How to Add Product Variations Swatches to WooCommerce Galleries 2025
Learn how to add WooCommerce product variations swatches to product galleries in 2025. Replace dropdowns with WooCommerce variation swatches using the Extendons plugin!

Are you looking for a better way to showcase product variations in your WooCommerce store? Instead of using dropdowns, you can enhance the shopping experience by displaying WooCommerce product variations swatches as radio buttons, images, colors, or text labels. This method not only looks better but also helps customers select their desired variations quickly.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to add WooCommerce variation swatches to product galleries, improving user experience and increasing conversions. We’ll also introduce the powerful Variations as Radio Buttons for WooCommerce plugin by Extendons, which simplifies the process of displaying swatches effectively.
Why Use WooCommerce Product Variation Swatches?
Benefits of Using WooCommerce Swatches
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Better User Experience – Customers can see and select variations easily.
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Increases Conversions – A clear display of options reduces confusion.
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Enhances Product Galleries – Show variations directly in images and labels.
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Mobile-Friendly – Swatches improve navigation for mobile users.
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Customizable – Adjust swatch styles, sizes, and shapes to match your store theme.
If you want to give your customers a smoother, more engaging shopping experience, using WooCommerce variation swatches is the way to go.
How to Add WooCommerce Variation Swatches to Product Galleries
To enable WooCommerce product variations swatches, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Install the "Variations as Radio Buttons for WooCommerce" Plugin
To replace default dropdown selections with swatches, use the Variations as Radio Buttons for WooCommerce plugin by Extendons. This plugin allows you to display variation swatches as:
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Radio buttons
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Color swatches
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Image swatches
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Text labels
Steps to Install:
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Go to your WooCommerce Dashboard.
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Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
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Search for Variations as Radio Buttons for WooCommerce.
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Click Install Now, then Activate.
Step 2: Configure the Plugin Settings
Once activated, customize the swatch display settings:
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Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Variation Swatches.
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Choose whether to enable swatches for all products or specific ones.
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Select the swatch type (radio buttons, images, colors, or text labels).
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Adjust swatch sizes, shapes, and tooltip settings.
Step 3: Assign Variation Swatches to Products
To display swatches on individual product pages:
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Navigate to Products > All Products.
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Select a variable product and go to the Attributes section.
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Assign attributes (e.g., color, size) and define their swatch types.
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Save changes and update the product.
Now, customers can view product variations as interactive swatches instead of dropdowns!
Advanced Features of the WooCommerce Variation Swatches Plugin
1. Display WooCommerce Variations as Radio Buttons
Enhance product navigation by showcasing variations as radio buttons on both the shop page and product page. This makes it easier for customers to choose their preferred option.
2. Highlight Product Variation Images
With WooCommerce variation swatches, you can highlight different product variations using images. This means customers can preview variations by hovering over or clicking on them.
3. Customize Variation Swatches for Specific Products
The plugin allows individual product-level customization, meaning you can:
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Set different swatch sizes for each product.
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Change button shapes (round or square).
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Enable tooltips and borders for better UI/UX.
4. Show Radio Buttons for Out-of-Stock Variations
To reduce confusion, you can hide, blur, or cross out swatches for out-of-stock products, ensuring customers only see available options.
5. Map Product Attributes with Swatch Types
Instead of a generic selection method, assign swatch types to attributes. For example:
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Color variations → Color swatches
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Size variations → Text labels
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Design variations → Image swatches
This level of customization helps create a seamless shopping experience.
Additional Customization Options
Change Radio Button Shapes and Sizes
The plugin lets you modify the shape and size of swatches to match your store’s design:
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Round Swatches – Ideal for clothing and fashion products.
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Square Swatches – Great for tech and gadget stores.
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Custom Size – Adjust width and height based on product needs.
Enable Borders & Tooltips
To improve clarity, add borders around swatches and enable tooltips to provide additional details about each variation.
Replace Dropdowns with Multiple Swatches
Instead of dropdowns, use a combination of color, image, and text swatches to make the selection process intuitive and visually appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are WooCommerce variation swatches?
WooCommerce variation swatches allow you to replace dropdown fields with interactive buttons, images, colors, and labels, making product selection easier.
2. Can I use WooCommerce variation swatches on all products?
Yes, you can enable swatches for all variable products or select specific products where you want them displayed.
3. How do I display product variations as images?
With the Variations as Radio Buttons for WooCommerce plugin, you can assign image swatches to attributes, allowing customers to see product variations visually.
4. Can I hide out-of-stock variations?
Yes, the plugin allows you to hide, blur, or cross out out-of-stock variations to improve customer experience.
5. Does the plugin work on the shop page as well?
Yes! You can display swatches directly on the shop page so customers can see variations before opening the product page.
Conclusion
Adding WooCommerce product variations swatches to your store enhances user experience, boosts engagement, and improves conversions. Instead of traditional dropdowns, displaying WooCommerce variation swatches as radio buttons, colors, images, or text labels helps customers make quick and informed choices.
With the Variations as Radio Buttons for WooCommerce plugin by Extendons, you can easily implement swatches and customize them to suit your store’s needs. Upgrade your WooCommerce product galleries today and improve your customers’ shopping journey!
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