When to Use Virtual Products
Use the Virtual product type when you sell:- Digital downloads — Ebooks, music, software, templates, presets
- Online courses — Video courses, tutorials, educational content
- Software licenses — Activation keys, subscription codes
- Memberships — Access to premium content or services
- Digital art — Photos, illustrations, design assets
- Documents — Reports, guides, legal templates
What Makes Virtual Products Unique
Virtual products have a simplified configuration compared to physical products:| Feature | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping | No | No physical delivery needed |
| Inventory tracking | No | Digital goods have unlimited stock |
| Attributes | No | Not applicable for digital items |
| Variants | No | Use separate products for different tiers |
| Digital files | Yes | Upload downloadable files for customers |
| Pricing | Yes | Full pricing support including compare-at prices |
| SEO | Yes | Optimize for search visibility |
| Categories & collections | Yes | Organize alongside physical products |
Managing Digital Files
The key feature of virtual products is the ability to attach downloadable files that customers receive after purchase.Uploading Files
After creating your virtual product, navigate to the Files section:- Click Add file or drag and drop your files
- Upload one or more files (PDF, ZIP, MP3, MP4, etc.)
- Files are stored securely and only accessible to customers who purchase the product
File Types
You can upload any file type. Common formats include:| Category | Common formats |
|---|---|
| Documents | PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX |
| Images | PNG, JPG, PSD, AI, SVG |
| Audio | MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC |
| Video | MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV |
| Software | ZIP, DMG, EXE, MSI |
| Archives | ZIP, RAR, TAR.GZ |
Pricing Virtual Products
Virtual products support the same pricing options as physical products:| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Price | The regular selling price |
| Compare at price | Show a crossed-out original price (useful for promotions) |
| Cost per item | Your cost for profit margin calculations |
Virtual products often use the compare-at price for limited-time offers or launch promotions. For example, an online course priced at 99 shows customers they’re getting a deal.
Example: Creating a Virtual Product
Let’s create a “Photography Masterclass” online course:- Type: Select “Virtual Product”
- General info: Name it “Photography Masterclass — From Beginner to Pro”, add a description covering what students will learn, the curriculum outline, and what’s included
- Associations: Category “Courses > Photography”, collection “Best Sellers”
- Media: Upload a course cover image and preview screenshots of the video content
- Stock: Skip — no physical inventory needed
- Files: Upload the course ZIP file containing video lessons, PDF workbook, and preset pack
- Pricing: 149.00
- SEO: Title “Photography Masterclass Online Course”, optimize description with keywords like “learn photography”, “photo editing course”
Best Practices
Clear Deliverables
Clearly describe what files or access customers will receive after purchase.
Preview Content
Use images and descriptions to give customers a preview of what they’re buying.
File Organization
Bundle multiple files into a well-organized ZIP with a README or guide.
Pricing Strategy
Use compare-at pricing for launches and time-limited promotions.
Differences from Standard Products
| Aspect | Standard Product | Virtual Product |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Physical shipping | Instant download |
| Inventory | Tracked with stock levels | Unlimited availability |
| Shipping config | Weight, dimensions required | Not applicable |
| Attributes | Material, size, etc. | Not applicable |
| Files | Not applicable | Downloadable files attached |
| Returns | Physical return process | Refund-based (no return) |