How to Add a Custom Text Field (Engraving) to a Shopify Product Page

Last verified: October 20, 2026. Shopify limits and app plan details are linked to their sources. Disclosure: Webiots develops Ultimate Product Options, the app used in the setup steps.

In this guide

• How custom text fields work on Shopify
• Method 1: Add a text field with code
• Method 2: Add a text field with an app
• Code vs app comparison
• Best practices for engraving fields
• Where to find the customer’s text
• The bottom line
• FAQ

How Do Custom Text Fields Work on Shopify?

Shopify saves custom text as a “line item property”: a name and value attached to that product in the cart and order. For example, “Engraving: Happy 10th, Sam”. Shopify’s documentation says these inputs must use the name format properties[Name] and must sit inside the product form (Shopify Dev Docs).

Method 1: Add a Custom Text Field With Code

Add one input with the name properties[Engraving] to your product form, then test that it appears in the cart. This is free but needs comfort with theme code. Always duplicate your theme first.

1. In Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes, open the menu on your live theme and choose Duplicate.
2. On the copy, choose Edit code and find the file that contains your product form (often in the sections or snippets folder; search for form 'product').
3. Paste this inside the form, above the Add to Cart button:

<label for="engraving">Engraving (max 20 characters)</label>
<input type="text" id="engraving" name="properties[Engraving]" maxlength="20">

4. Save, preview the copied theme, add the product to the cart, and check that “Engraving” shows with the text.
5. Place a test order and confirm the text appears on the order in admin.

Method 2: Add a Custom Text Field With an App

A product options app adds text fields from a dashboard, with limits, prices and rules, and saves the text to the order automatically. Here is the process in Ultimate Product Options, which Webiots develops:

1. Install Ultimate Product Options from the Shopify App Store.
2. Create an option set and add a text field option called “Engraving”.
3. Set a character limit and mark it as required if every order needs it.
4. Optional: add a price, such as +$8 for engraving (add-on pricing is on the free plan).
5. Optional (Basic plan and above): add a checkbox “Add engraving” and use conditional logic so the text box only appears when it’s ticked.
6. Assign the option set to your products and add the app block in the theme editor if prompted.
7. Place a test order on mobile and check the text in the cart, checkout and order.

Code vs App: Which Should You Use?

Choose code for one free, simple field. Choose an app if you want to charge for personalization, use it on many products, or offer fonts and rules.

Best Practices for Engraving and Personalization Fields

• Set a character limit that matches what fits on the product, and show it in the label.
• Explain the rules under the field: “Letters and numbers only. We engrave exactly as typed.”
• Make it required only when the product can’t be made without it.
• Offer a font choice as swatches if you have more than one style.
• Charge for it clearly: show “+$8” next to the option so the cart total isn’t a surprise. See how to charge extra for product options.
• Allow extra production time and show it near the field.

Where Do You Find the Customer’s Text?

The text appears under the product on the order in Shopify admin (Orders, then open the order). It also shows in the cart and at checkout, unless the property name starts with an underscore, which hides it from customers at checkout (Shopify Dev Docs).

If the text is missing from the cart or order, the field is usually outside the product form or blocked by a cart drawer script. Our guide on product options not showing in the cart walks through the fixes. If you send orders to a warehouse or print partner, see how to structure line item properties for 3PL and ERP sync.

The Bottom Line

For one simple text field, a few lines of theme code inside the product form will do. If you want to charge for personalization, show the field only when needed, or use it across many products, a product options app saves time and survives theme changes. Whichever you choose, place a test order and check the text in the order admin.

Want to try it on your own products? Install Ultimate Product Options free or learn more about the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a custom text box to Shopify without an app?

Yes. Add an input named properties[YourFieldName] inside the product form in your theme code. It’s free but won’t add prices or show/hide rules without more code.

Why is my engraving text not showing in the order?

Usually because the input is outside the product form, so it isn’t sent when the shopper clicks Add to Cart. Move it inside the form and test again.

How do I charge extra for engraving on Shopify?

Use a product options app with add-on pricing, create an engraving variant, or add a separate engraving product. Each method has trade-offs for stock and reporting.

Can I limit the number of characters?

Yes. Use the maxlength attribute in code, or set a character limit in your options app.

Related Reading

• How to Add More Than 3 Options to a Shopify Product
• How to Let Customers Upload a File on Your Shopify Product Page
• Accessible, Mobile-First Configurator UX
• BFCM 2026 for Personalized and Custom Product Stores

Update Log

October 20, 2026: First published. Shopify limits and app plan details checked against the sources below.

Sources

• Shopify Dev Docs: Product template and line item properties
• Shopify Dev Docs: line_item properties
• Shopify Community: Not receiving customers’ engraving text in their orders
• Ultimate Product Options on the Shopify App Store