Target+ creates the color swatches on your product pages itself. This FAQ explains how swatches are made, how to fix one that looks wrong, and why swatches sometimes turn into a filmstrip.
What are color swatches?
Color swatches are the small color tiles shoppers click to switch between the colors of a product on Target+.
For variation families with a Color or Size & Color variation theme, Target+ automatically creates a swatch for each variant by sampling the center of that variant's primary (main) image.
Good to know: You do not need to provide a separate swatch image. Acenda sends only your main and alternate images to Target+, so an image set to the swatch type in Acenda (or imported in a swatch image column) has no effect on Target+.
Why does a swatch look different from the product's color?
Target+ samples the center of the variant's primary image. If the center of that image shows a background, packaging, a shadow, or a secondary color in a print, the swatch shows that color instead of the product's main color.
If several variants use the same primary image (for example, every color shows the purple version), they will all get the same swatch.
How do I fix an inaccurate color swatch?
Swatches can't be edited in Acenda. Start by improving the variant's primary image. If the swatch still looks wrong, ask Target+ to correct it.
Option 1: Update the variant's primary image
Go to CATALOG > Items.
Find the variant (the child item, not the parent).
Click the eye icon.
Scroll to Media and click the pencil icon on the Details tab.
Drag the image that best shows the product's color into the first position. The first image is always the main image. You can also upload a new image cropped so the product's color fills the center.
Click the save icon.
Tip: Acenda sends the updated images to Target+ automatically, usually within a day. Target+ may not regenerate the swatch on its own, so if the swatch hasn't changed after Target+ shows your new image, use Option 2. To change images for many items at once, see How to bulk update product images. For image size and format requirements, see What is Acenda's image optimization and DAM specification?.
Option 2: Ask Target+ to correct the swatch
Compile a list of the affected items (TCINs or SKUs) and the color each swatch should show.
Open a case with Target+ in the Target+ Partner Portal.
Enter Swatch Update Needed as the case subject.
Include your list of items, the correct color for each, and screenshots of the incorrect swatches.
The Target+ team reviews the items and updates the swatches. Target+ controls how long this takes.
Why did my color swatches or size tiles change to a filmstrip?
Target+ may automatically switch swatches or size tiles to a filmstrip display when a variation family has approximately six or more variants. Target+ controls this display, and no changes are needed in Acenda.
To learn how variation families are built and how many variants Target+ allows, see How to manage variant groupings on Target+ and What is the maximum number of product variants on Target+?
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Can I upload my own swatch image? No. Acenda sends only your main and alternate images to Target+, so an image set to the swatch type in Acenda has no effect on Target+.
Why does a swatch show the wrong color? Target+ samples the center of the variant's primary image. Move an image that shows the product's color in the center into the first position.
Can I edit a swatch in Acenda? No. Improve the variant's primary image, or open a case in the Target+ Partner Portal with the subject Swatch Update Needed.
Why hasn't the swatch changed after I updated the image? Target+ may not regenerate the swatch on its own. If Target+ shows your new image but the swatch is unchanged, ask Target+ to correct it.
Why did my swatches turn into a filmstrip? Target+ may switch to a filmstrip display when a variation family has about six or more variants. Target+ controls this, and no change is needed in Acenda.
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Still have questions? Contact Acenda Support.
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