How to fill in the Metaobjects Template
1. Overview
The Metaobjects Template is a structured spreadsheet used to import or update metaobjects into your Shopify store via BulkFlow. Metaobjects are custom data entries (like lookbooks, brand guides, size charts) that extend Shopify's native capabilities. BulkFlow allows you to manage these entries in bulk with standardized formatting.
2. Requirements
Make sure you have:
- Downloaded the correct Metaobjects Template from BulkFlow
- A clear understanding of your Metaobject Definitions already set up in Shopify
- Connected your Shopify store to BulkFlow
NOTE: You must define the Metaobject structure (definitions and fields) in Shopify before importing. Otherwise, Shopify may treat them as unstructured and may not save your data properly.
3. How to Fill the Metaobjects Template
Step 1: Create your Metaobject Definition in Shopify
Before filling out the template, you'll need to create your metaobject definition directly in your Shopify admin.
To do this, log in to your Shopify Admin and navigate to Settings → Metafields and Metaobjects. From this section, select the part of your store where you want to add structured data — for example, Products, Blog posts, or any other supported resource — then click Add definition to begin creating a new metaobject structure.
For detailed steps, you can also refer to Shopify's official guide on creating metaobject definitions.
Step 2: Download the Metaobjects Template
From the BulkFlow Dashboard, click on Download Template. A dropdown menu will appear — choose the option labeled Metaobjects Template.
Step 3: Fill in the Required Fields
Column | Required | Description | Value Format & Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ID | No | The Shopify Metaobject ID. Leave blank when creating new entries with an Import feed — Shopify will generate it automatically. Required when using an Update feed, to match the existing entry you want to update. | Eg: 55642134 |
Handle | Yes | Unique identifier/slug for the metaobject entry. Use the same Handle on every row that belongs to the same entry. | Alphanumeric or hyphenated (e.g., peter-bloom) |
Definition: Handle | Yes | The handle of the Metaobject Definition this entry belongs to, as set up in Shopify admin. | Eg: beekeeper_profile |
Status | Yes | The current state of the Metaobject entry. | Active or Draft — Eg: Active |
Field | Yes | The key of the field being set, as defined in your Metaobject Definition. Each row sets one field. | Eg: title, description, website, rating |
Value | Yes | The value for that field. For structured field types like rating, the value may be a JSON object. | Eg: Peter Bloom |
NOTE: A metaobject entry with multiple fields needs multiple rows — one row per field. Repeat the same Handle and Definition: Handle on every row so BulkFlow knows they belong to the same entry.
For example, to create one "peter-bloom" entry with a title, description, and website, you'd add three rows — all with Handle = peter-bloom, but a different Field and Value on each row.
Step 4: Save the File in the Correct Format
- File Upload: Save your file as XLSX or CSV (UTF-8) and upload it manually.
- Google Sheet: Use a shared Google Sheet link.
- File URL: Use a direct URL to connect your file.
- Google Drive: Use a shared Google Drive link.
- FTP/SFTP: You can also upload via FTP or SFTP.
- Dropbox: Use a shared Dropbox link.
- One Drive: Use a shared One Drive link.
Step 5: Run a Demo, Then Process Your Metaobject Feed
- Click Demo Import to run the feed on a small sample of your data and preview the result before committing to anything.
- Once you're satisfied with the preview, click Full Import to process the entire feed.
- You can check the result and download it to see which entries were successfully imported and which were not.
4. Tips
- You must create the Metaobject Definition in Shopify before importing.
- Each metaobject entry needs one row per field — repeat the same Handle and Definition: Handle across all its rows.
- Each Handle must be unique per metaobject type.
5. FAQs
- What happens if I use an undefined metaobject type?
Shopify will reject the data or treat it as unstructured. Always define the metaobject in Shopify admin first.
- What if the Field value I enter doesn't match any field in my Metaobject Definition?
BulkFlow will not be able to match it, and the row will fail with a formatting error. Make sure the Field value exactly matches a field key defined in your Metaobject Definition in Shopify.
Updated on: 14/08/2026
Thank you!