Set up an ID rule

For the ID [id] attribute, you're required to submit a unique identifier value for each of your products. If the data provided does not match the product data specification requirements, you can use an ID rule to identify where the unique identifier exists in the primary data source.

The ID rule is a powerful feature that allows you to bulk update your data source to make sure that each of your products has a unique value for the ID [id] attribute. For example, if the column in your spreadsheet with your ID values is labeled "SKU", you may want to map the SKU column to the ID [id] attribute. Or, you may want to concatenate different columns to combine different attribute values into a single, unique ID.

Note: After updating your ID rule, you may not be able to show ads or listings from that data source for several hours.

This article explains how to set up rules for the ID [id] attribute.

Before you begin

• Familiarize yourself with attribute rules. The ID rules feature uses the same interface used for other attribute rules, but is processed and applied separately.
• Learn more about the product data specifications for the ID [id] attribute
• Note: ID rules are only supported for non-API data sources.

How to set up ID rules

To create a new rule for the ID attribute:

In your Merchant Center account,  click on the Settings & tools icon .

Select Data sources.

Under the “Product sources” tab, select a product source for which you'd like to refine the ID [id] attribute.

Click the Settings tab at the top of the page.

Click ID rule.

Click Create rule.

Configure your Data Sources. In most cases, you'll use the "Set to" operator, and enter the attribute name. Example: Set id to: my_first_feed.sku

Add Modifications (optional).

Click OK.

When you've finished setting up your rule, you'll need to re-process your data source.

Go to the Processing tab.

In the top right corner, click Re-process data source.

Note: The first re-processing of your data source may result in an error message. In this case, wait one hour, and then re-process the data source.

You may set up ID rules on both your primary and supplemental data sources. If you need to change the ID [id] attribute values in both your primary and supplemental data sources, be sure to make the changes to your primary data source first.

If you re-upload the data source file, the ID rules that you set up will still apply. After you set up ID rules, they will always be applied before all other attribute rules are executed.