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How to Manage Image Descriptions

Goal: Add or replace descriptions (labels) for existing product images using cobby formulas and helper columns.

Prerequisites​

  • Excel with cobby installed
  • Products loaded with existing images
  • Understanding of cobby table structure

Add Image Descriptions​

1. Create Helper Column​

  1. Navigate to the Images column
  2. Right-click on the column header
  3. Select Insert to create a new column to the right

2. Preserve Original Image Data​

  1. Select all cells in the Images column
  2. Copy the contents (Ctrl+C)
  3. Paste into the new helper column
  4. Delete the contents from the Images column

This preserves your original image data while preparing for the formula.

3. Insert the Formula​

  1. Click on the first cell in the Images column
  2. Click the fx (Insert Function) button
  3. Select category: cobby
  4. Select function: BILDER.BEZEICHNUNGENERSETZEN (IMAGES.REPLACELABELS)
  5. Click OK

4. Configure Function Parameters​

In the function dialog:

  1. VERWEIS_AUF_BILDER (Reference to Images): Click on the helper column cell (e.g., [@Column1])
  2. BEZEICHNUNG (Label): Select the column to use for labels (e.g., [@[Product Name]])

5. Add Custom Descriptions for Multiple Images​

For products with multiple images, add position-based descriptions:

Formula example:

=BILDER.BEZEICHNUNGENERSETZEN([@Column1];"1:"&[@[Product Name]]&" - Front View";"2:"&[@[Product Name]]&" - Back View")

Breakdown:

  • [@Column1] - References the helper column with original image data
  • "1:" - Position prefix for first image (0-indexed)
  • [@[Product Name]] - Dynamic product name reference
  • " - Front View" - Custom text added to label

6. Apply to All Products​

  1. Select the cell with your formula
  2. Double-click the fill handle at the bottom-right corner
  3. The formula applies to all products in the table
  4. Adjust individual descriptions as needed

7. Save Changes​

  1. Review the updated image descriptions
  2. Click Save products in cobby
  3. Changes sync to Magento

Replace Image Filenames​

1. Create Helper Column​

  1. Navigate to the Images column
  2. Right-click and select Insert

2. Copy Image Data​

  1. Copy all contents from the Images column
  2. Paste into the helper column
  3. Delete contents from the Images column

3. Insert Filename Replace Function​

  1. Click fx button
  2. Select category: cobby
  3. Select function: BILDER.DATEINAMENERSETZEN (IMAGES.REPLACEFILENAMES)
  4. Click OK

4. Configure Parameters​

In the function dialog:

  1. Reference to Images: Select helper column cell
  2. Filename: Select column with new filenames (e.g., [@[Product Name]])

5. Apply and Review​

  1. The formula replaces image filenames
  2. For multiple images per product, all images receive the same base filename
  3. Magento adds numbers automatically (image_1, image_2, etc.)

Note: If multiple images exist, they will all receive the same filename base. Magento automatically appends numbers to differentiate them.

Use Cases​

SEO-Friendly Image Names​

Replace SKU-based filenames with descriptive names:

=BILDER.DATEINAMENERSETZEN([@Helper];[@[Product Name]])

Result: 24-MB04.jpg becomes Blue-Cotton-Shirt.jpg

Position-Specific Descriptions​

Add different descriptions based on image position:

=BILDER.BEZEICHNUNGENERSETZEN([@Helper];
  "0:"&[@[Product Name]]&" - Main Image";
  "1:"&[@[Product Name]]&" - Detail Shot";
  "2:"&[@[Product Name]]&" - Lifestyle Photo")

Brand-Prefixed Descriptions​

Include brand information in image labels:

=BILDER.BEZEICHNUNGENERSETZEN([@Helper];[@Brand]&" - "&[@[Product Name]])

Category-Based Labels​

Add category context to images:

=BILDER.BEZEICHNUNGENERSETZEN([@Helper];[@Category]&" - "&[@[Product Name]]&" - View "&[@Position])

Troubleshooting​

Formula not working
  • Verify helper column contains original image data
  • Check that cell format is General (not Text)
  • Ensure function name matches your Excel language
All images get same description
  • Use position syntax: "0:Label" for individual descriptions
  • Without position prefix, all images receive the same label
Descriptions too long
  • Magento may truncate very long labels
  • Keep descriptions concise and meaningful
  • Consider using abbreviations
Changes not appearing in store
  • Click Save products in cobby
  • Clear Magento cache
  • Check that images are published
Helper column interfering with layout
  • Keep helper column but hide it:
    • Right-click column header
    • Select "Hide"
  • Or delete after verifying formulas work

Best Practices​

Consistent Naming Convention​

Establish a standard format:

  • [Brand] - [Product Name] - [View Type]
  • [Category] / [Product Name] - [Variation]
  • [SKU] - [Description] - [Position]

Use Cell References​

Prefer cell references over hardcoded text:

  • Makes formulas reusable across products
  • Easier to maintain and update
  • Reduces manual typing errors

Test on Sample Products​

Before applying to all products:

  1. Test formula on 2-3 products
  2. Verify descriptions appear correctly
  3. Check Magento frontend display
  4. Then apply to entire product catalog

Document Your Formula​

Add a comment to the formula cell:

  • Right-click cell
  • Select "New Comment"
  • Document what the formula does
  • Helps future maintenance

Preserve Helper Columns​

Keep helper columns in your workbook:

  • Hide them if needed
  • Allows easy updates later
  • Useful for troubleshooting
  • Necessary for formula functionality