Sales · Odoo glossary
Product Variants
Learn how product variants differ from templates, how attributes define combinations in Odoo, and why variant identity matters for stock and manufacturing.
Definition
In general ERP practice
A product variant is a distinct version of a product defined by a combination of characteristics, such as size, colour or material. Variants share a product family while representing the specific item being sold, purchased or held in stock.
The distinction is useful when related products have different availability or identifiers. A family-level description is not enough to identify which physical item a customer ordered.
In Odoo
Odoo distinguishes the product template from its variants. Attributes define characteristics, and attribute values define the available choices. Each resulting variant has its own inventory count and sales records.
Attribute configuration controls variant creation: instantly, dynamically when used on a sales order, or never for informational attributes. This means that not every selectable option necessarily creates a separate stock item. Variant-specific components can also be used in manufacturing when the BoM is configured accordingly.
Illustrative variant structure
Template
A reusable bottle product family.
Attributes
Capacity: 500 ml or 750 ml. Colour: clear or amber.
Variants
Four possible combinations before exclusions, such as a 500 ml amber bottle.
Choose the right level of identity
If customers choose an option that changes the physical item, its stock availability may need to be tracked separately. If the choice only supplies additional information, it should not automatically multiply the catalogue into unnecessary inventory records.
Official Odoo documentation
The Odoo-specific explanation above is based on the documentation for Odoo 19. Features and workflows can differ in other versions.
Related glossary terms
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