There are two main ways to create subcategories on Shopify:

1. Using Nested Collections:

This method involves creating a parent collection (main category) and then creating child collections (subcategories) that are nested within the parent collection. Here’s how to do it:

  • Create the Parent Collection:
    • Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
    • Navigate to Products > Collections.
    • Click “Create Collection”.
    • Give your collection a name that reflects the main category (e.g., “Clothing”).
    • (Optional) Add a description and image for the parent collection.
    • Click “Save”.
  • Create the Child Collection (Subcategory):
    • Follow steps 1-3 above to create a new collection.
    • In the “Collection type” section, choose “Automated“. This allows you to define rules for which products belong to the subcategory.
    • Set up the automation rules to filter products based on specific criteria. For example, if the parent collection is “Clothing”, you could create a child collection named “T-Shirts” with a rule that only includes products with the tag “T-Shirt”.
    • Click “Save”.

2. Using the Navigation Menu:

This method involves creating the subcategories directly within the navigation menu. However, it won’t create dedicated collection pages for the subcategories. Here’s how:

  • Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
  • Go to Online Store > Navigation.
  • Click on the menu you want to edit (usually the main menu).
  • Find the parent category in the menu.
  • Click the downward arrow next to the parent category. This reveals a nested menu option.
  • Click “Add menu item” within the nested menu.
  • Enter the name you want to display for the subcategory.
  • In the “Link” field, choose “Collection” from the dropdown menu (optional). If you don’t choose a collection, the subcategory will simply act as a label without a dedicated product listing page.
  • Select the relevant collection for the subcategory (optional).
  • Click “Save menu”.

Choosing the Right Method:

  • Use nested collections if you want dedicated collection pages for your subcategories with product filtering and sorting options based on specific criteria.
  • Use the navigation menu if you simply want to create a hierarchical structure within your main menu for better organization, but don’t necessarily need dedicated subcategory pages.

Additional Tips:

  • Keep your category and subcategory names clear and concise for easy navigation.
  • Use a logical hierarchy to organize your products effectively.
  • Ensure your navigation menu is mobile-friendly for a seamless user experience across devices