> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.globo.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.globo.io/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/product-groups.md).

# How groups work

A **product group** is the unit everything else builds on: it links a set of your existing Shopify products and describes which option value each product represents. Your products themselves are never modified.

## Anatomy of a group

<figure><img src="/files/IMIeGpjxlarWtMQi3D4x" alt="A group contains an option with values, and each value links to one Shopify product"><figcaption><p>A group: one option (Color), three values, each linked to one of your products.</p></figcaption></figure>

| Term               | Meaning                                                                                                     | Example                     |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| **Group**          | A named set of linked products. The name is internal — customers never see it.                              | `Hoka Tecton X 3 — Women's` |
| **Option**         | A dimension shoppers choose by. Rendered as a widget (swatch, buttons, dropdown…).                          | `Color`                     |
| **Value**          | One choice within an option. Each value has a swatch (image or color).                                      | `Red`                       |
| **Linked product** | The Shopify product a value (or combination of values) points to. Selecting it navigates the shopper there. | *Tecton X 3 — Red*          |

## Key rules

* **One group per product.** A Shopify product can belong to only one group in your store. The product picker disables products that are already taken.
* **Products are untouched.** Grouping adds display data alongside your products; titles, prices, variants, and inventory stay exactly as they are.
* **Values are unique per option.** Two values in the same option can't share a name.

## Group statuses

| Status       | On the storefront? | Typical use                      |
| ------------ | ------------------ | -------------------------------- |
| **Active**   | ✅ Rendered         | The normal, live state.          |
| **Draft**    | ❌ Hidden           | Work in progress.                |
| **Archived** | ❌ Hidden           | Retired groups you want to keep. |

## Complete vs. incomplete

A group is **incomplete** when at least one option-value combination has no linked product. Incomplete groups still render the values that *are* linked, but the [Groups index](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/manage-groups.md) flags them so you can finish the mapping.

<figure><img src="/files/dBQho5LrZNLZH1cVA7AD" alt="Groups index filtered to the Incomplete tab, showing a row flagged with a &#x27;1 of 3 products not linked&#x27; warning"><figcaption><p>Incomplete groups are flagged right on the index — filter to the Incomplete tab to find them fast.</p></figcaption></figure>

## In this section

* [Group types](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/group-types.md) — which grouping model fits your catalog.
* [Create and edit a group](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/create-a-group.md) — pick your type for the full guide: [single option](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/create-a-group/create-a-single-option-group.md), [multiple options](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/create-a-group/create-a-multiple-options-group.md), [single choice](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/create-a-group/create-a-single-choice-group.md).
* [Group by title pattern](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/group-by-title-pattern.md) — bulk auto-detection from product titles.
* [Manage groups](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/manage-groups.md) — search, filter, bulk actions.
* [Import and export with CSV](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/import-export-csv.md).
* [Translations](/globo-combined-listings/product-groups/translations.md) — option and value names per language.