Add Short and Long Product Descriptions in Shopify Using Metafields

Saif - Saif

Why You Need Short And Long Product Descriptions

Shopify gives you only one description field — but modern product pages need more. A short summary near the price improves scannability. A longer version helps with storytelling, SEO, and conversion. Splitting content gives you control over how and when customers engage.

⚠️ Heads-up Before You Start

Editing your Shopify theme code requires a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Always duplicate your theme to create a backup before making any changes.

Step 1: Use Product Metafields In Shopify Admin

From your Shopify admin:

  1. Go to → Settings → Metafields and metaobjects → Products
  2. Click Add definition twice, creating two metafields:
  3. For Short Description:
    • Name: Short Description
    • Select type: Multi-line text
    • Enable Storefronts API access: On
  4. For Long Description:
    • Name: Long Description
    • Select type: Rich text (or Multi-line text)
    • Enable Storefronts API access: On

Open any product and fill out both metafields under the new Metafields section and save your changes.

Step 2: Add Short Description Via Custom Liquid Block

You can add the short description directly in the theme editor. From your Shopify admin:

  1. Go to → Online Store → Themes
  2. Find your active theme and click Customize
  3. Use the template selector dropdown at the top to open a Product page
  4. In the sidebar, locate the Product information section
  5. Click Add block → Custom Liquid
  6. In the Custom Liquid field, paste:
Copy 

{%- if product.metafields.custom.short_description != blank -%}
    {{ product.metafields.custom.short_description }}
{%- endif -%}

Drag this block to position it — typically just below the Buy buttons for maximum visibility and Click Save.

Step 3: Add Long Description Via Custom Liquid Block

Repeat the process to add your long description separately:

  1. In the same product page view, click Add block → Custom Liquid again
  2. In the Custom Liquid field, paste:
Copy 

{%- if product.metafields.custom.long_description != blank -%}
    {{ product.metafields.custom.long_description | metafield_text }}
{%- else -%}
    {{ product.description }}
{%- endif -%}

Drag this block to position it further down the page, such as below the main content area or near related products and Click Save and preview the product page.

Real-World Insight

A home goods brand we worked with added short descriptions for key benefits like “Scratch-resistant”, “Handmade in Portugal” above the fold. The result? A 17% boost in add-to-cart rate, especially on mobile.

Final Thoughts

Short + long product descriptions give you more control and clarity — both for your customers and your content strategy. Using Shopify metafields is scalable, native, and future-proof. As brands get more storytelling-driven, splitting product content is just smart eCommerce.

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