Build the category structure

Build the category structure

In this article, we'll share information about the Alphonso category tree and take you through the step-by-step process of creating your category page. 

The synchronized category structure automatically pulls the category tree from BigCommerce. In Alphonso, you can then design and configure the category page by adding image banners, reordering categories, and choosing which categories and subcategories you want to present in the app. 

1. About synchronized category tree

Overview of configuration possibilities:
  1. Automatically fetch the category tree from BigCommerce. Showing the level 1 and level 2 categories on the Categories page. Subsequent levels are shown in a category scroller on product listing pages.
  2. Change the order of the level 1 categories.
  3. Show or hide inactive subcategories. With this feature, you can create app-exclusive categories to create app-only offering or offer early access compared to the website. 
  4. Change the user interface and style of your category structure.

2. How to design the category page

Step 1: Go to Design > Categories > Use category tree.

Step 2: Build a category structure using category tree.
  1. Select the categories, then click Apply. You can choose subcategories and hidden categories.
  2. To rearrange the order, drag your categories.
  3. To delete a category tree, hover over it and click Delete.
Step 3: Design the layout.
You can make changes to the spacer, category name, and category banner.
  1. Change the height and color of the spacer.
    1. Input a number into the spacer height text field.
    2. Enter the color code in the text field or click on the color box.
  2. For further settings, hover over a category, and then click Design

With the various settings options, you can create three different layout styles. Define the layout you want to design and adjust the relevant settings accordingly.

Layout styles

Actions

Simple layout

  1. By default, there is no spacer among categories.
  1. Edit top category names if you wish.
Simple layout with spacer


  1. Specify spacers by changing height and color.
  1. Edit top category names if you wish.
Banner layout


  1. Specify spacers by changing height and color.
  1. Edit top category names if you wish.
  1. Show top category names.
  1. Show category banners.
  1. Use default banners or upload your own banners.
    1. Default banners pulled from the BigCommerce backend have a fixed height of 250 px, while uploaded banners adjust their height based on the banner size.

Design tip: You can incorporate the category name into your banner design to have full control over font choice, size, and positioning.
Step 4: To finish, click Save draft in the bottom right corner. 
Please note that saving a draft affects only the design page, allowing you to make further changes. To make the current design available to all mobile users, click Publish to Mobile.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to us at customer.success@jmango360.com!



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