How to Use the Visual Merchandiser Magento 2 Extension?

• Why and How to Use Visual Merchandiser Extensions for Magento 2?

• Visual Merchandiser Grid View vs. List View in Adobe Commerce

• 5 Steps to Access the Magento 2 Visual Merchandiser

• Product Merchandising Customization Metrics for Displaying Products in the Category Page

• Key Advantages of Using Magento Visual Merchandiser

• How to Manage Products Displayed in a Category with Visual Merchandiser Rules?

• Workspace Controls of the Default Product Merchandising in Magento 2

• Advanced Visual Merchandising Techniques for Saving Conditions Process and Products in Categories

• 3 Steps to Configure the Visual Merchandiser in Magento 2

• Visual Merchandiser Custom Sorting Options vs Dynamic Category Pages

• Key Visual Merchandising Features for Magento Commerce Users

• 5 Steps to Set Up Visual Merchandising of Your Online Store

• Best Practices for Assigning Products to Automatic Categories Using the Visual Merchandiser

• 3 Steps to Manage Product Listing on Category Pages with Merchandising Techniques

• Troubleshooting Common Visual Merchandiser Issues when Employing a Search Box in Magento 2

• Visual Merchandising Elements for Creating or Changing the Order of Products per Category

• FAQs

• Summary

Why and How to Use Visual Merchandiser Extensions for Magento 2?

1. Sorting Products

Use the visual category to adjust its merchandising capabilities. It allows you to sort products based on attributes like:

• Name
• SKU
• Custom criteria

The drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to rearrange products.

To sort products, follow the steps below:

i. Go to 'Product Merchandising' and select a category. ii. Use the drag-and-drop tool for the products you want to move into your desired order. iii. Set the position of products by choosing a product & assign it to a specific position in the product list.

2. Displaying Products on Category Pages

Visual merchandiser configuration helps you control which products appear on your category pages.

To assign products, follow these steps:

i. Select products from your catalog and drag them to the desired category. ii. Choose whether to display all products or a desired group of products on the page. iii. You can even set specific conditions for displaying only the desired group.

3. Pinning Products

Products can be "pinned" to a specific position, ensuring they always appear in that spot.

To unpin a product, check the following steps:

i. Click the 'Un-pin'. ii. If the product is not visible on the first page, use the "autocomplete menu" to locate and pin it to the first position. iii. Then, adjust its placement as needed.

Each category creates a query rule with pinned products. It allows you to preserve the rules' position and maintain product placement.

4. Positioning Product Listings

The tool enables flexible management of attributes to display automatic product selection changes. It allows you to achieve your marketing goals based on set conditions.

To maximize your merchandising potential, you can:

i. Reorder products using the intuitive drag-and-drop feature. ii. Apply various sorting options to improve product visibility. iii. Create multiple virtual categories for better organization. iv. Automatically assign products to virtual categories. v. Set specific position numbers for each product.

Visual Merchandiser Grid View vs. List View in Adobe Commerce

Feature	Grid View (Tiles)	List View
Visual Layout	Products displayed as image tiles in a grid format	Products shown in a detailed list format with detailed information
Product Manipulation	Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality for quick repositioning	Manual position value entry for precise control
Position Control	Visual position numbers in the top-right corner of each tile	Direct numerical input for exact positioning
Search Functionality	Quick visual scanning for product location	Efficient SKU/name search within a category
Category Management	Ideal for product merchandising and quick arrangements	Better for condition-based sorting and rule creation
Stock Management	At-a-glance stock status visibility	Detailed stock information in list format
Product Updates	Real-time visual feedback on changes	Better for bulk position updates
Performance Impact	Optimal for small to medium catalogs	More efficient for large product catalogs
Marketing Effectiveness	Better for visual marketing decisions	Ideal for attribute-based merchandising
Automation Integration	Visual preview of automated sorting results	Detailed view of rule-based positioning

5 Steps to Access the Magento 2 Visual Merchandiser

1. Log in to your Magento admin account.
2. In the Admin sidebar, go to Catalog > Categories.
3. You'll see the category tree. Click on the category where you want to apply the visual merchandising strategies.
4. Expand the 'Products in the Category' section.
5. Click the 'View as Tiles' button to display the products in a grid.

Product Merchandising Customization Metrics for Displaying Products in the Category Page

Metric Type	Customization Options	Impact on Display
Product Grid Layout	- 2-6 items per row - Grid/List view toggle - Image size ratios	Controls visual density and product presentation format
Sorting Parameters	- Position-based - Price-based - Name-based - Custom attribute sorting	Determines product arrangement hierarchy
Stock Visibility	- In-stock status display - Stock threshold indicators - Out-of-stock positioning	Affects product visibility based on inventory
Category Rules	- Attribute-based filtering - Dynamic category updates - Conditional display rules	Controls automatic product inclusion/exclusion
Visual Attributes	- Color swatches - Size indicators - Custom badges	Enhances product differentiation
Performance Metrics	- Load time optimization - Lazy loading settings - Cache configuration	Impacts page loading speed and user experience
Mobile Responsiveness	- Breakpoint adjustments - Mobile-specific layouts - Touch-friendly controls	Ensures consistent display across devices
Search Integration	- Quick search options - Filter visibility - Sort order persistence	Improves product findability
Price Display	- Special price highlighting - Tier pricing visibility - Discount badges	Emphasizes pricing strategies
Category Navigation	- Breadcrumb display - Filter position - Category tree depth	Enhances the navigation experience

Key Advantages of Using Magento Visual Merchandiser

1. Automated Sorting and Product Arrangement

The visual merchandiser tool helps you automate product sorting & placement on category pages. You can set up rules to prioritize products based on factors like:

• Best-sellers
• Customer ratings
• New arrivals

Customers are always presented with fresh, relevant products. Automatic sorting of products ensures they don't need to enable frequent manual updates.

2. User-Friendly Drag-and-Drop Interface

With its intuitive drag-and-drop feature, visual merchandiser allows you to simplify rearranging products. Store owners can easily control how products appear on the storefront. They can either showcase specific items at the top or curate a thematic display. It enables them to make the entire management process more efficient.

3. Improved Efficiency with Rule-Based Product Management

Establishing rules for product inclusion in categories reduces the time spent manually. The visual merchandiser enhances the management of product listings. Large stores can manage extensive product catalogs, saving countless hours in the organization.

How to Manage Products Displayed in a Category with Visual Merchandiser Rules?

Rule Component	Implementation	Business Impact
Smart Attribute Setup	Enable "Use in Product Listing" for desired attributes.	Enables flexible category rule creation and automated sorting
Rule Creation	Navigate to the category tree and enable "Match products by rule".	Automates product selection based on conditions
Condition Building	Select attribute, operator, and value combinations.	Creates dynamic product selections that update automatically
Automatic Sorting	Configure predefined sort orders like "Move out of stock to bottom".	Maintains optimal product visibility without manual intervention
Dynamic Updates	Automatically refresh all the products based on matching conditions.	Ensures catalog stays current without manual updates
Stock Management	Set the minimum stock threshold in the configuration.	Automatically adjusts product visibility based on inventory
Category Validation	Preview changes before publishing.	Ensures accurate product placement and presentation
Rule Priority	Allow a single rule per category with multiple conditions.	Creates precise product selection criteria
Performance Impact	Indexes update automatically when rules change.	Maintains consistent frontend display
Performance Enhancement	Implement proper indexing and cache management for large catalogs.	Ensures fast page load times and smooth user experience
Stock-Based Positioning	Configure rules to move out-of-stock items to the bottom automatically.	Improves conversion by highlighting available products
Price-Based Organization	Implement strategic price sorting ("low to high" or "high to low").	Caters to different customer segments and shopping preferences
Category Segmentation	Break large categories into logical subcategories.	Enhances product findability and user experience
Visual Validation	Use "View as Tiles" to preview the category layout before publishing.	Ensures optimal product presentation from the customer's perspective
Search Integration	Enable SKU/name search within categories for quick product location.	Speeds up product management for large catalogs
Premium Product Positioning	Strategically place high-margin products in prominent positions.	Maximizes sales potential through strategic placement

Workspace Controls of the Default Product Merchandising in Magento 2

1. Drag and Drop

To manually change a product's position,

i. Click the 'drag' button located in the upper-right corner of the product title. ii. Move products to the desired spot.

Note: Each product is numbered, so its position will automatically update.

2. Position Value

i. Alternatively, you can set the product’s position by entering a number in the 'Position' field.

Note: The lower the number, the higher the product’s position on the list.

ii. Once adjustments are made, click the 'Save Category' button to apply changes.

3. Category Rules

• Each category can have only one rule, but the rule can include multiple conditions.
• Conditions are based on values, attributes, and logical operators.
• Only attributes with the “Use in Product Listing” settings are enabled. They can be used in category rules during the Magento configuration.
• Date attributes like "Date Created" or "Date Modified" to set specific date ranges.
• Category rules automate the addition of products. They do this with functionalities similar to those on the list.

Advanced Visual Merchandising Techniques for Saving Conditions Process and Products in Categories

Technique	Implementation	Business Impact
Smart Category Rules	Create and save complex condition sets using product attributes.	Automatically updates category contents as inventory changes
Visual Hierarchy Setup	Arrange products using drag-and-drop while maintaining rule conditions.	Improves customer navigation and product discovery
Dynamic Sorting Rules	Configure automated sorting based on stock status, price, or custom attributes.	Maintains optimal product visibility without manual intervention
Color Psychology	Implement color-based merchandising rules for seasonal products	Enhances visual appeal and emotional engagement with customers
Cross-Category Conditions	Save and replicate successful condition sets across multiple categories.	Ensures consistent merchandising across the store
Performance Optimization	Set rules for minimum stock threshold and out-of-stock product positioning.	Maintains category relevance and reduces manual updates
Custom Attribute Sorting	Create and save custom attribute combinations for specialized product groups.	Enables precise control over product presentation
Data-Driven Placement	Use analytics to determine optimal product positioning rules.	Increases conversion rates through strategic placement
Mobile-Responsive Rules	Configure conditions that adapt to different device displays.	Ensures consistent presentation across all platforms
Automated Refresh Cycles	Set up automatic rule validation and category refresh intervals.	Maintains fresh and relevant category pages

3 Steps to Configure the Visual Merchandiser in Magento 2

Step 1: Configure Smart Attributes

1. Set the 'Use in Product Listing' property to "Yes" for each attribute.
2. Ensure the attribute is not a multi-select input type.

Step 2: Configure Visual Merchandiser Attributes

1. Set attributes used in the merchandising window.
2. Define a 'Minimum Stock Threshold' for products to appear in the visual merchandiser.
3. Specify a 'Color Attribute Code' or define a custom attribute name in lowercase. The default option is “color”.
4. Set the 'Color Order' by entering color values and prioritizing them.
5. To configure, navigate to the Admin sidebar.
6. Go to Stores > Settings > Configuration > Catalog.
7. Then, expand the 'Visual Merchandiser Options' section to complete the necessary settings.

8. Click on the 'Save Config' button when finished.

Step 3: Create Category Rules

1. Go to the category tree and select the category you want to edit.
2. In the Products in Category section, set 'Match Products by Rule' to "Yes".

Note: It will unlock options for automatic sorting and conditions.

3. Click the 'Add Condition' button and choose the desired attribute.

4. Define the operator (such as "Equal", "Not Equal", "Greater Than", etc.) and input the desired value.
5. Repeat for each attribute.

Note: Visual Merchandiser also offers 'Automatic Sorting'. Here, you can set the order of the products in the list.

6. Once all settings are configured, click 'Save Category' to apply the rules.

Visual Merchandiser Custom Sorting Options vs Dynamic Category Pages

Feature	Custom Sorting Options	Dynamic Category Pages
Setup Method	Manual configuration through Visual Merchandiser interface	Automated rules based on product attributes
Control Level	Fine-grained control over product positioning	Automated product assignment based on conditions
Update Frequency	Requires manual updates for position changes	Real-time updates based on product attribute changes
Product Assignment	Fixed positions with manual override options	Fluid assignment based on matching conditions
Resource Impact	Lower server load, static positioning	Higher server load due to dynamic filtering
Merchandising Focus	Precise control over product presentation	Automated category organization
Stock Management	Manual adjustment needed for out-of-stock items	Automatic removal of non-matching products
Rule Complexity	Simple sorting rules based on basic attributes	Complex conditional logic possible
Performance	Better for smaller catalogs with specific arrangements	Efficient for large catalogs with frequent changes
Use Case Scenario	Best for curated collections and featured products	Ideal for automated seasonal or promotional categories
Maintenance Needs	Regular manual updates required	Minimal maintenance once rules are set
Integration	Works with the existing category structure	Creates a new dynamic category structure

Key Visual Merchandising Features for Magento Commerce Users

1. Product Placement and Sorting

• Drag and drop the products to customize their order
• Sort products by various attributes
• Position products strategically within category pages
• Control product display using intuitive tools

2. Advanced Sorting Techniques

• Custom sorting based on specific criteria
• Assign products manually or automatically
• Use condition-based product placement
• Enhance visual appeal through strategic product arrangement

. Configuration and Flexibility

• Configure visual merchandiser settings
• Determine which products appear in each category
• Use SKU or name-based product selection
• Enable comprehensive product listing customization

4. Extension Compatibility

• Native Magento 2 visual merchandising tools
• Compatibility with various e-commerce platforms

5 Steps to Set Up Visual Merchandising of Your Online Store

1. Install the Visual Merchandising extension.
2. Navigate to any category to start customizing its merchandising settings.
3. Once installed, the visual merchandiser module replaces the default Magento product merchandising.

Note: All configurations can be done within the categories section.

To enable proper functionality, ensure that all indexes are set to the same update mode. For example, either "Update On Save" or "Update on Schedule".

4. You can verify the update mode in 'Index Management'.
5. Go to System > Tools > Index Management.

Note: The Magento Category Page Builder extension helps you create & sort catalog pages.

Best Practices for Assigning Products to Automatic Categories Using the Visual Merchandiser

Practice	Implementation	Business Impact
Smart Attribute Configuration	Set "Use in Product Listing" for key attributes and configure minimum stock thresholds.	Enables more flexible category rule creation and automated sorting
Dynamic Rule Creation	Create condition sets based on product attributes. For example, price, stock status, or custom attributes.	Automatically refreshes product listings without manual intervention
Position Pinning	Use drag-and-drop or position values to fix vital products in specific spots.	Maintains visibility of high-performing products while allowing automated sorting
Seasonal Optimization	Set time-based rules for seasonal products and promotions.	Ensures relevant products appear at the right time without manual updates
Stock-Based Sorting	Configure rules to move out-of-stock items to the bottom automatically.	Improves customer experience by highlighting available products
Search Integration	Enable products by SKU or name search within automatic categories.	Speeds up product management for large catalogs
Visual Validation	Use "View as Tiles" to preview the category layout before publishing.	Ensures optimal product presentation from the customer's perspective
Rule Duplication	Copy successful rule sets between categories with modifications.	Saves time when creating similar category structures
Color Attribute Management	Set color order priority in 'Visual Merchandiser' settings.	Creates consistent visual hierarchy across categories
Performance Monitoring	Implement regular reviews of category performance metrics.	Enables data-driven optimization of automatic rules

3 Steps to Manage Product Listing on Category Pages with Merchandising Techniques

1. Go to Admin Panel > Catalog > Categories.
2. Select an existing category or create a new one by clicking 'Add Root Category' or 'Add Subcategory'.

3. Configure the general settings:

• Enable Category: Set this option to "Yes" to make the category visible on the frontend.
• Include in Menu: Enable this option to add the category to your storefront menu.
• Category Name: Define the "category title".
• Automatic Category: Enable this option to display products that meet the defined conditions.

Note: The visual merchandiser extension is based on Magento’s catalog filtering system. This is only if at least one option matches the filter criteria.

Troubleshooting Common Visual Merchandiser Issues when Employing a Search Box in Magento 2

Issue	Cause	Solution
Search Not Returning Results	Database fragmentation or incorrect attribute configuration	Configure "Use in Product Listing" to "Yes" for relevant attributes & optimize database tables.
Slow Search Performance	Excessive database size or unoptimized MySQL settings	Increase innodb_buffer_pool_size and fine-tune `ft_min_word_len` settings.
Products Not Appearing After Updates	Category rules not refreshed	Re-save categories with matching product rules and reindex catalog.
Incorrect Product Positions	Extension conflicts or invalid indexers	Update indexers and temporarily disable conflicting extensions.
Search Box Not Finding SKUs	Attribute configuration issues	Enable "Use in Search" for the SKU attribute in product settings.
Dynamic Category Updates Failing	Smart attribute misconfiguration	Verify attributes are properly set as "smart" and not multi-select type.
Search Results Missing Products	Minimum query length settings	Adjust minimal and maximal query length in catalog search settings.
Inconsistent Sort Order	Cache issues or outdated indexes	Flush cache and run full reindex of catalog search.
Product Filtering Problems	JavaScript and CSS optimization issues	Merge JavaScript files and optimize CSS for better performance.
Search Box Performance Issues	Database query performance	Use MySQLTuner to identify and resolve query bottlenecks.

Visual Merchandising Elements for Creating or Changing the Order of Products per Category

1. Product Conditions

Use the Conditions Tree to set the criteria for product display. Once the conditions are applied, products matching the criteria will be displayed.

• You can duplicate category conditions or import conditions from other categories for efficiency.
• Products will automatically be sorted based on the updated conditions.
• Inventory updates will trigger automatic category page updates as well.

2. Invisible Items

The 'Products Merchandising' section helps you view the products that meet your conditions. Products that are out of stock or have specific visibility settings will be marked as "invisible."

To make them visible, check the configuration steps below:

i. Go to Stores > Configuration > Catalog > Inventory. ii. Ensure that the 'Display Out of Stock Products' option is set to "Yes".

3. Products Merchandising

1. Go to the 'Products Merchandising' section to adjust the product display.

• Sort Order: Choose your preferred sorting method, such as:

• Newest products first

• Price ascending/descending

• Advanced Sorting: Combine with the Magento 2 Improved Sorting module. It allows you to sort by additional criteria such as:

  • Top Rated
  • Best Sellers
  • Now in Wishlists

• Search Products: Use the search box to easily find the necessary products within the selected category by SKU or name.

The Visible Items tab lists all products that meet the specified conditions. You can easily adjust their display order by using drag-and-drop functionality.

• Move to Top: Click to move a product to the top of the list.

When products are manually positioned, they are "pinned" to their designated spot. They remain in that position even after automatic sorting is applied.

4. Content and Frontend Customization

1. Go to the 'Content' tab to edit the category description.
2. Add icons to make your categories more attractive to customers.

For example, you can promote products based on the conditions you've set. You can create virtual categories to present your product catalog dynamically and flexibly.

FAQs

1. What is the condition for assigning products in Magento?

Visual merchandiser allows manual and automatic product assignments. Administrators can set specific rules & conditions, including product attributes, price ranges, & inventory levels. Users can define parameters through backend configuration settings.

2. Is Visual Merchandiser available for Adobe Commerce users?

Adobe Commerce users get advanced product merchandising tools with enhanced product management capabilities. Merchants can efficiently customize category displays and use complex product arrangement strategies.

3. How does ‘allow all products per page’ work?

The ‘allow all products per page’ setting displays the complete product catalog. It removes pagination restrictions for category pages. Customers view the entire product range simultaneously. It allows store admins to improve the browsing experience for online shoppers.

4. How can I place products in the first product position?

Drag and drop functionality enables precise positioning. Manual sorting allows strategic product placement. It allows merchants to prioritize specific items easily with flexible arrangement methods.

5. How can I manage products in the merchandising category?

Administrators can configure category-specific product rules and select products based on multiple attributes. They can also use filtering and sorting functionalities. It allows them to customize the display according to business requirements.

6. What happens when products in categories validate processes?

The system checks product assignment rules and automatically verifies condition compatibility. It prevents incorrect product placements and maintains data integrity during category management.

7. How does managed Magento hosting support product merchandising?

Magento hosting platforms optimize the product merchandising performance. They provide scalable infrastructure for complex configurations. They also support efficient product merchandising operations and enable smooth product management experiences.

Summary

Visual Merchandiser Magento 2 lets you assign products and apply sorting techniques. It allows store owners to:

• Sort, position, and showcase products effectively.
• Simplify product display management on category pages.
• Improve customer experience and boost sales.
• Boost their online store's visual appeal and improve sales.
• Enhance their product listings, sort products, and manage their position on the page.
• Control over how their products are displayed on category pages.
• Personalize the product display to suit customer preferences better.

Explore Magento hosting services to simplify product placement with a visual merchandiser.