FAQs — Automated Sync
Q: What does “automated sync” mean in Active Catalogs?
A: Automated sync means your catalogs always stay aligned with your Shopify store. When products or collections change in Shopify, those updates automatically flow into your Whole Store Catalogs without manual updates or exports.
When your products change in Shopify, those updates automatically flow into your Sections assigned to Custom Catalogs without manual updates or exports.
Q: How does automated sync work for Whole Store Catalogs?
A: Whole Store Catalogs always include all active products assigned to published collections.
Shopify Product edits (title, price, image, variant) → Updated automatically.
Shopify Product archived, deleted, or set to draft → Removed automatically.
New products added to existing Shopify collections → Added automatically.
Shopify Collection name or rules edited → Reflected automatically.
Shopify Collection deleted, unassigned, or emptied → Removed automatically.
Q: How does automated sync work for Sections?
A: Sections (Collection-based or Product-based) automatically reflect Shopify product changes.
Shopify Product edits → Updated in the section.
Shopify Deleted products → Removed from the section.
Shopify Collection updates → No change in the section. Once created, both section types are product-driven; synced with store products.
Active Catalogs Sections are reusable: any changes update across every catalog that uses them.
Q: Can I manually edit sections even with automated sync?
A: Yes. You can:
Add products manually to both section types.
Remove products from both section types.
Rearrange products by drag-and-drop or numerical order - both section types.
These manual updates apply to the section itself and cascade to all catalogs using that section.
Q: How does automated sync work for Custom Catalogs?
A: Custom Catalogs inherit updates from their assigned sections.
Product edits in Shopify → Flow into sections → Flow into the catalog.
Deleted products in Shopify → Removed automatically.
Draft or archived products in Shopify → Remain visible, flagged accordingly.
Q: Do I need to re-export or re-upload catalogs when products change?
A: No. All catalogs — Whole Store, Sections, and Custom — automatically stay updated with Shopify. Buyers and teams always see current product details.
Q: Will automated sync override my manual edits?
A: No. Manual section edits (adding, removing, or reordering products) are preserved, but product data like title, price, or availability is always updated from Shopify.
👉 Key takeaway: Automated sync eliminates manual catalog maintenance. Whether you’re managing Whole Store Catalogs, reusable Sections, or tailored Custom Catalogs, Active Catalogs keeps all catalogs synced with your Shopify product data.