Components
Components are the building blocks of a Shape in Crystallize. They define the fields that editors will see and fill out when creating catalogue items. By combining components, you can model highly structured product data, editorial content, and media-rich experiences.
Components ensure consistency, reusability, and flexibility, no matter if you are managing products, documents, or folders.
Text and Content Components
Single Line
A short text field for concise values.
- Use for: product name, SKU, model number, short labels.
Numeric
Stores numbers, either integer or decimal. Optional units (cm, kg, pcs, etc.) can be defined for clarity.
- Use for: depth in cm, weight in kg, power in Watt, stock levels.
Rich Text
A text editor with formatting support (headings, links, bold, lists, etc.).
- Use for: product descriptions, marketing copy, specifications that need styling.
Paragraph Collection
A repeating section that combines structured fields: title (single line), description (rich text), and media (images or video).
Use for: long-form content, editorial storytelling, blog posts, landing pages.
Media Components
Images
Upload and link images directly.
- Automatically transcoded into responsive sizes and modern formats (Avif, WebP).
- Delivered via the Crystallize CDN for speed and performance.
- Supports multiple images for galleries and carousels.
- Use for: product images, thumbnails, lifestyle photography, banners.
Videos
Upload or embed video content.
- Automatically transcoded into streamable formats for web and mobile.
- Served directly from the Crystallize CDN.
- Use for: product demos, how-to tutorials, promotional campaigns.
File
Upload files for download.
- Use for: manuals, certificates, datasheets, whitepapers, press kits.
Relation Components
Item Relation
Link to another catalogue item. In product shapes, you can also link directly to a product variant (SKU).
- Use for: related products, accessories, brand references, “works well with” links.
Grid Relation
Link to a curated product grid.
Use for: seasonal landing pages, curated collections, campaign highlights.
Utility Components
Selection
Dropdown or multi-select field with predefined options.
- Use for: color, size, material, product tags, category labels.
Switch
A boolean toggle (true/false).
- Use for: availability flags, featured items, sales campaigns, certifications.
Date
Select and store a date, optionally with time.
- Use for: launch dates, preorder windows, expiration dates, event scheduling.
Properties Table
A structured table for key-value attributes.
- Use for: technical specifications, dimensions, nutritional information, material breakdowns.
Location
Stores geolocation data (latitude and longitude).
- Use for: physical store locator, pickup points, product origin, event locations.
Structural Components
Chunk
A repeatable group of components bundled together.
- Use for: structured data like ingredients, specifications, feature lists.
- Lets you define a mini-schema inside a shape.
Choice
Allows selecting one component from a predefined set.
- Use for: polymorphic product data, where a product can be one of many types (e.g. Guitar, Pedal, or Amplifier in the same shape).
Multiple Choice
Lets editors select multiple components from a predefined set.
- Use for: supporting polymorphic combinations (e.g. product with both physical attributes and digital license).
Components Reference Table
Component | Description | Example Use Case |
Single Line | Short text field for concise values. | Product name, SKU, model number |
Numeric | Stores integers or decimals, optional units (cm, kg, pcs, etc.). | Weight in kg, length in cm, power in Watt |
Rich Text | Text editor with formatting support (links, bold, lists, headings). | Product description, marketing copy |
Paragraph Collection | Repeating block with title, description, and media (images/video). | Blog posts, editorial storytelling, campaign content |
Images | Upload images, automatically transcoded into responsive modern formats via CDN. | Product images, galleries, banners |
Videos | Upload or embed videos, automatically transcoded for web and mobile. | Product demo, promotional video, tutorial |
File | Upload files for download. | User manual, datasheet, certificate |
Switch | Boolean toggle (true/false). | Featured product, “Available in store,” certifications |
Date | Select and store a date (optionally with time). | Launch date, preorder availability, expiration date |
Properties Table | Structured key-value pairs in a table format. | Technical specifications, dimensions, nutrition facts |
Location | Stores geolocation (latitude/longitude). | Store locator, pickup points, product origin |
Selection | Dropdown or multi-select field with predefined options. | Color, size, material, product tags |
Item Relation | Link to another catalogue item or product variant (SKU). | Related products, accessories, brand references |
Grid Relation | Link to curated product grids. | Landing pages, seasonal highlights, curated collections |
Chunk | Repeatable group of components bundled together. | Ingredients list, product features |
Choice | Select one component from a predefined set. | Product type: Guitar vs Pedal |
Multiple Choice | Select multiple components from a predefined set. | Product with physical + digital attributes |