How to Edit Product Descriptions with HTML

Shopify allows users HTML customization on product descriptions but editing these in bulk can be a complex task. Ablestar Bulk Product Editor allows you to bulk edit HTML descriptions, with an option to undo and revert edits if needed.

Product descriptions are essential for informing potential customers about your product's features, benefits, and other critical details. Effective descriptions can significantly influence a customer's purchasing decision. Keeping descriptions accurate, engaging, and up-to-date is crucial.

Best Practice for HTML

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a standard tool for creating and structuring web pages, including product descriptions on Shopify. While it can enhance the look and feel of your descriptions, it can make the editing process more complex. Below are some tips to successfully navigate HTML when editing product descriptions:

1. Understand Basic HTML: Before you start editing, familiarize yourself with basic HTML tags and structure to ensure formatting is not disrupted.
2. Keep HTML Intact: When editing descriptions containing HTML, use caution so that tags remain intact. Altering tags could break formatting or layouts.
3. Add New HTML Elements: If you wish to include more HTML elements, make sure to use the correct syntax. For example, to add a link, use the <a href="URL">link text</a> format.
4. Preview Changes: Always preview your changes before saving. This will allow you to identify and fix any mistakes or formatting issues.
5. Save Edits: Once changes are confirmed correct, save your changes.

From the Shopify Product view, you can see the HTML formatting of any product description by clicking on the Show HTML icon above the editor:

Start Editing

There are two options for modifying products with our Bulk Product Editor. Choose if you prefer the 'In-App Edit' or 'Spreadsheet' method:

• In-App edits: allows you to filter a smaller set of products to modify in bulk
• Spreadsheet edits: allows you to edit multiple product level options at the same time

To modify any HTML in bulk, you would copy and paste the HTML formatting exactly from this box and then modify and replace as needed.

For example, we will remove the word "perfect" from the description and image above:  

1. In-App Edits:

Once you have filtered your products and are ready to edit from the 'Configure modifications' view, fill these fields:

• Field to edit: search and select 'Description' from the dropdown list
• How to edit: select 'Search/Replace'
• Search for this text:

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Unleash your inner adventurer with the <strong>2002 UNISEX</strong> shoe. With a bold design and durable construction, these shoes are perfect for exploring new paths and conquering any terrain. <em>Get ready to take risks</em> and embrace the unknown with every step you take in these shoes.</p>

• Replace it with this text:

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Unleash your inner adventurer with the <strong>2002 UNISEX</strong> shoe. With a bold design and durable construction, these shoes are for exploring new paths and conquering any terrain. <em>Get ready to take risks</em> and embrace the unknown with every step you take in these shoes.</p>

Preview your changes by clicking the icon below the editor to confirm:

Click the Run edit button to apply all changes and save. Remember you can click the Undo button after processing to revert changes if needed.

2. Spreadsheet Edits

From the Ablestar Bulk Editor dashboard, click the 'Spreadsheet Edit' menu item.

Prep your spreadsheet to include the product-level identifier (ie Product ID or other identifier) and Product Description, similar to this format:

Upload your spreadsheet and then map and confirm columns on the visible preview before clicking the Run edits button to process data.

Only new or modified data that is found on the spreadsheet will be processed and added to your store.

Learn how to skip unchanged values and increase speed on uploads.

✅ Tips and Troubleshooting

• Undoing bulk edits if you make a mistake is easy!
• Increase speeds for spreadsheet edits by skipping unchanged values

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