Part Number Cross-Reference Setup Guide
A cross-reference table helps customers who search with an old code or supplier identifier. This template separates the searched code from the current part code and explains the relationship. Table Master can search those columns, including identifiers you choose to hide from the default view.
Setup tutorial · Table Master · Updated 2026-09-07 · By Activory
Try the storefront example
Search 00045 to find NEW-145 through the hidden lookup code. Compare the result with the source rows below. The lookup field is searchable while hidden.
These presets are available in Table Master. Changes apply to this example only.
Use these settings in your store
Open your table view, then select Design.
- Table colors → Design template: Ocean blue.
- Cell padding: set Top, Bottom, Left, and Right to 8 px.
- Table style → Text alignment: Left.
- Table style → Rounded corners: Medium (6px).
Save the table view. Check it in your theme. Your theme controls the font and available width.
This example uses Table Master storefront code with sample data and the settings below. Your theme’s fonts and available width can change the result. Example links show their destination; purchase controls use a sample cart. Use the checks below to confirm the finished setup in your store.
Build it in Table Master
- In Table Master, create a database from Google Sheets or a spreadsheet file. Put the headings below in the first row and one record on each following row. Import only public storefront data.
- Create a table view from that database. In Column type, set text identifiers to String. Set measurements and amounts to Number. Keep each unit in its heading.
- Set identifier columns to String. Check leading zeros through spreadsheet and Table Master import.
- Hide Lookup code in Order & visibility and include it under Searchable hidden columns.
- Choose Smart (partial + multi-word) search. Keep Relationship and Status visible; hidden columns are public data, not access control.
- Save and publish the table view. Open the target page template in the theme editor. Add the Table Master app block and choose the table view. Save the theme and test the public page.
Example settings
- The starting design is Ocean blue with 8 px padding, left-aligned text, and Medium (6 px) rounded corners. In Design, choose Ocean blue under Table colors → Design template. Set all four Cell padding values to 8. Under Table style, choose Left for Text alignment and Medium (6px) for Rounded corners. Try the other presets and corner sizes above; Reset example restores this starting design.
- This example uses a standard table with Responsive table enabled and row borders. On phones, use the row control to read columns that do not fit. Use the starting design above before you compare the result.
Sample data and content
Use these values for a test. Replace them with checked product data, published destinations, and offers that your store can supply.
| Lookup code | Current code | Relationship | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLD-001 | NEW-101 | Renamed identifier | Current | Verify against supplier record |
| OLD-002 | NEW-102 | Approved replacement | Current | Check stated revision range |
| SUP-010 | NEW-101 | Supplier alias | Current | Same approved catalog record |
| OLD-003 | NONE | No replacement recorded | Retired | Contact support with model |
| 00045 | NEW-145 | Legacy numeric code | Current | Keep leading zeros as text |
How should a cross-reference describe replacement parts?
A renamed code, a direct replacement, and a possible alternative are different relationships. Record the status explicitly. Preserve leading zeros and punctuation where they distinguish identifiers. Keep an unavailable item in the reference list only when its status and next step remain useful.
- Collect old-to-current relationships from your catalog owner. Add a status and a useful next step for retired codes.
- Set identifier columns to text in your source spreadsheet. Check 00045 before saving and again after Table Master import. Confirm that leading zeros remain part of the code.
- Configure search across lookup and current codes in Table Master. Keep the relationship and note visible beside a match.
- Test both a complete code and the common shortened code used by your customers. Review ambiguous results manually.
Read the Table Master setup guide for the full app controls and placement options.
Check the finished setup
- Search 00045 and confirm that the imported value still has five characters.
- Check that an item with no replacement never links to an arbitrary current product.
- Inspect a renamed code and an approved replacement to ensure the relationship labels remain distinct.
Common mistakes
- Do not describe a suggested alternative as a direct replacement without evidence.
- Do not remove all punctuation from identifiers when it carries meaning in your catalog.
Supported use
These examples contain reference data. They do not create Shopify products, stock, prices, shipping rules, or cart controls. Use the Shopify product import workflow when you need product and variant cart controls. Spreadsheet data changes when you import or sync it. Check the source before you use it as an inventory reference.
Table Master features, current app plans, and Smart filters, hidden-code search, and limits explain the supported setup.
Related tutorials
- Parts Fitment Table Setup Guide
- Replacement Consumables Setup Guide
- Cable Connector Lookup Setup Guide
Browse all Table Master tutorials. Read how the examples are made or report a correction.