How to bulk edit product descriptions with HTML in Shopify

When it comes to managing an online store, Shopify allows users a high degree of customization, especially when it comes to product descriptions. Many store owners make use of HTML to structure and enhance these descriptions. However, editing these HTML descriptions, particularly in bulk, can be a complex task. With Ablestar's Bulk Product Editor app, this process becomes much easier.

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. Thus, it's crucial to keep them accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.

Navigating HTML in Product Descriptions

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, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with basic HTML tags and structure to ensure you don't disrupt the formatting.
2. Keep HTML Intact: When editing descriptions containing HTML, ensure that you don't inadvertently delete or alter any tags, as this could break the formatting.
3. Add New HTML Elements: If you wish to include more HTML elements, make sure you're using 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 you're satisfied with the changes and the formatting is correct, click "Save".

Editing Product Descriptions with Bulk Product Editor

There are two options for modifying products using the Bulk Editor app:

• Use the 'in-app' bulk edit to both filter and modify the products 
• Use a spreadsheet edit. 

Whichever method you choose, keep in mind that the Description field in Shopify is stored in HTML, which determines the formatting of the field. You can see the HTML version of any product description by clicking on Show HTML above it on the product page.

You will need to use the exact HTML shown in this box when performing edits with the Bulk Editor app. For example, in the product description above, let's assume I want to do an in-app edit to remove "And wait, there's more! You also get six dice." 

To do an in-app edit to modify the product descriptions with HTML:

1. Open up the Bulk Editor App.
2. Filter for the products you wish to modify.
3. Select Edit Products

4. Field to edit: Description

5. How to edit: Search/Replace

6. Search for this text: ‘ <p><em>And wait, there's more!</em> You also get six dice ‘

7. Replace it with this text: enter a space as the text to replace it with, as in the image below.

8. Click Run Edit

Conclusion

Mastering bulk editing of product descriptions, especially those containing HTML, can greatly streamline your Shopify store management process. By using Ablestar's Bulk Product Editor and following these guidelines, you can easily modify your product descriptions while preserving the benefits of HTML formatting.