structured metadata rather than organizing collections.
If you’re looking for alternatives to use category metafields for collection-like grouping, you might consider custom Liquid code or Shopify functions/apps to dynamically display related products based on metafield values. Let me know if you’d like some examples on how to do that!
If you need any other assistance, feel free to ask, and I will try my best to support you.
Best regards,
Daisy.
I don’t understand if this is some hall or if they are collecting some points for some kind of popularity??? Shopify has since resolved this and introduced metafields to collections.