While we tried to include as much functionality as we can in our WooCommerce CMS Excel add-in, there are some limitations you need to consider.
Keep it simple and error-free #
We need to put these limitations in place, to ensure that the add-in can run error-free in many environments and without stressing your CPU, RAM, and drive too much. Also, we tried to keep product creation as easy as possible, because the goal of the add-in is to make things easier and not more complex. Furthermore, since our add-in also works in Excel on the web, we need restrictions in place so that any action doesn’t render the browser unresponsive for too long or crash it.
Limits #
And while the following limitations have a pretty high barrier, they still are limitations:
- Max number of products created in one batch: 1000
- Max number of Categories, Attributes, and Attribute Terms (globally): 1000
Data is fetched without limitations #
Regarding data fetch, the add-in fetches all your products with no limitation on the number whatsoever. The add-in also fetches all data, which can exceed the limits imposed above.
Limitations on data usage #
Only the amount of data that is within the above limits can be used for product creation. For example, if you have 1200 attributes on your store, we will fetch all but you will only be able to use the first 1000, which is still an enormous amount of attributes to have in the first place.
No limits in product creation, but you may need batches #
If you want to create more than 1000 products, you need to create them in runs of 1000s. Input data for the first 1000; create, clear the sheet, input data for the next batch, rinse repeat.
We kept it simple #
To keep the add-in’s complexity to generally accepted levels we also make the following assumptions:
- Simple and variable products are created with draft status so that if you have made a mistake you have time to fix it
- Product variations inherit the variable product’s status
- Simple products’ attributes are visible on the product page
- Variable products’ both variation and non-variation attributes are visible on the product page
- Max number of Variation Attributes (per product): 5
- Max number of Non-Variation Attributes (per product): 5
Why we chose to require most fields #
Last but not least, and while technically possible, with the general exception of descriptions, we assume that most fields during product creation should be filled. This is why for example the category field is required for all products, while it’s perfectly possible to create products without a category online. We made this decision on the basis that if someone uses the add-in they want to minimize or completely eradicate any further action after product creation and having to choose a category afterward or anything else for that matter, seemed counterintuitive.
If your needs extend beyond the scope of this add-in, which is meant to be useful to as many people as possible, we have great news for you. Just continue to the next section of the documentation, customization.
