---
title: How to Import a Variable Product in WooCommerce from One Excel Row
description: Import a whole WooCommerce variable product from one Excel row when all variations share the same data.
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/how-to-import-variable-product-in-woocommerce-with-1-excel-row/"
updated: "2026-10-05"
category: How to
---

# How to Import a Variable Product in WooCommerce from One Excel Row

To import a WooCommerce variable product from one Excel row, list each attribute's values in one cell, separated by a comma (or your configured separator), then tick **Add Variable product from 1 row...** on the mapping screen of [WooCommerce Products Import & Export with Excel](https://wpfactory.com/item/woocommerce-products-import-export-with-excel/) at **WPFactory > Product Import/Export**. Every variation is generated from that row.

Use it when all variations share the same data, such as price, stock and dimensions. A typical case is a t-shirt sold in several sizes and colors where the price and dimensions are identical across variations, but shoppers still need to pick a size and color before checkout.

## Step by step

1. Create an Excel file with **one row** for each such product. In each attribute cell, enter the attribute values separated by the separator you have set in **Settings > Main > Separator for multiple values import** (a comma by default).

1. Upload the file on the **Import/Update Products** tab and map your fields: title, SKU, price and each attribute column in **PRODUCT TAXONOMIES - ATTRIBUTES**.
2. For each attribute that should create variations, tick its **Used in Variations** checkbox.
3. Tick the checkbox **Add Variable product from 1 row with attributes separated with separator defined in settings**.
4. Click **Upload**.

![The Add Variable product from 1 row checkbox on the mapping screen](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/import-woocommerce-variable-product-1-row-checkbox.png)

The product imports with all of its variations generated on the fly. If you later export the variations, you can update each variation's data individually when you need to.

## Related checkboxes

| Checkbox | Use it when |
| --- | --- |
| Add Variable product from 1 row with attributes separated with separator defined in settings | All variations share the same data. |
| Set Last Variation as Default (Variable Products) | You want a variation pre-selected on the product page. |
| Assign Attribute to product even if value is null | Only some attributes change the data. See [that guide](https://wpfactory.com/docs/how-to-import-variable-product-with-attributes-when-not-all-attribute-values-change-data/). |
| Create only Simple Product with Attributes, if any ONLY, Not Variations | You want attributes shown but no variations. |

## When to use one row per variation instead

If variations have different prices, stock or images, use one row per variation with the parent product's SKU in **PARENT Product SKU**. A sample file is linked next to **Set Last Variation as Default** on the mapping screen.

## If it does not work

- **A simple product is created:** **Used in Variations** is not ticked for the attributes.
- **Values are merged into one term:** the cell uses a different symbol from the configured separator.
- **A value contains a comma:** change the separator. See [Import Products with a Comma in an Attribute Term Value](https://wpfactory.com/docs/how-to-import-woocommerce-products-in-bulk-with-comma-in-attribute-term-value/).

## FAQ

### How many variations are created?

One for each combination of the values in the attributes marked Used in Variations.

### Can I import variable products from a CSV file?

The importer reads `.xlsx` Excel files. Save your CSV as .xlsx first.

### Can I change one variation later?

Yes. Export the variations, edit the rows you need and import them back.

### Get the most from Products Import & Export with Excel

[WooCommerce Products Import & Export with Excel](https://wpfactory.com/item/woocommerce-products-import-export-with-excel/) imports variable products from one row or many, and updates them later from the same Excel workflow. [See everything it can do](https://wpfactory.com/item/woocommerce-products-import-export-with-excel/).

Need a hand? Our team answers every ticket on the [Products Import & Export with Excel support forum](https://wpfactory.com/support/item/woocommerce-products-import-export-with-excel/).

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- [How to Import Product Gallery Images in WooCommerce Products with Excel](https://wpfactory.com/docs/how-to-import-product-gallery-images-in-woocommerce-products-with-excel/)