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Metaobjects

The Metaobjects settings allow you to build complex, structured data models for your store. While standard Metafields are used to store a single piece of information (like "Fabric Type" for a product), Metaobjects allow you to group multiple pieces of information together to create a completely new resource type that fits your specific business needs.When you open Content → MetaObjects, you land on the Metaobjects dashboard. This page lists all existing Metaobject definitions and provides tools to search, filter, and manage them.

Dashboard Elements

  • Search bar: Search metaobject definitions by name
  • Add filter: Filter definitions by public access
  • Sort control: Sort definitions by ID, Name, Created, or Updated
  • Add Metaobject button: Creates a new metaobject definition

Definitions Table

The table displays:

  • Name – Metaobject definition name
  • Fields – Number of fields in the definition
  • Entries – Number of entries created
  • Action – Entry management actions

When Should You Use Metaobjects?

Use Metaobjects when:

  • You need reusable structured content
  • Multiple products share the same data
  • Data contains more than one field
  • You want relational content (profiles, lookups)

Use Metafields when:

  • Data belongs to one product only
  • The value is simple (single attribute)

Metafields vs. Metaobjects

It is important to understand which tool to use for your specific goal.

FeatureMetafieldsMetaobjects
StructureStores a single value.Stores multiple grouped values.
Best ForSimple attributes (e.g., "Wash Care", "Release Date").Complex entities (e.g., "Author Profile", "Store Location", "Lookbook").
ConnectionAttached directly to a specific product or page.Can be created once and referenced by many different products.
Analogy

If a Metafield is a single sticky note on a file folder, a Metaobject is a completely new form inside that folder containing a Name, a Photo, a Date, and a Signature all together.


Accessing Metaobjects

To begin managing your custom data structures:

  1. Log in to Soppiya Admin.
  2. Navigate to ContentMetaObjects.

The Dashboard:

  • Search Bar: Find specific definitions by name.
  • The List: Displays your existing definitions (Blueprints).
    • New Setup: If you haven't created any structures yet, this list will be empty.
    • Existing: Shows the Name, Field Count, and Entry Count.

Filtering and Sorting

  • Filter: Use the Public filter to show only public or private metaobjects.
  • Sorting: Use the sort menu to order metaobjects by:
    • ID
    • Name
    • Created date
    • Updated date
    • Ascending or Descending order

Creating a Definition (The Blueprint)

To use Metaobjects, you must first define what the object "is." This is called the Definition.

Example Scenario: Creating a "Designer Profile".

  1. Click button at the top-right.
  2. Name: Enter a descriptive label (e.g., Designer Profile).
  3. Add Fields: A Metaobject needs fields to store data. Click + Add Field and configure the settings below.

Field Configuration Settings

SettingDescription
NameThe label users see when entering data (e.g., Designer Name).
KeyThe system ID used by APIs and Developers.
Important: This cannot be edited after creation.
Select TypeDefines the data format. Options include:
Text: (Single or Multiline)
Numeric: (Numbers or Prices)
Date: (Calendar)
Visual: (Color picker or Image)
Reference: (Link to other content)

Repeat the "Add Field" step until your structure is complete (e.g., Name + Bio + Photo).

Access Control

At the bottom of the definition page, set the Public Access:

  • Enabled: The data is exposed to the Storefront API (visible to themes/apps).
  • Disabled: The data is strictly for internal Admin use.

Click button to finalize the blueprint.


Adding Entries (The Data)

Now that you have created the "Form" (Definition), you need to fill it out with actual content.

  1. Navigate to the MetaObjects list page.
  2. Locate the definition you want to populate (e.g., Designer Profile).
  3. In the Action column on the far right, click the Entries link.
  4. You will be taken to the specific list of entries for that object.
  5. Click the button at the top-right.
  6. A form will open displaying the specific fields you defined earlier. Fill in the data:
    • Designer Name: "Jane Doe"
    • Bio: "Jane has 20 years of experience..."
    • Photo: [Upload Image]
  7. Click the button.
Reusability

You can repeat these steps to add unlimited entries (e.g., Jane Doe, John Smith, Alice Brown) all using the same Designer Profile structure.


Managing Definitions & Fields

You can modify your structure at any time, but be aware of data limitations.

Editing Fields

Click on any field row inside the Definition to update it.

  • Allowed: You can change the Name or Public Access.
  • Not Allowed: You cannot change the Key or Content Type (e.g., changing "Text" to "Image").

Deleting Fields

To remove a specific field (like "Bio") from the structure:

  1. Locate the field row you want to remove.
  2. Click the Delete icon .
Irreversible Action

Deleting a field will immediately remove that specific data point from every single entry you have created. This action cannot be undone.

Deleting the Entire Metaobject

To delete the entire structure:

  1. Scroll to the bottom of the definition page.
  2. Click the button.
  3. Confirm: A modal will appear to verify your decision. Click the button inside the modal to finalize the action.
Critical Warning

Deleting a Metaobject definition destroys the Blueprint AND all data entries associated with it. This action is immediate and cannot be undone.


How to Connect to Products (Advanced Usage)

Metaobjects are powerful because they are reusable. The most common way to use them is to link them to a Product.

Step 1: Create a Reference Field

  1. Go to ContentMetafieldsProduct.
  2. Click Add Metafield.
  3. Name: Assigned Designer.
  4. Select Type: Choose Metaobject.
  5. Reference: Select your Designer Profile object from the list.
  6. Save.

Step 2: Link the Data

  1. Go to a specific Product (e.g., "Summer Dress").
  2. Scroll to the bottom Metafields section.
  3. Click Assigned Designer.
  4. Select Entry: A list of your designers (Jane Doe, John Smith) will appear. Pick one.
  5. Save.

Now, the "Summer Dress" product is officially linked to the "Jane Doe" profile.