FAQs — Compare Catalog Types
Q: What features do all catalogs share?
A: Every catalog, whether Whole Store or Custom, includes:
Professional, pre-set PDF layout for consistent branding
Customizable header: title, subtitle, contact info, promotional message, and internal key
Automated Sync with Shopify
Cloud storage for quick access to your catalog library
Shoppable links that take buyers directly to product pages
Copy Link to share instantly
Open PDF to print or download
Q: What is a Whole Store Catalog?
A: Whole Store Catalogs automatically include all active products from published collections in your Shopify store.
Fully synced with Shopify products and collections (titles, prices, images, SKUs, variants, collection names, rules, and assignments).
Editing is locked to preserve sync.
To customize, you can Convert & Edit the catalog into a Custom Catalog.
👉 Best for: a comprehensive, always-up-to-date product catalog.
Q: What is a Custom Catalog?
A: Custom Catalogs are built from reusable sections that you create and assign. Sections can be:
Collection-based: auto-populated from one or more Shopify collections (each product appears only once, even if assigned to multiple collections).
Product-based: hand-picked products.
Sync applies to product edits only (titles, images, prices, SKUs, variants, state changes).
Offers flexibility: add, remove, or rearrange sections, edit header details, and set unique logos.
👉 Best for: buyer-specific, seasonal, or promotional catalogs.
Q: What’s the difference in editing flexibility?
Whole Store Catalogs: Editing is locked to preserve full product and collection sync. To edit, use Convert & Edit → becomes a Custom Catalog.
Custom Catalogs: Full editing available. You can control sections, headers, and logos.
Q: How do logos work across catalog types?
Whole Store Catalogs: Use the default logo (shown or hidden).
Custom Catalogs: Use default, hide it, or replace it with a unique logo per catalog.
Q: Can I duplicate catalogs?
A: Yes. Both Whole Store and Custom Catalogs can be duplicated.
Duplicated Custom Catalogs also create copies of their assigned sections, which you can edit independently.
Q: How do sharing options compare?
A: Both catalog types support:
Open PDF
Copy Link for instant sharing
Q: Any tips for creating a full catalog without duplicates?
A: Yes. If you want a catalog of all products but don’t want duplicates (when products belong to multiple collections), create a Collection-based section that includes all collections. This ensures every product appears exactly once.
👉 Key takeaway:
Whole Store Catalogs = comprehensive, always synced with products + collections.
Custom Catalogs = flexible, curated, synced with products only.