Shopify part number and SKU search tables

Help shoppers find the correct row with a SKU, model code, supplier number, or alternate identifier.

Reviewed August 12, 2026.

What is a Shopify part-number search table?

A Shopify part-number search table lets shoppers find a catalog row by SKU, model code, supplier number, or another identifier. Table Master searches inside the embedded table. It can include up to 10 hidden columns in search, so an alternate code can help find a row without appearing in the visible result. Its multi-word partial search checks the supplied search words, which helps when customers enter only part of a product name or code. This works well for replacement parts, technical catalogs, service lists, and repeat-order pages built from Shopify products, Excel, CSV, XLS, or Google Sheets. It is not a replacement for Shopify storefront search or collection filtering. The search only works inside the published Table Master table. Use clear identifiers, keep alternate codes in separate columns, and test common customer terms before publication. The result can then show the fields and cart control that the shopper needs.

Why do merchants need partial SKU search?

A Shopify merchant described partial SKU searches that no longer returned the expected products in Shopify storefront search. This is one direct example of the problem. It does not show total merchant demand.

A dedicated table can give a known group of products or parts its own search rules. The merchant can also keep alternate identifiers searchable without showing every operational code to shoppers.

How does Table Master search work?

Table Master searches the published table data. It supports:

• Search inside visible table columns.
• Search inside up to 10 hidden columns.
• Partial matching across as many as three words.
• Product data imported from Shopify.
• Data imported from Excel, CSV, XLS, or Google Sheets.

A hidden column can store an alternate SKU, old part number, supplier code, or common customer term. A match can return the row while the hidden value stays out of the visible table.

What does Table Master search not do?

The search works only inside the embedded Table Master table. It does not change Shopify storefront search, collection filtering, or predictive search. It also does not search the full store unless the full set of relevant rows is in that table.

How should I prepare part-number data?

• Put each identifier type in a separate column.
• Keep punctuation and spacing consistent.
• Add old codes or supplier codes to hidden searchable columns.
• Test short fragments and the common terms that customers use.
• Show only the result fields that help the shopper confirm the correct item.

If the data starts in a file, use the spreadsheet table planning guide to clean the rows before import.

How do I configure table search and filters?

Read the smart filters and product-page auto-filter guide for the search, hidden-column, and filtering controls.