Using Variant Templates

Using Variant Group Templates

Variant Group Templates are powerful tools for maintaining consistency and efficiency when managing customizable menu items. A template allows you to define a set of variant options and their rules once, and then reuse that definition across multiple menu items.

Why Use Templates?

• Consistency: Ensure that the same set of options (e.g., "Milk Options" for coffee) is presented identically across all relevant menu items.
• Efficiency: Avoid re-creating the same variant groups repeatedly for different items. Define it once, use it everywhere.
• Easy Updates: If you need to add a new option or change a rule for a common variant group, you only need to update the template. All variant groups linked to that template will automatically reflect the changes.

Creating a Variant Group Template

1. Navigate to the Items section in your dashboard.
2. Go to the Templates tab.
3. Click the Add Template button.
4. In the modal, provide the following details:
   • Name: A clear, descriptive name for your template (e.g., "Standard Pizza Toppings", "Coffee Add-ins").
   • Description: (Optional) A brief explanation of what this template is for.
   • Minimum Selections (Min): The default minimum number of variant items a customer must select from groups created using this template.
   • Maximum Selections (Max): The default maximum number of variant items a customer can select.
   • Allow Duplicates (Unique): Default setting for whether duplicate variant items are allowed.
5. Once the template is created, you can add Variant Items to it, similar to how you add them to an inline variant group.

Adding Variant Items to a Template

1. Open the template you wish to edit from the Templates tab.
2. Within the template editor, you will find an option to Add Variant Item.
3. Search for and select the Variant Items you want to include in this template.
4. You can reorder the variant items within the template.

Assigning a Template to a Menu Item

Once you have created a Variant Group Template, you can assign it to any Menu Item:

1. Navigate to the Full Edit page of the menu item.
2. Go to the Variants section.
3. Instead of creating a new inline variant group, look for an option like Add from Template or Link Template.
4. Select the desired Variant Group Template from the list.
5. A new Variant Group will be created for this menu item, pre-populated with all the Variant Items and settings from the chosen template.

Editing a Variant Group Created from a Template

When you edit a Variant Group that was created from a template, you have two scenarios:

• Editing the Template: If you modify the original Variant Group Template (e.g., add a new Variant Item to "Standard Pizza Toppings"), these changes will automatically propagate to all Variant Groups that are linked to this template.
• Editing the Linked Group: You can also make specific changes to an individual Variant Group that was created from a template. For example, you might want to set a different Min or Max for a particular item, or remove a Variant Item that doesn't apply to that specific dish. These changes will override the template settings for that specific Variant Group and will not affect the original template or other linked groups.

Use Cases for Variant Group Templates

• Standard Customizations: For options that are common across a category of items (e.g., all burgers have the same cheese options, all coffees have the same milk options).
• Seasonal/Promotional Options: If you have a set of seasonal ingredients or limited-time offers that apply to many dishes, create a template for easy management.
• Ingredient Management: If certain ingredients are common add-ons, a template ensures consistent pricing and availability across the menu.