Add Custom options fields to your listings so buyers can personalize the items they purchase. Personalization lets buyers tell you what they’d like customized, like a name for engraving or a special message.
For the buyer, the fields appear on the listing alongside options like color or quantity. You can see the Custom options information a buyer adds on the Orders page.
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How to add Custom options fields to listings
When creating a listing, use Custom options to define the information you want buyers to provide for personalized or customized orders.
You can add up to 5 fields per listing. Each field should focus on a single detail. A simpler setup—using fewer, well-defined fields—can make it easier for buyers to complete their order and provide what you need.
- Sign in and go to Shop Manager.
- Choose Listings and select a listing you want to add personalization to.
- Under Item options, go to Custom options and select Add field.
- Select the field type you want to add and enter the requested information.
- Select Text box to collect information like names, dates, quotes.
- Select List of options to create a list of choices to select from, like fonts and thread colors.
- Select File upload to collect images and files from buyers.
- Check or uncheck This field is required.
- Choose Done.
- Sign in and go to Listings.
- Select the listing you want to add personalization to.
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Select Custom options, then the field type you want to add and enter the requested information.
- Select Text box to collect information like names, dates, quotes.
- Select List of options to create a list of choices to select from, like fonts and thread colors.
- Select File upload to collect images and files from buyers.
- Check or uncheck This field is required.
- Choose Done.
To edit a field, select Edit. To delete individual fields, select Delete.
- Go to Listings.
- Check the box next to each listing you’d like to edit.
- Go to Editing Options.
- Choose Change Custom options.
- Add or edit your fields, then select Apply.
If you enable File upload personalization, content that is submitted by buyers must comply with Etsy’s Buyer Policy. If you’re concerned about a submission, contact Support.
What to include in Custom options instructions
Clear instructions help buyers provide the details you need to complete their order. When creating fields:
- Use clear titles that describe what buyers should provide.
- Request one detail per field whenever possible.
- Explain how or where the personalization will appear on the item.
- Provide an example when helpful.
- Include limits, such as character counts or file requirements.
Use this table to decide which field type(s) works best for your listing:
| Custom option type | Use when buyers need to | Common uses |
| Text box | Enter custom text | Names, dates, messages |
| List of options | Choose from predefined selections | Font styles, colors |
| File upload | Upload images or files | Pet photos, logos |
Use a Text box when buyers need to add custom text, like names, dates, or short messages.
Include:
- A specific field title that describes what to enter (avoid generic titles like “Personalization”)
- Instructions explaining how or where the text will appear
- A character limit (1–1024), based on your design
- Whether the field is required or optional for buyers to complete
Examples of clear, informational Text box fields for a personalized birthday card:
- Title: Name
Instructions: Enter the name you want to appear on the front of the card [Example: Clifton] - Title: Age
Instructions: Enter the number you want to appear on the front of the card [Example: 80] - Title: Message for inside (optional)
Instructions: Enter the text you would like to appear on the inside of the card
Use a List of options when buyers choose from predefined selections like font styles, design variations, or materials.
You can include up to 30 options. Keeping your list shorter (for example, 10 or fewer options) can make it easier for buyers to choose and complete their purchase.
Include:
- A field title describing the selection
- One detail per option
- A logical ordering, if options follow a sequence
- Whether the field is required or optional for buyers to complete
Examples of clear, informational List of options fields for a monogrammed sweatshirt:
- Title: Font style (see examples in photo)
Options: Font 1, Font 2, Font 3, etc. - Title: Text color
Options: Black, White, Blue, Red
Use a File upload field when buyers need to upload files, like photos, logos, or artwork.
You can add one upload field per listing. Buyers can upload up to 10 files, with a maximum size of 100 MB per file. Supported file types are .jpg, .png, .svg, .heic, and .pdf.
Include:
- A specific field title describing what to upload
- The number of files
- Labels, as needed, to identify different files when requesting multiple uploads
- Instructions explaining what the file should show
- Whether the field is required or optional for buyers to complete
Use labels when you need buyers to upload different files for specific purposes (for example, “Front of item” and “Back of item”). Labels help clarify what each file should show. If you don’t need different types of files, you can leave labels off and have buyers upload all files together in one place.
The required or optional setting applies to the entire file upload field, not individual labels.
If the field is marked as required, buyers must upload a file for each label before they can check out.
Example of clear, informational File upload field for a locket:
- Title: Pet photos
Number of files allowed: 2
Label 1: Left side of locket
Label 2: Right side of locket
Instructions: Upload clear, well-lit photos of your pet.
How to set add-on pricing for Text box fields
You can set add-on pricing for optional Text box fields. This lets you charge buyers for text-based customizations, such as embroidery, engraving, or custom messages.
For example, if you offer embroidered names on a sweater, you can create an optional Custom options field and charge an additional $5 when a buyer enters a name.
If you use variations to charge for text-based customizations, consider switching to an optional Custom options field with add-on pricing instead. This lets buyers enter personalization details and see the add-on price in one place.
How to set an add-on price for a Text box field
Add-on pricing is only supported for optional, text-based Custom options fields. Setup and management are available on Etsy.com. Add-on prices are displayed in your shop currency automatically.
- Go to Shop Manager and select Listings. Select the listing you want to update.
- Under Item options, go to Custom options.
- Select Add field, then Text box, or edit an existing text box.
- Mark the field as optional, then enter a price in the Add-on price field.
- Publish your changes.
To remove an add-on price, enter $0 in the Add-on price field and publish your changes.
Pricing requirements
Add-on prices must:
- Be between $0.20 USD and $500 USD equivalent, based on your listing currency
- Be entered as a numeric value
How buyers see add-on pricing
When a buyer selects a field with add-on pricing, the add-on price is automatically added to the item price. Buyers see the updated total before checkout. The total, including the add-on price, also appears in buyer receipts and order details, as well as seller order details and order management views.
How to photograph personalized listings
Listing images help buyers understand and choose personalization options. Use clear, well-organized visuals to guide buyers through their choices.
Whenever possible, show real, finished items so buyers know what to expect. You may include examples of similar personalized items you’ve previously made, especially to demonstrate options like colors or styles. Be sure to note in your description that these are examples.
You can include mockups or digital images in additional listing photos to show personalization options. Make sure text is easy to read, with strong contrast and clear fonts.
For personalized commercial items (such as engraved or monogrammed products), your primary image must show a finished, personalized item similar to the final product. Do not use blank product images or mockups with placeholder text (ex. “Your Text Here”) as the main image. See Listing Image Requirements for more information.
Displaying personalization options in images
When displaying personalization options in images:
- Clearly label each personalization option shown in your images
- Make sure image labels match the options available in your fields
- Consider dedicating one image per field so buyers can easily compare choices
- Ensure text in images has strong contrast and uses an easy-to-read font
When to offer personalizations, variations, or custom listings
Personalization (in Custom options)
- Buyers enter custom text or information.
- The input doesn’t impact your product inventory levels.
- The input contains personalized details for made-to-order items.
Examples of personalization include a name to be engraved, a custom message on a card, and a preferred font or embroidery thread color for a personalized clothing item.
- Get a buyer’s phone number: If you need a buyer’s phone number for shipping purposes, contact them via Messages.
- Prompt a buyer to acknowledge they are ordering a digital item: Etsy has taken several steps to address buyer confusion around digital items. Items are marked as Digital Download underneath each digital listing on search results pages, and in the Item details on the listing page. On the Etsy app, buyers see Instant Download on the listing image.
Variation
- Buyers choose from a set list of variants of the base item.
- Each option affects inventory, price or SKU.
- Stock is tracked for each variation.
Examples of variations include size, base item color, and material of a clothing item.
Custom listing
You can offer custom listings in your shop by enabling custom order requests. If a buyer requests a custom item, you can convert their request to a custom listing.
- Buyers submit a request for a one-of-a-kind item based on their specific vision or preferences.
- The item is for a particular buyer only, so the listing is private and created directly from the original Custom Request Message thread.
Examples of custom listings include a unique sculpture commissioned by a buyer, and a welcome sign for a wedding created to meet a buyer’s specific vision for aesthetic, materials, and more.