> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wisepim.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Category Variables

> Store content that differs per category once: materials, care instructions, sizing, standards, and SEO keywords. Every product pulls in its category value automatically.

Write content for a whole category once, and every product in it uses the right version. Category variables let you define a set of fields, then fill in different values per category. A fastener gets the fastener material; a cable gets the cable material. Same schema, different values per category.

Set them up on the **Categories** tab in **Settings > [Content Logic](/en/workflows/content-logic)**.

<Info>
  Category variables resolve from each product's **primary category**. Make sure your products have one set. Use [Set Primary Category](/en/essentials/bulk-editing/set-primary-category) to assign them in bulk.
</Info>

## Set up category variables

<Steps>
  <Step title="Define a schema">
    Create the fields you need, such as `material` or `care_instructions`. Give each one a key, a label, and a type: text, long text, or URL.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in values per category">
    Select each category and enter its specific values. The progress indicator ("3/5 filled") shows which categories still need values.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reference in content">
    Use `{{category.your_key}}` in any formula-enabled field. Each product resolves to its primary category's value.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For example, a short description that starts with a category intro:

```
{{product.name}} by {{product.brand}}. {{category.short_intro}}
```

> "Stainless Steel Hex Bolt M10x50 by Fischer. High-grade fasteners for structural and industrial applications."

## What you can do with them

Here are common ways to use category variables. Each one is a field you define once and fill per category.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Category introductions" icon="align-left">
    Write a one-liner per category and inject it into short descriptions with [Set Field Value](/en/essentials/bulk-editing/set-field).

    | Key: `short_intro` | Value                                                                       |
    | ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Fasteners          | High-grade fasteners for structural and industrial applications.            |
    | Electrical         | Industrial electrical components for professional wiring and installations. |
    | Safety Equipment   | Personal protective equipment meeting EU safety standards.                  |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Material specifications" icon="layers">
    Different categories use different materials. Store them per category instead of per product.

    | Key: `material`  | Value                                   |
    | ---------------- | --------------------------------------- |
    | Fasteners        | Stainless Steel AISI 304                |
    | Electrical       | Copper / PVC insulation                 |
    | Plumbing         | Brass CW617N                            |
    | Safety Equipment | High-tenacity polyester / polycarbonate |

    ```
    Material: {{category.material}}
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Care and maintenance instructions" icon="wrench">
    Every category has different care needs. Add them to descriptions with [Append/Prepend](/en/essentials/bulk-editing/append-prepend).

    | Key: `care_instructions` | Value                                                                                        |
    | ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Fasteners                | Store in dry conditions. Avoid contact with dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic corrosion. |
    | Electrical               | Keep away from moisture. Inspect insulation regularly. Comply with local electrical codes.   |
    | Safety Equipment         | Inspect before each use. Replace after impact. Clean with mild soap and water.               |
    | Paints & Coatings        | Store between 5-30°C. Keep container sealed. Dispose of according to local regulations.      |

    ```
    \n\nCare & Maintenance: {{category.care_instructions}}
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Size and measurement guides" icon="ruler">
    Link to category-specific sizing resources. Use the URL field type.

    | Key: `size_guide_url` | Value                   |
    | --------------------- | ----------------------- |
    | Fasteners             | /guides/fastener-sizes  |
    | Electrical            | /guides/wire-gauges     |
    | Pipes & Fittings      | /guides/pipe-dimensions |
    | Safety Equipment      | /guides/ppe-sizing      |

    ```
    View the size guide: {{category.size_guide_url}}
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Minimum order quantities" icon="boxes">
    Different product types may have different MOQs.

    | Key: `moq`       | Value |
    | ---------------- | ----- |
    | Fasteners        | 100   |
    | Electrical       | 25    |
    | Heavy Machinery  | 1     |
    | Safety Equipment | 10    |

    ```
    Minimum order: {{category.moq}} units. {{global.lead_time_text}}
    ```

    > "Minimum order: 100 units. Ships within 3-5 business days."
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="SEO keywords" icon="search">
    Pre-define a keyword set per category and inject it into meta keywords with [Set Field Value](/en/essentials/bulk-editing/set-field).

    | Key: `seo_keywords` | Value                                                             |
    | ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Fasteners           | bolts, nuts, screws, anchors, fixings, industrial fasteners       |
    | Electrical          | cables, wiring, connectors, circuit breakers, electrical supplies |
    | Safety Equipment    | PPE, safety helmet, safety glasses, protective gloves, workwear   |

    ```
    {{product.name}}, {{product.brand}}, {{category.seo_keywords}}
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Regulatory standards" icon="clipboard-check">
    Different categories fall under different standards and certifications.

    | Key: `standards` | Value                                      |
    | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
    | Fasteners        | EN 14399, ISO 4014, DIN 931                |
    | Electrical       | IEC 60228, EN 50575, CPR compliant         |
    | Safety Equipment | EN 166 (eye), EN 397 (head), EN 388 (hand) |
    | Fire Protection  | EN 54, BS 5839, NFPA 72                    |

    ```
    Applicable standards: {{category.standards}}
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Shipping notes" icon="truck">
    Some product types have special shipping requirements.

    | Key: `shipping_note` | Value                                                                          |
    | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
    | Paints & Coatings    | Classified as hazardous goods for shipping. Ground transport only in EU.       |
    | Heavy Machinery      | Freight shipping required. Delivery by appointment. Pallet or crate packaging. |
    | Fasteners            | Standard parcel shipping.                                                      |
    | Electrical           | Handle with care. Anti-static packaging included.                              |

    Append it directly, or use it in a [conditional block](/en/workflows/content-logic/conditional-blocks):

    ```
    Shipping: {{category.shipping_note}}
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Installation guides" icon="wrench">
    Link to or embed installation instructions relevant to the product type.

    | Key: `installation_text` | Value                                                                                                             |
    | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Fasteners                | Recommended torque values at `{{global.website_url}}`/torque-guide. Pre-drill required for hardwood applications. |
    | Electrical               | Must be installed by a qualified electrician. Consult local wiring regulations first.                             |
    | Plumbing                 | Use PTFE tape on all threaded connections. Pressure-test after installation.                                      |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Tips

* Combine category variables with brand variables for multi-layered content, such as `{{category.short_intro}} {{brand.tagline}}`.
* Category values can include other variables, like `{{global.lead_time_text}}`.

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Brand Variables" icon="tag" href="/en/workflows/content-logic/brand-variables">
    Store content that differs per brand instead of per category.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Primary Category" icon="folder-tree" href="/en/essentials/bulk-editing/set-primary-category">
    Assign a primary category to products in bulk.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Global Variables" icon="globe" href="/en/workflows/content-logic/global-variables">
    Define values that stay the same across every product.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Conditional Blocks" icon="git-branch" href="/en/workflows/content-logic/conditional-blocks">
    Show different content based on product data.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>