# Shopify Auto Collection Algorithm: How It Works

Canonical: https://awsmcollections.com/automation-efficiency/shopify-auto-collection-algorithm

Shopify's automated [collection](https://awsmcollections.com/glossary/what-is-a-shopify-collection-and-how-does-it-work) 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

**Enhanced Collection Logic:** [AWSM Collections](https://awsmcollections.com/) provides more advanced condition options and rule combinations beyond Shopify's native capabilities for more precise collection automation.

## 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](https://awsmcollections.com/glossary/what-are-shopify-tags-and-how-to-use-them-effectively):** 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](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/products/collections/automated-collections)
- [What is a Shopify Collection?](https://awsmcollections.com/glossary/what-is-a-shopify-collection-and-how-does-it-work)
- [Using Tags Effectively](https://awsmcollections.com/glossary/what-are-shopify-tags-and-how-to-use-them-effectively)

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Information may be outdated or incorrect, and we recommend verifying any information before relying on it.*