> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.laravelshopper.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Virtual Product

> Digital products that don't require shipping, including downloads, subscriptions, and online services.

A virtual product is a **digital or intangible item** that doesn't require physical shipping. Customers receive their purchase through a download link, an access code, or an online account. There's no need for inventory tracking, shipping calculations, or package dimensions.

## 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:

1. Click **Add file** or drag and drop your files
2. Upload one or more files (PDF, ZIP, MP3, MP4, etc.)
3. 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       |

<Tip>
  For large files, consider compressing them into a ZIP archive before uploading. This reduces upload time and provides a single download for customers.
</Tip>

## 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                  |

You can set prices in multiple currencies if your store supports it.

<Note>
  Virtual products often use the compare-at price for limited-time offers or launch promotions. For example, an online course priced at $49 with a compare-at price of $99 shows customers they're getting a deal.
</Note>

## Example: Creating a Virtual Product

Let's create a "Photography Masterclass" online course:

1. **Type**: Select "Virtual Product"
2. **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
3. **Associations**: Category "Courses > Photography", collection "Best Sellers"
4. **Media**: Upload a course cover image and preview screenshots of the video content
5. **Stock**: Skip, no physical inventory needed

After creation:

* **Files**: Upload the course ZIP file containing video lessons, PDF workbook, and preset pack
* **Pricing**: $79.00, compare at $149.00
* **SEO**: Title "Photography Masterclass Online Course", optimize description with keywords like "learn photography", "photo editing course"

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Clear Deliverables" icon="file-lines">
    Clearly describe what files or access customers will receive after purchase.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Preview Content" icon="eye">
    Use images and descriptions to give customers a preview of what they're buying.
  </Card>

  <Card title="File Organization" icon="folder-open">
    Bundle multiple files into a well-organized ZIP with a README or guide.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pricing Strategy" icon="money-bill">
    Use compare-at pricing for launches and time-limited promotions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## 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)    |