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Overview

Product Sequences allow you to create a consistent browsing experience by grouping related products together. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring sets of matching products (such as coordinating tops and bottoms) appear next to each other in collection pages.
Product Sequences work in conjunction with Sort Orders and require sequence mode to be enabled in your Sort Order settings.

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How Sequences Work

When you create a product sequence, you’re defining a group of products that should always appear together in your storefront. The sequence logic ensures that:
  1. Products within the same sequence group stay together
  2. Products maintain their defined order within the sequence
  3. The sequence applies across your selected collection or all collections
This creates a consistent browsing experience for your customers, regardless of the collection they’re viewing.

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Sequence Control

Sequences can be controlled at multiple levels:
  • Sort Orders: Enable sequences in your sort order settings to activate sequence mode
  • Merchandising Rules: Control whether sequences are preserved or disabled for specific segments
  • Blocks: Blocks can independently control sequence behavior through a dashboard option, bypassing merchandising rules entirely
When a block has sequence control configured, it uses the block’s setting instead of looking up merchandising rules, providing independent control over segmented sorting.

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Sequence Architecture

Product Sequences operate at multiple scopes and integrate with Sort Orders to maintain consistent product groupings:

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Example Use Case

A common use case for Product Sequences is coordinating fashion items:
  • A matching top and bottom that should appear side by side
  • A complete outfit (shirt, pants, accessories) that should be displayed as a group
  • A set of products that are frequently purchased together
Product Sequence Example

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Automatic Sequence Creation

Beta Feature: Automatic sequence creation via metafields is currently in beta and only processes during bulk operations, not incrementally. This means sequences are created or updated when performing bulk data imports from Shopify, but not during real-time product updates.
Layers can automatically create product sequences based on Shopify metafields. This feature allows you to define sequences directly in your Shopify admin using metafields, which are then automatically synchronized to create sequences in Layers.

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Configuration Dashboard

You can configure which metafields should be used for automatic sequence creation through the dashboard at Configuration > Product Sequences (/configure/product-sequences). This interface allows you to:
  • Add multiple metafield configurations (namespace and key pairs)
  • Control whether each metafield already includes the current product
  • Remove metafield configurations that are no longer needed
Each configured metafield will automatically create sequences during bulk data synchronization, with sequences named as Auto: {namespace}.{key} (e.g., “Auto: layers.global_sequence” or “Auto: custom.related_products”).

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Metafield Configuration Options

When configuring a sequence metafield, you need to specify:
  • Namespace: The metafield namespace (e.g., layers, custom)
  • Key: The metafield key (e.g., global_sequence, related_products)
  • Includes current product: Whether the metafield value already contains the current product
The “includes current product” setting controls how Layers processes the metafield value:
  • Enabled (default): The metafield value already includes the current product. Layers will use the product list as-is.
  • Disabled: The metafield value contains only related products. Layers will automatically prepend the current product to create the sequence.

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Default Configuration Example

The default configuration uses the layers.global_sequence metafield: 
Namespace: layers
Key: global_sequence
Type: list.product_reference (in Shopify)
Includes current product: Yes
In your Shopify admin, create a metafield with: 
Namespace: layers
Key: global_sequence  
Type: List of product references
Value: [Product A, Product B, Product C]
This will automatically create a sequence named “Auto: layers.global_sequence” grouping these three products together across all collections.

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Custom Configuration Example

You can configure custom metafields for different use cases. For example, a “related products” metafield where the current product should be included: 
Namespace: custom
Key: related_products
Type: list.product_reference (in Shopify)
Includes current product: No
In your Shopify admin, on Product A: 
Namespace: custom
Key: related_products
Type: List of product references
Value: [Product B, Product C]
This will automatically create a sequence named “Auto: custom.related_products” containing [Product A, Product B, Product C], with Product A prepended automatically.

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Why Sequences Matter

Sequences keep related products together so shoppers can quickly see matching items and complete looks. They work alongside your base sort order to preserve both relevance and grouping. For step‑by‑step instructions, see:

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Managing Product Sequences

For editing or removing sequences, use the Help tutorials for clear, step‑by‑step guidance:

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Best Practices

  • Be Strategic with Sequences: Only create sequences for products that genuinely benefit from being grouped together
  • Consider Collection Specificity: Use the “all” collection with caution - it’s often better to create specific sequences for relevant collections
  • Maintain Reasonable Group Sizes: Keep sequence groups to a manageable size (typically 2-5 products) for the best visual presentation
  • Update Regularly: Review your sequences when adding new products or during seasonal changes to ensure they remain relevant

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Troubleshooting

Issue: Products in a sequence aren’t appearing together. Solution: Verify that you’re using a sort order with sequence mode enabled. Issue: Can’t add a product to a sequence. Solution: Check if the product already belongs to another sequence with the same collection and sort order. Issue: Sequences aren’t visible in the dashboard. Solution: Ensure you have the proper permissions to view and manage sequences.

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See also