How to Setup WooCommerce Catalog Mode Without Plugin – 4 Proven Methods

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One feature often sought after by store owners aiming for a simple shopping experience, is Catalog Mode.

Imagine presenting your products attractively while disabling the cart and checkout functionalities—ideal for showcasing products without immediate purchase options.

In this guide, you will learn how to setup WooCommerce Catalog Mode without plugin.

Woocommerce Catalog Mode Without Plugin – Introduction

Use woocommerce as catalog only transforms your online store into a product showcase.

It disables the add-to-cart functionality, emphasizing browsing over buying.

This mode is useful for businesses looking to influence purchasing decisions without facilitating immediate transactions.

How to Enable WooCommerce Catalog Mode Without Plugin

Transitioning your WooCommerce store into Catalog Mode doesn’t necessarily require a plugin.

Here’s how you can achieve it:

Step 1: Theme Modifications

Choose a WooCommerce-compatible theme that supports Catalog Mode or allows for customization without plugins.

Ensure the theme provides options to disable add-to-cart buttons and checkout functionalities.

Step 2: Disable Cart and Checkout

Navigate to WooCommerce settings and disable the cart and checkout options.

This approach prevents customers from adding products to their carts or completing purchases directly.

Step 3: Adjust Product Visibility

Utilize WooCommerce settings to manage product visibility.

Ensure products are listed and displayed prominently while disabling any links or buttons that initiate the purchase process.

Step 4: Modify Product Pages

Customize product pages to emphasize product details, images, and descriptions.

Encourage customers to inquire or request more information through prominent call-to-action buttons or forms.

Setting Up WooCommerce Product Catalog Mode Enquiry Form with Theme Modification

Select a theme that supports WooCommerce and allows for customization without relying heavily on plugins.

Step 1: Install and Activate Your Chosen Theme

Navigate to your WordPress dashboard:

Go to Appearance > Themes.

Click on Add New.

Upload and activate your chosen WooCommerce-compatible theme.

Step 2: Enable WooCommerce Catalog Mode

Now, let’s enable Catalog Mode in WooCommerce:

Go to WooCommerce > Settings.

Click on the Products tab.

Select the Catalog option under Product Catalog.

Step 3: Disable Add-to-Cart Functionality

To disable add-to-cart buttons and checkout functionalities:

In the same Products tab under Catalog, uncheck the options for Enable AJAX add to cart buttons on archives and

Redirect to the cart page after successful addition.

Step 4: Modify Theme Files for Enquiry Form Integration

Depending on your theme, you might need to modify template files. Here’s a general approach:

Child Theme

If using a child theme, navigate to your child theme directory.

Theme Files

Locate the template file responsible for displaying product pages (e.g., single-product.php).

Add Enquiry Form

Insert a custom enquiry form code snippet where you want it to appear on the product page. Ensure the form includes fields like name, email, message, and possibly product ID or name.

Step 5: Customize the Enquiry Form

Customize the form fields and styling to match your theme and brand:

Use HTML and CSS to style the form so that it integrates with the product page layout.

Consider using plugins like Contact Form 7 or WPForms to create and manage the enquiry form if your theme doesn’t provide built-in support.

Step 6: Update and Save Changes

After making modifications:

Save changes to your theme files.

Update the child theme or main theme as required.

How to Make WooCommerce Catalog Mode With Disable Cart and Checkout

Now, let’s enable Catalog Mode to showcase products without the option to add them to the cart:

Go to WooCommerce > Settings from your WordPress dashboard.

Click on the Products tab.

Under the General sub-tab, find the Shop pages section.

Step 1: Configure Product Catalog Settings

Adjust settings to disable cart and checkout functionalities:

Catalog visibility options

Choose ‘Hidden’ to hide prices and ‘Catalog’ to disable the cart functionality.

Default Add to Cart Behavior

Set to ‘No Redirect’ or ‘Stay on the same page’ to prevent redirection to the cart after adding a product.

Step 2: Modify Product Display Settings

Customize how products are displayed:

Product Catalog Layout

Depending on your theme, adjust the product display to emphasize browsing rather than purchasing.

Hide Price

Disable product prices if your theme supports it or using additional customization.

Step 3: Remove Add-to-Cart Buttons

If necessary, modify theme files or use built-in options to remove add-to-cart buttons:

Access your theme files through FTP or the WordPress editor.

Locate template files responsible for displaying product pages (e.g., single-product.php).

Remove or comment out the add-to-cart button code snippets.

Step 4: Disable Checkout Functionality

Make sure that customers cannot proceed to checkout:

Go back to WooCommerce > Settings.

Navigate to the Checkout tab.

Disable guest checkout or any payment options to prevent customers from completing purchases.

Advantages of Using WooCommerce Catalog Mode Without Plugin Free

Highlight products without distractions. Ideal for Bulk orders or B2B Businesses.

Capture customer interest before commitment.

Tailor the browsing experience to suit customer needs.

WooCommerce Catalog Mode Without Plugin – Conclusion

By following the above steps, you can implement WooCommerce Catalog Mode by modifying product pages to disable cart and checkout functionalities.

This approach allows you to transform your online store into a product showcase while purchasing process for a more focused browsing experience.

Whether you’re showcasing new arrivals or highlighting seasonal collections, Catalog Mode offers versatility and control over your e-commerce packages.

Use WooCommerce As Catalog Only – FAQs

How do I customize my WooCommerce checkout page without plugins for free?

Yes, you can enable Catalog Mode without purchasing additional plugins by utilizing WooCommerce’s built-in settings and compatible themes.

How to use WooCommerce as catalog only with plugins?

To use WooCommerce as a catalog only with plugins, install a catalog mode plugin like “WooCommerce Catalog Mode” or “YITH WooCommerce Catalog Mode.”

These plugins allow you to hide prices, disable cart functionality, and showcase products without enabling checkout options.

How to make WooCommerce catalog mode with disable cart and checkout after the migration from Shopify?

After migrating from Shopify to WooCommerce, enable Catalog Mode by adjusting product visibility settings in WooCommerce.

Disable cart and checkout functionalities through WooCommerce settings to transform your store into a product showcase without allowing direct purchases.

How do I handle inquiries in Catalog Mode?

Integrate enquiry forms or contact options on product pages to encourage customer engagement and queries.

Is Catalog Mode suitable for all types of products?

Catalog Mode is versatile and suitable for various products, from the fashion industry to energy and beyond.