Product data specification

This article details the requirements and format for every attribute accepted in Manufacturer Center. Some attributes are required, while others are recommended or optional. Failure to provide values for the required attributes will prevent that particular item from processing correctly in your feed upload. Failure to provide recommended or optional attributes will result in incomplete product data in our system, but will not cause the feed to fail.

Throughout this article, you will see the terms item and product. Please note that we use the term item to describe a single product variant. Items are similar to products, but we assume that products can occur in multiple variations. These variations, or “product variants”, can differ by color, size, or style. In other words, an item refers to a single variation of a product. Each entry in your product data file should reflect a single item, or product variant.

Keep in mind only attributes in English should be submitted in your feed, which you'll see in square brackets below. You'll see descriptive and/or translations of the values for illustrative purposes only.

Please note that if you provide many values for repeated attributes (for example, feature description), we may only display the first few values.

Here are examples:

Note: The values you provide may be displayed to customers, so provide values they will be able to understand.

Basic information

The following attributes contain basic information about your items.

To see full information about the attribute, including best practices, select the link in each attribute table.

Attribute Format Minimum requirements at a glance
ID [id]

Required for all items
Identifier of a specific item

Example
A2B4

Syntax/type
Max 50 characters
ASCII only

Repeated value/field
No

Text (TSV)
Tddy-123-uk

XML (Feeds)
<g:id>tddy-123-uk</g:id>

Once an item is submitted, the ID [id] must not change when you update your data, or be used for a different product at a later point in time.

GTIN [gtin]

Required for all items
Global Trade Item Number of the item

Syntax
Max 150 characters
8-, 12-, 13-, or 14-digit number (UPC, EAN, JAN, or ISBN)

Repeated value/field
Yes

Text (TSV)
3234567890126

XML (Feeds)
<g:gtin>3234567890126</g:gtin>

 
MPN [mpn]

Recommended for all items
Manufacturer Part Number of the item

Syntax/type
Alphanumeric characters
Max 70 characters

Repeated value/field
Yes

Text (TSV)
GO12345OOGLE

XML (Feeds)
<g:mpn>GO12345OOGLE</g:mpn>

 
Title [title]

Required for all items

Title of the item

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Recommended character count range, 80 to 140

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Google Nexus 5 Android Phone 32 GB - Black - Unlocked - CDMA / GSM

XML (Feeds)

<g:title>Google Nexus 5 Android Phone 32 GB - Black - Unlocked - CDMA / GSM</g:title>

Follow our Editorial Guidelines closely. For example, do not include any promotional text and do not use BLOCK CAPITALS.

For variant products, you are required to include the consumer facing name of all the variant items, including title differences for each variant.

For example if “Google Nexus 5 Android Phone 32 GB - Unlocked - CDMA” is available in red and black colors, you must have both of the following titles on two different items submitted:

  1. Google Nexus 5 Android Phone 32 GB - Red - Unlocked - CDMA
  2. Google Nexus 5 Android Phone 32 GB - Black - Unlocked - CDMA

Brand [brand]

Required for all items

Brand name of a product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Acme Toys

XML (Feeds)

<g:brand>Acme Toys</g:brand>

 
Product name [product_name]

Optional

Canonical name of the product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Recommended character count range, 80 to 140

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Color LaserJet CP2025

XML (Feeds)

<g:product_name>Color LaserJet CP2025</g:product_name>

 
Product line [product_line]

Recommended for all items

Name of a related group of products

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Creativa

XML (Feeds

<g:product_line>Creativa</g:product_line>

 
Product type [product_type]

Optional

Type or category of the product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters), with a “>” symbol to separate hierarchies

Repeated value/field

Yes; recommended maximum 10 per product

Text (TSV)

““Home & Garden > Kitchen , Dining & Table > Appliances > Refrigerator””, Household Appliances > Kitchen > Refrigerator

XML (Feeds)

<g:product_type>Home &amp; Garden &gt; Kitchen, Dining &amp; Table &gt; Appliances &gt; Refrigerator</g:product_type> <g:product_type>Household Appliances &gt; Kitchen &gt; Refrigerator</g:product_type>

 
Product highlight [product_highlight]

Optional

Highlights of the product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Character count range of 1 - 150 characters maximum, per highlight

Recommended: ASCII only

Repeated value/field

Yes, recommended 4-6

Minimum of 2, maximum of 100

Text (TSV)

"Supports thousands of apps, including Netflix, YouTube, HBO Now, Spotify, Showtime, Pandora, Google Play Movies","1080p maximum display resolution","Supports both 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz Wi-Fi networks","Supports iOS, Mac OS, Windows, Chrome OS and Android devices"

XML (Feeds)

<g:product_highlight>Supports thousands of apps, including Netflix, YouTube, HBO Now, Spotify, Showtime, Pandora, Google Play Movies</g:product_highlight>

<g:product_highlight>1080p maximum display resolution</g:product_highlight>

<g:product_highlight>Supports both 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz Wi-Fi networks</g:product_highlight>

<g:product_highlight>Supports iOS, Mac OS, Windows, Chrome OS and Android devices</g:product_highlight>

 
 

Rich information

 
Rich information contains information about the rich media associated with your products. This information can include images, videos, links, or formatted descriptions. While this information is not required, additional attributes provided here can positively influence a customer's experience while using Shopping ads and free listings by providing enhanced product details. Learn more about the value of uploading the rich content
 
Attribute Format
Description [description]

Required
Detailed paragraph description of your product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

ASCII only

Recommended character count range of 500 to 1,000

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Solid red, queen-sized bed sheets made from 100% woven polyester, 300 thread count fabric. Set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two standard pillowcases. Machine washable; extra deep fitted pockets.

XML (Feeds)

<g:description>Solid red, queen-sized bed sheets made from 100% woven polyester, 300 thread count fabric. Set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two standard pillowcases. Machine washable; extra deep fitted pockets.</g:description>

Feature description [feature_description]

Recommended
Rich format description

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters) and images
Headline: recommended maximum 140
Text: recommended range 250 to 700
Image link: 800x800 pixel minimum

Sub-attributes
Headline [headline]
Text [text]
Image link [image_link]

Repeated value/field
Yes; minimum of 2 per product, 3 to 6 recommended

Text (TSV)

Now with a bigger display:The newest iteration of the product now comes with a bigger display, so that you can have a new outlook on life.:"http://example.com/image1.png",Sharper resolution:"The product now comes with 15" display that is 10X sharper than our previous releases, and it has a 3.5X zoom.":

XML (Feeds)

<g:feature_description>
<g:headline>Now with a bigger display</g:headline>
<g:text>The newest iteration of the product now comes with a bigger display, so that you can have a new outlook on life.</g:text>
<g:image_link>http://example.com/image1.png</g:image_link>
</g:feature_description>
<g:feature_description>
<g:headline>Sharper resolution</g:headline>
<g:text>The product now comes with 15" display that is 10X sharper than our previous releases, and it has a 3.5X zoom.</g:text>
</g:feature_description>

Image link [image_link]

Required

The accepted image formats are (in order of preference) WEBP (.webp), JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg), PNG (.png), non-animated GIF (.gif), and BMP (.bmp), and the file extensions for these images should correspond to their format.

The accepted URL protocols are http:// and https://. Any symbols used within the image URL must be replaced by URL encoded entities (for example, comma = %2C).

URLs must be crawlable and must not be password protected. User-agents "googlebot" and "googlebot-image" must be allowed to access the directory with your file. Learn more about how to set up your robots.txt file.

URL of an image of the item

Syntax/type

URL (Must start with http:// or https://)

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

http://www.site.com/image1.jpg

XML (Feeds)

<g:image_link>https://www.site.com/image1.jpg
</g:image_link>

The accepted image formats are (in order of preference) WEBP (.webp), JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg), PNG (.png), non-animated GIF (.gif), and BMP (.bmp), and the file extensions for these images should correspond to their format.

The accepted URL protocols are "http://" and "https://". Any symbols used within the image URL must be replaced by URL encoded entities (for example, comma = %2C).

URLs must be crawlable and must not be password protected. User-agents "googlebot" and "googlebot-image" must be allowed to access the directory with your file. Learn more about how to set up your robots.txt file.
Additional image link [additional_image_link]

Recommended for items with multiple images

Additional URLs of images of the item

Syntax/type

URL (Must start with http:// or https://)

Repeated value/field

Yes; recommended maximum 10 per product

Text (TSV)

http://www.example.com/image2.jpg,
http://www.example.com/image3.jpg,
http://www.example.com/image4.jpg

XML (Feeds)

<g:additional_image_link>https://www.example.com/image2.jpg</g:additional_image_link> <g:additional_image_link>https://www.example.com/image3.jpg</g:additional_image_link><g:additional_image_link>https://www.example.com/image4.jpg</g:additional_image_link>

Video link [video_link]

Optional

URL for a video of the item

Syntax/type

YouTube URL (Must start with http:// or https://)

Repeated value/field

Yes; recommended maximum 10 per product

Text (TSV)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc

XML (Feeds)

<g:video_link>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abc</g:video_link>

Product page URL [product_page_url]

Optional

URL of manufacturer's product detail page

Syntax/type

YouTube URL (Must start with http:// or https://)

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

http://www.example.com/asp/sp.asp?cat=12&id=1030

XML (Feeds)

<g:product_page_url>http://www.example.com/
asp/sp.asp?cat=12&id=1030</g:product_page_url>

Disclosure date [disclosure_date]

Optional

Date item is announced publicly

Syntax/type

Date

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

2013-12-05

XML (Feeds)

<g:disclosure_date>2013-12-05</g:disclosure_date>

Rich product content [rich_product_content]

Optional

Rich product descriptions and media calling out special product features.

Syntax/type

Special structured data

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Note: You’ll need to encode the whole field in double quotes, and need to escape the double quotes inside the field by using 2 double quotes. CSV/TSV exporters will usually take care of this for you.

"

{

""@context"": {

""s"": ""http://schema.org/"",

""g"": ""http://schema.googleapis.com/""

},

""@type"": ""g:Showcase"",

""g:showcaseBlock"": [

{

""@type"": ""g:ShowcaseFeatureSet"",

""s:headline"": ""Headline of feature set"",

""s:itemListElement"": [

{

""@type"": ""g:ShowcaseFeature"",

""s:headline"": ""Headline of feature"",

""s:description"": ""Description of feature""

}

]

}

XML (Feeds)

Note: You will need to encode this as CDATA within an XML file.

<g:rich_product_content><![CDATA[

{

"@context": {

"s": "http://schema.org/",

"g": "http://schema.googleapis.com/"

},

"@type": "g:Showcase",

"g:showcaseBlock": [

{

"@type": "g:ShowcaseFeatureSet",

"s:headline": "Headline of feature set",

"s:itemListElement": [

{

"@type": "g:ShowcaseFeature",

"s:headline": "Headline of feature",

"s:description": "Description of feature"

}

]

}

]

}

]]></g:rich_product_content>

Release date [release_date]

Optional

Date item is available for purchase

Syntax/type

Date

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

2013-12-05

XML (Feeds)

<g:release_date>2013-12-05</g:release_date>

Suggested retail price [suggested_retail_price]

Optional

Manufacturer suggested retail price

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

USD 9.99

XML (Feeds)

<g:suggested_retail_price>USD 9.99 </g:suggested_retail_price>

Product detail [product_detail]

Optional

Additional details and specifications

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Character counts

Section name: recommended maximum 140

Attribute name: recommended maximum 140

Attribute value: maximum 1,000

Sub-attributes

Section name [section_name](Required)

Attribute name [attribute_name](Required)

Attribute value [attribute_value] (Required)

Repeated value/field

Yes

Text (TSV)

General:Product Type:Digital player,
General:Digital Player Type:Flash based,Display:Resolution:432 x 240,Display:Diagonal Size:"2.5"""

XML (Feeds)

<g:product_detail>
    <g:section_name>General</g:section_name>
    <g:attribute_name>Product Type</g:attribute_name>
    <g:attribute_value>Digital player</g:attribute_value>
</g:product_detail>
<g:product_detail>
    <g:section_name>General</g:section_name>
    <g:attribute_name>Digital Player Type</g:attribute_name>
    <g:attribute_value>Flash based</g:attribute_value>
</g:product_detail>
<g:product_detail>
    <g:section_name>Display</g:section_name>
    <g:attribute_name>Resolution</g:attribute_name>
    <g:attribute_value>432 x 240</g:attribute_value>
</g:product_detail>
<g:product_detail>
    <g:section_name>Display</g:section_name>
    <g:attribute_name>Diagonal Size</g:attribute_name>
    <g:attribute_value>2.5"</g:attribute_value>
</g:product_detail>

3D model link [virtual_model_link]

Optional

3D model of the product. When provided, include the 3D experiences destination.

Syntax/type

URL (Must start with "http://" or "https://")

Character counts

Up to 2000 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

https://www.google.com/products/xyz.glb

XML (Feeds)

<g:virtual_model_link>https://www.google.com/products/xyz.glb </g:virtual_model_link>

Intended country [intended country]

Recommended for products where the countries for which the data is valid differ from the countries configured on the feed that contains them.

Syntax type
String (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code, for example CH)

Character counts

2

Repeated value/field

Yes, up to 100

Text (TSV)
US

Multiple countries example:
BR,FR

XML (Feeds)

<g:intended_countries>BR</g:intended_countries>

Multiple countries example:
<g:intended_countries>BR; FR</g:intended_countries>

 

Variant information

We define variants as a group of similar items that only differ by attributes like color [color] or style [style]. By submitting variant items, you will help Google improve the customer experience by grouping your products correctly in ads and listings on Google properties.

How to submit variant data

  • Begin by submitting an item for each variant.
    • For example, if you offer a particular model of mobile phone in 4 colors (black, white, silver, and red) and 3 storage capacities (8GB, 16GB, and 32GB), you need to submit 12 item variants (Black 8GB, Black 16GB, Black 32GB, White 8GB, White 16GB, etc.).
  • Include unique ID [id] attribute values for each item variant, just like you would for all the other items in your product data.
  • To identify items as variants of one another, you need to group them together using an item group id [item_group_id]. Each item in the group should have the same item group ID. As a rule of thumb, if a customer can choose to select different colors, patterns, sizes, styles, etc. on the landing page of your product, identify them as separate items, but identify them with the same item group ID.
  • Include variant attributes in the title that indicate what makes each variant unique. A value for color [color] and/or product detail [product_detail] must be submitted to differentiate the items.

When crafting a title [title] for variant items, be sure to include the name common to all product variants, as well as the variant attributes that make the product unique.

Example:

  • Google Nexus 5 Android Phone - 32GB - Black - Unlocked - GSM
  • Google Nexus 5 Android Phone - 16GB - White - AT&T
Attribute Format Minimum requirements at a glance

Item group ID [item_group_id]

Optional; recommended for items with multiple variants.

Identifies variants of a product/style

Syntax/type

ASCII only

Maximum 50 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

AB123-Sp14

XML (Feeds)

<g:item_group_id>AB123-Sp14</g:item_group_id>

Use a unique value for each group of variants.

Use the parent SKU where possible

Keep the value the same when updating your product data

Use only valid unicode characters

Use an item group ID [item_group_id] for a set of products that differ by one or more of these attributes:

If your products differ by design elements that aren't represented by the attributes above, don't use item group ID [item_group_id]

Include the same attributes for each product in the item group. For example, if a product varies by size [size] and color [color], submit size and color for every product that share the same value for item group ID [item_group_id]

Scent [scent]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by scent.

Recommended for all products for which scent is an important, distinguishing attribute.

The specific scent of a product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Pine fresh

XML (Feeds)

<g:scent>Pine fresh</g:scent>

 

Flavor [flavor]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by flavor.

Recommended for all products for which flavor is an important, distinguishing attribute.

The specific flavor of a product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Spicy BBQ

XML (Feeds)

<g:flavor>Spicy BBQ</g:flavor>

 

Format [format]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by format.

Recommended for all products for which format is an important, distinguishing attribute.

Media format of a product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Blu-ray

XML (Feeds)

<g:format>Blu-ray</g:format>

 

Capacity [capacity]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by capacity.

Recommended for all products for which capacity is an important, distinguishing attribute.

The fixed memory storage capacity of an electronic device

Syntax/type

Integer + unit of measurement

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

16GB

XML (Feeds)

<g:capacity>16GB</g:capacity>

There are 3 accepted values:

  • MB
  • GB
  • TB

Gender [gender]

Recommended for all products in an item group that vary by gender, and all products for which gender is an important, distinguishing attribute.

Gender of the item

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

male

XML (Feeds)

<g:gender>male</g:gender>

There are 3 accepted values:

  • male
  • female
  • unisex

Submit English values only for this attribute. If you submit translated values, your product may show without this information or be disapproved.

Age group [age_group]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by age group.

Required for all apparel items.

Recommended for all products for which age group is an important, distinguishing attribute.

Target age group of the item

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

adult

XML (Feeds)

<g:age_group>adult</g:age_group>

There are 5 accepted values:

  • newborn
  • infant
  • toddler
  • kids
  • adult

Submit English values only for this attribute. If you submit translated values, your product may show without this information or be disapproved.

Size [size]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by size.

Required for all apparel items in the “Apparel & Accessories > Clothing” and “Apparel & Accessories > Shoes” product categories and subcategories thereof.

Recommended for all products for which size is an important, distinguishing attribute.

Size of the product

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

XL

XML (Feeds)

<g:size>XL</g:size>

 

Size type [size_type]

Apparel items only:

Required for products in an item group that vary by size.

Required for all apparel items in the Apparel & Accessories > Clothing product categories and sub-categories.

Size type of the item

Syntax/type

String (Unicode characters. Recommended: ASCII only)

Repeated value/field

Yes (maximum of 2 values)

Text (TSV)

petite

XML (Feeds)

<g:size_type>petite</g:size_type>

<g:size_type>maternity</g:size_type>

There are six accepted values. You may provide two values (for example: big and tall, petite and maternity).

  • regular
  • petite
  • maternity
  • plus
  • tall
  • big

Submit English values only for this attribute. If you submit translated values, your product may show without this information or be disapproved.

Size system [size_system]

Recommended for apparel items

Size system of an item

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

US

XML (Feeds)

<g:size_system>US</g:size_system>

There are 11 accepted values:

  • US
  • UK
  • EU
  • DE
  • FR
  • JP
  • CN
  • IT
  • BR
  • MEX
  • AU

NOTE: When the attribute is not specified for an item, we automatically use the default values for the target country where you’re selling the item.

Color [color]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by color.

Required for all apparel items.

Recommended for all products for which color is an important, distinguishing attribute.

Color of the item

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Gold/Silver/Black

XML (Feeds)

<g:color>Gold/Silver/Black</g:color>

 

Theme [theme]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by theme.

Recommended for all products for which theme is an important, distinguishing attribute.

Description of the thematic style, image and appearance of an item

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Bears

XML (Feeds)

<g:theme>Bears</g:theme>

 

Pattern [pattern]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by pattern.

Recommended for all products for which pattern is an important, distinguishing attribute.

Pattern/graphic of the item

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Striped

XML (Feeds)

<g:pattern>Striped</g:pattern>

 

Material [material]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by material.

Recommended for all products for which material is an important, distinguishing attribute.

Material of the item

Syntax/type

Text (Unicode characters)

Maximum 200 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

Leather/Cotton

XML (Feeds)

<g:material>Leather/Cotton</g:material>

 

Count [count]

Required for all products in an item group that vary by count.

Recommended for all products for which count is an important, distinguishing attribute.

The count of units inside a packaging container of a given size

Syntax/type

Integer + unit of measurement

Maximum 100 characters

Repeated value/field

No

Text (TSV)

30 caplets

XML (Feeds)

<g:count>30 caplets</g:count>

 

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