How to Import Products from Shopify to WooCommerce (The Easy Way)
It is widely known that e-commerce comes from e-business, and store owners are migrating sequentially from Shopify to WooCommerce. Using WooCommerce to run an online shop provides unmatched flexibility, whether it is to get rid of subscription fees or have absolute control over the store.
When switching platforms, the most prominent challenge that arises is data migration, especially when it comes to importing Shopify products to WooCommerce and retaining essential product information.
The good news? This process has never been easier or safer, thanks to the official Shopify to WooCommerce importer plugin.
In this blog, we will explain how to import Shopify products to WooCommerce, step-by-step using the WooCommerce Shopify Importer plugin, highlight key benefits, and share advice for an effortless migration.
Why Migrate from Shopify to WooCommerce?
Before looking at specific actions that need to be taken, let us consider the primary reasons why the change is so appealing to merchants:
- Economic: Merchant’s overhead expenses decline because they do not incur licensing fees. The only cost is hosting and any additional features needed.
- Versatility and adaptability: Premium plugins and themes can make WooCommerce suitable for nearly any company.
- Complete data control: Your data and its usage are not chained like other SaaS models Shopify comes with.
- Extensive integration possibilities: The number of integrations WooCommerce has with CRMs, email systems, and payment processors is boundless.
Meet the Official Shopify to WooCommerce Importer Plugin
In order to simplify the process, the FMEAddons plugin called Migrate & Import Shopify to WooCommerce has been designed for that purpose. It is free for use and allows you to:
- Migrate all data relevant to a Shopify product, including the title, description, images, price, variants, inventory, and product tags.
- Maintain Categories and Metadata upon Import.
- Avoid any manual processes involving CSV exports and imports.
Step-by-Step: How to Import Shopify Products to WooCommerce
Step 1: Set Up Your WooCommerce Store
Before you begin the import process, make sure your WooCommerce store is ready:
- Install WordPress on your hosting server.
- Install the WooCommerce plugin and go through the setup wizard.
- Choose a theme, configure payment gateways, and shipping zones.
This sets the stage to import products from Shopify to WooCommerce smoothly.
Step 2: Install the Shopify to WooCommerce Plugin
Here’s how to get the plugin:
- Go to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Migrate & Import Shopify to WooCommerce or go to the official plugin page.
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
Once installed, the plugin will appear under Tools > Import in your dashboard.
Step 3: Export Your Shopify Store Data
To transfer Shopify to WooCommerce, you’ll first need to export your Shopify store’s data.
Here’s how:
- Log in to your Shopify Admin Dashboard.
- Navigate to Apps > Develop apps.
- Click Create an App and give it a name.
- Under API credentials, you’ll be able to generate an Admin API access token.
- Grant read permissions to Products, Product Variants, and Inventory.
- Save the API token and store it securely. (You’ll need this in the next step.)
Alternatively, if you have a small store, you can use Shopify’s CSV export under Products > Export.
But the plugin works best when connected via the API token—it allows for full product data to be migrated accurately.
Step 4: Connect Your Shopify Store with WooCommerce
Now, go back to your WooCommerce dashboard.
- Navigate to Tools > Import.
- Find Shopify in the list and click Run Importer.
- You’ll be prompted to enter your Shopify store URL and the API token you generated.
- Click Connect.
The plugin will now begin retrieving your Shopify product catalog.
Step 5: Choose What to Import
After connecting, the plugin will give you the option to:
- Import all products
- Select specific categories or product types
- Include images, metadata, and tags
- Map product categories from Shopify to existing or new WooCommerce categories
For a full migration, select all options and click Start Import.
Step 6: Let the Migration Complete
Depending on the size of your Shopify store, the import process may take a few minutes to complete.
You’ll see a progress bar and a summary of:
- Products imported
- Images downloaded
- Variants and stock levels synced
When it’s done, you’ll see a confirmation message.
What Data Is Migrated from Shopify to WooCommerce?
Here’s a breakdown of the product data the plugin imports:
| Data Type | Imported? |
| Product Titles | ✅ |
| Descriptions | ✅ |
| Prices | ✅ |
| Sale Prices | ✅ |
| Product Categories | ✅ |
| Product Tags | ✅ |
| Product Images | ✅ |
| Inventory Quantities | ✅ |
| Product Variants | ✅ |
| SKU Numbers | ✅ |
| SEO Meta (if available) | ✅ |
This comprehensive approach ensures you migrate products from Shopify to WooCommerce without having to re-enter any data manually.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Shopify to WooCommerce Product Import
Here is a list of some things to remember in the process:
1. Don’t Forget to Backup Your Shopify Store
Before migrating anything, make sure you back up your Shopify data manually by performing a CSV export. We recommend this as a failsafe measure in case anything goes wrong.
2. Remove Unused Old Products
To optimize your WooCommerce catalog after migration, delete old and unused products in your Shopify store prior to migrating.
3. Test On A Staging Site Before Migrating
To avoid crashing your live site, run a test migration on a WooCommerce staging site.
4. Check for Image Filters After Import
Sometimes images are of varying sizes or types which can lead to certain images not being recognized. Ensure all your product images on WooCommerce are displayed properly.
5. Redirect Outdated URLs
Shopify product URLs need to be changed to WooCommerce ones. Ensure you set 301 redirects if you wish to retain SEO ranking.
Benefits of Using the Official WooCommerce Import from Shopify Plugin
The most straightforward and safe option for migrating WooCommerce to Shopify is by using a specialized plugin. Here’s the reasoning:
- No technical skills necessary, user-friendly layout and step-by-step setup guides.
- Data accuracy—all details are moved, from tags to product variations.
- Saves time—no manual entry of products and no need for CSV file upload templates.
- Safety—uses Shopify’s API to fetch data, and access permissions are granted
Final Thoughts
Moving your e-commerce site may seem intimidating, but with the right resources, it can be accomplished effortlessly. The hassle-free transfer of products from Shopify to WooCommerce is made simple through the Shopify to WooCommerce importer plugin.
Regardless of whether you want more control and customization or simply wish to reduce platform fees, WooCommerce serves as a powerful hub for your online business.
