Shopify Auto Collection Algorithm: How It Works

Shopify's automated collection algorithm evaluates products against conditions you define to automatically include or exclude them from collections. This guide explains how the algorithm works and how to use it effectively.

How the Algorithm Works

When you create an automated collection:

• You define one or more conditions based on product attributes
• Shopify evaluates each product against these conditions
• Products matching the criteria are added automatically
• The system re-evaluates when products are added or updated

Condition Matching Logic

All Conditions (AND Logic)

Products must meet every condition to be included:

• Example: Product type = "Shoes" AND Tag = "sale"
• Results in more targeted, specific collections
• Fewer products will match stricter criteria

Any Condition (OR Logic)

Products matching any single condition are included:

• Example: Tag = "summer" OR Tag = "beach"
• Results in broader, more inclusive collections
• More products will match flexible criteria

Available Condition Types

The algorithm can match products on:

• Product title: Text matching (contains, equals, starts/ends with)
• Product type: Category designation
• Vendor: Manufacturer or brand
• Product tag: Exact tag match
• Compare at price: Original price comparisons
• Weight: Product weight values
• Inventory stock: Quantity thresholds
• Variant's title: Variant-level attributes

Setting Up Automated Collections

1. Open collections: Go to Products > Collections in your Shopify admin
2. Create: Click Create collection and enter a title and description
3. Select type: Under "Collection type," choose Automated
4. Set first condition: Use the three dropdowns to select an attribute (e.g., "Product tag"), an operator (e.g., "is equal to"), and a value (e.g., "summer")
5. Add more conditions: Click Add another condition — you can add up to 60 conditions per collection
6. Choose logic: Select "Products must match all conditions" (AND) or "Products must match any condition" (OR)
7. Save and verify: Click Save, then scroll down to confirm the right products appear — Shopify populates the collection within a few minutes for large catalogs

Best Practices for Conditions

• Use consistent tagging for reliable matching
• Start with simple conditions and add complexity as needed
• Test conditions with known products
• Avoid overlapping conditions across collections
• Document your condition logic

Common Condition Patterns

• New Arrivals: Created within last 30 days
• Sale Items: Compare at price is greater than 0
• In Stock: Inventory stock is greater than 0
• Brand Collections: Vendor equals specific name
• Price Ranges: Price greater than X AND less than Y

Troubleshooting

• Products not appearing: Verify attribute values match exactly
• Too many products: Add more restrictive conditions
• Wrong products included: Review all vs. any condition logic
• Slow updates: Large catalogs may take time to reindex

Conclusion

Understanding how Shopify's auto collection algorithm works helps you create more effective automated collections. Use clear, consistent product data and well-defined conditions to build collections that maintain themselves automatically.

Related Resources

• Shopify Help: Automated Collections
• What is a Shopify Collection?
• Using Tags Effectively