Option Types determine how your personalization options appear to shoppers. They control the form of input — whether it’s a text field, a dropdown, a color swatch, an upload button, or something else. In essence, option types define the interface the shopper uses to provide input for personalization.

Each option type is different and is best suited for specific personalization needs. For instance:

• Text Inputs are great for short messages or names,

• Swatches are ideal for visual selections like colors or clipart,

• Image Uploads let shoppers add their own photos or logos.

Option Types vs. Option Sets

An Option Set is the group of personalization fields connected to a product.
Each individual option in the set has an Option Type, which determines how it appears to the shopper — as a field, dropdown, swatch, checkbox, etc.

Option Types You Can Use

Click any option type below to learn how it works and how to configure it:

• Text Input
  A simple text field where shoppers can type custom content — like a name, quote, or message. You can limit characters, add placeholders, and even use multi-line inputs.

• Dropdown
  A compact list of predefined options. Shoppers click to expand and choose one. Great for long lists like sizes, fonts, or styles.

• Dropdown with Swatch
  Combines a dropdown list with visual previews next to each item. Useful when shoppers need both a label and an image to decide (e.g., font previews, clipart styles).

• Swatches
  Displays all options visually at once — using colors or images. Ideal for color selections, clipart sets, or anything visual.

• Text Swatches
  Similar to swatches, but uses text buttons instead of images or colors. Great for quick selections like sizes or styles.

• Image Upload
  Adds an upload button so shoppers can upload their own image (like a photo or logo). The image is placed in your design automatically.

• Vector Upload
  Lets shoppers upload vector files (like .svg) when high-resolution or scalable artwork is needed.

• Color Picker
  Adds a color selection tool so shoppers can pick any custom color (not just predefined swatches).

• Checkbox
  A simple toggle — yes or no. Useful for optional add-ons, confirming personalization, or triggering changes.

• Map
  Adds a location search field with a popup map for selecting addresses or places. Works only with map elements.

• Star Map
  Adds a location and date picker to generate an accurate star map. Designed to work specifically with Star Map elements.

• Date Picker
  Adds a calendar-style input so shoppers can select a specific date. Can be used to display the date, highlight it on a calendar, or show a moon phase.

• QR Code
  A special text input where shoppers can paste a link, which is converted into a QR code in the design. Only valid URLs are supported.

Choosing the Right Option Type

When you create an Option Set automatically (for example, from a Customily Design), Customily will create the option with the best Option Type for each element in your design.

But you're always in control — if you'd rather use a dropdown instead of a swatch, or switch from text input to checkbox, you can easily make that change by editing the option set.

When you build an option set manually (or if you're adding an extra option manually) you’ll choose which Option Type to use. Ask yourself:

• What kind of input do I need from the shopper?

• Should it be visual, text-based, or something interactive like a map?

• Do I want all choices visible, or only one at a time?

There’s no single “best” option — choose the one that makes the experience easiest and clearest for your shoppers.