The format [format]
attribute defines the media format of a product, and is used to help distinguish between versions of books, music, movies, software and video games that are published or distributed in different formats or versions. Some examples of how to use the format attribute include:
- A video game that comes in PlayStation 5 and Xbox One formats
- A book that comes in paperback and hardcover editions
- A musical album that comes in CD and vinyl formats
- A movie that comes in DVD and Blu-ray formats
Format values can be difficult to represent across different types of media products. You are not required to provide these exact values, but it may be helpful for you to standardise the format values of your media products.
- Books: Paperback, hardcover
- Music: CD, HDCD, Vinyl
- Movies: DVD, Blu-ray
- Software: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Video games: PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, etc.
When to use
Required for all products in a product group that vary by format. Recommended for all products for which format is an important, distinguishing attribute.
Format
Follow these formatting guidelines to make sure that Google understands the data that you're submitting.
Type | String (Unicode characters. Recommended: ASCII only) |
Limits | Up to 1,000 characters |
---|---|
Repeated field | No |
File format | Example value |
---|---|
Text (TSV) |
Blu-ray |
XML (feeds) |
|
Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to make sure that you submit high quality data for your products.
Minimum requirements
These are the requirements that you'll need to meet to show your product on Google. If you don't follow these requirements, we'll disapprove your product and let you know in the Diagnostics page of your Manufacturer Center account.
Examples
Books
Product data for a hardcover book | |
Attribute | Value |
Format [format] |
Hardcover |
Video game variants
If your product comes in different formats, submit the format for each variant.
Product data for a Sony PlayStation 4 | |
Attribute | Value |
Format [format] |
PlayStation 4 |
Item group ID [item_group_id] |
vg123ps4 |