Template Configuration
Templates (also called "Dynamic Format") allow you to create consistent alt text formats across your store without using AI credits.
Template Basics
What Are Templates?
Templates are predefined patterns for generating alt text that include variables from your product data. They provide:
- Consistency: Uniform alt text format across your store
- Efficiency: No AI credits required (unlimited usage)
- Customization: Tailor formats to your specific needs
Template Variables
Templates use variables enclosed in double curly braces:
Product Variables
{{ product_title }}: Product title{{ variant }}: Product variant name
Collection Variables
{{ collection_title }}: Collection name
Blog Variables
{{ article_title }}: Blog article title
Creating Templates
Default Templates
The app provides default templates for each content type:
- Products:
{{ product_title }} {{ variant }} - Collections:
{{ collection_title }} - Blogs:
{{ article_title }}
Custom Templates
To create or modify templates:
- Go to Settings > Templates tab
- Select the content type (Products, Collections, Blogs)
- Enter your custom format using available variables
- Use the Insert Variable buttons for easy insertion
- Preview the result with sample data
- Click Save Settings
Template Examples
Product Templates
{{ product_title }} {{ variant }}
Output: "Winter Jacket Red Large"
Collection Templates
{{ collection_title }}
Output: "Summer Collection 2025"
Blog Templates
{{ article_title }}
Output: "How to Choose the Perfect Jacket"
Real-Time Preview
The Settings page includes a real-time preview feature:
Sample Data
- View example product/collection/blog data
- See actual values that will be used
Generated Alt Text
- Preview the final alt text output
- Verify template formatting before saving
- Ensure variables are correctly placed
Template Application
Manual Application
Apply templates to selected images:
- Go to Image Optimization Manager
- Select images you want to optimize
- Click Batch Auto Format button
- Templates are applied automatically based on image type
Single Image
Apply template to a single image:
- In Image Manager, find the image
- Click Auto Format button
- Template is applied based on image type (Product/Collection/Blog)
Automation
Set up automated template application:
- Go to Settings > Automation
- Enable automation
- Select auto_format as optimization method
- Templates will be automatically applied during scheduled runs
Best Practices
Template Optimization
- Keep templates concise (under 125 characters)
- Include most important information first
- Use proper spacing between variables
- Test templates with various products
Content-Specific Templates
Create specialized templates for different scenarios:
- Product with Variants:
{{ product_title }} {{ variant }} - Simple Products:
{{ product_title }} - Collections:
{{ collection_title }} - Blog Articles:
{{ article_title }}
Template Maintenance
- Review templates quarterly
- Update as your product catalog changes
- Test new templates on a small batch first
- Monitor alt text quality in search results
Variable Behavior
Empty Variables
If a variable is empty or undefined:
- The variable placeholder is replaced with an empty string
- Extra spaces are automatically trimmed
- Example:
{{ product_title }} {{ variant }}with no variant becomes just the product title
Special Characters
Variables automatically handle special characters from Shopify data without requiring escaping.
Quota Usage
Dynamic Format operations use ZERO AI credits
- Unlimited usage on all plans
- No quota restrictions
- Perfect for maintaining consistent alt text across large catalogs