Optiontics is a WordPress plugin that extends WooCommerce by allowing store owners to add custom product options, variations, and add-ons. It works as an add-on layer on top of WooCommerce, which means a working WooCommerce store is required for Optiontics to function correctly.
This document explains how to install both the Free and Pro versions of Optiontics, and walks through the correct order of operations so the plugin works properly from the very first activation.
Important Setup Order #
Critical Note: Optiontics is built to extend WooCommerce products. You must first create a product in WooCommerce, and then create the matching options in Optiontics. If options are created before any WooCommerce products exist, the plugin will not be able to attach options to anything and will not work as expected.
Installing Optiontics Free #
The Free version of Optiontics has two prerequisites: WooCommerce must be installed and activated first, and then the Optiontics Free plugin can be installed. Follow the steps below in order.
What You Need #
- WooCommerce plugin (installed from WordPress.org plugin directory).
- Optiontics Free plugin ZIP file (downloaded from the official GitHub release).
Step 1 – Install and Activate WooCommerce #
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard as an administrator.
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- In the search box, type “WooCommerce”.
- Click Install Now on the official WooCommerce plugin (by Automattic).
- After installation completes, click Activate.
- Complete the WooCommerce setup wizard if it appears (store address, currency, payment method, etc.).
| Why this matters: Optiontics depends on WooCommerce. If WooCommerce is not active, Optiontics will not load its features and will show a dependency notice. |
Step 2 — Download Optiontics Free #
Optiontics Free is distributed as a ZIP file from its official GitHub releases page. Download the latest release using the link below.
Download URL: optiontics.zip
Save the ZIP file somewhere convenient on your computer (such as your Downloads folder). Do not unzip the file — WordPress needs the original ZIP for installation.
Step 3 — Install Optiontics Free via WordPress Dashboard #
- Go to Plugins → Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click the Upload Plugin button at the top of the page.
- Click Choose File and select the optiontics.zip file you just downloaded.
- Click Install Now and wait for WordPress to upload and extract the plugin.
- Once installation completes, click Activate Plugin.
Installing Optiontics Pro #
Optiontics Pro is the premium upgrade that adds advanced options, additional field types, and extended functionality. Pro is not a standalone plugin — it works as an extension on top of Optiontics Free. This means three plugins must be active in this exact order: WooCommerce, Optiontics Free, and Optiontics Pro.
What You Need #
- WooCommerce — installed and activated.
- Optiontics Free — installed and activated (see Section 3).
- Optiontics Pro plugin ZIP file (provided after purchase).
- License key for Pro activation (provided after purchase).
Step 1 – Confirm WooCommerce and Optiontics Free Are Active #
Before uploading Pro, go to Plugins → Installed Plugins and confirm that both WooCommerce and Optiontics are listed and active. If either is missing or deactivated, install them first by following Section 3.
Step 2 – Install Optiontics Pro #
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- Click the Upload Plugin button.
- Click Choose File and select the Optiontics Pro ZIP file.
- Click Install Now and wait for the upload to complete.
- Click Activate Plugin once installation finishes.
Step 3 – Activate Your Pro License #
- Navigate to the Optiontics menu in the WordPress sidebar.
- Open the License or Settings tab.
- Paste your license key into the activation field.
- Click Activate License and wait for confirmation.
Correct Workflow — Products First, Options Second #
Optiontics options are designed to be attached to existing WooCommerce products. The correct workflow is to first create the product in WooCommerce, and then create the matching options in Optiontics. Following this order is the single most important step for getting Optiontics to work properly.
Step 1 — Create a WooCommerce Product #
- Go to Products → Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Enter the product title, description, image, and price.
- Choose the product type (Simple, Variable, etc.) under Product Data.
- Click Publish to save the product.
Step 2 — Create an Option in Optiontics #
- Go to Optiontics → Options (or Add New, depending on your version).
- Give the option a clear, descriptive name.
- Choose the field type (e.g., dropdown, radio, checkbox, text, number, color swatch, etc.).
- Add the values, prices, and any conditional logic the option should use.
- Save the option.
Step 3 — Attach the Option to the Product #
- Open the product you created in Step 1.
- Find the Optiontics section inside the product editor.
- Select the option(s) you want to attach to this product.
- Update the product to save your changes.
Step 4 — Test on the Front-End #
Open the product on the public-facing store page. The Optiontics field(s) should appear above or below the Add to Cart button, depending on your theme and Optiontics settings. Test the option by selecting different values and confirming the price updates correctly.
| Common mistake to avoidCreating Optiontics options before any WooCommerce product exists is the most common reason the plugin appears “broken.” The options builder works, but there is nothing to attach options to — so nothing shows up on the front-end. Always create the product first. |
