> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.merchkit.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Channels Work in Merchkit

> Understand how Merchkit channels function as dedicated content generation destinations with their own grid views, attribute sets, and formatting requirements—distinct from your main Products view and Integrations.

# How Channels Work in Merchkit

Channels are where Merchkit generates fully enriched, properly formatted product content for your sales destinations. Think of channels as **specialized content generation destinations**, not just data pipelines.

## Channels vs. Products View

Your **Products view** is your master catalog—it's where you manage your core product information that feeds everything else.

Your **Channels** are separate, dedicated views where Merchkit generates channel-specific content. When you open a channel, you see:

* A **grid view** unique to that channel's requirements
* **Channel-specific attributes** (like Wayfair's packaging dimensions or Amazon's bullet points)
* **Pre-loaded AI prompts** that automatically fill those attributes from your product data
* Channel-specific formatting and requirements

**Example:** Wayfair requires a large number of specific attributes, including detailed packaging measurements, assembly instructions, and category-specific details. Merchkit creates a dedicated Wayfair channel view where you see only those attributes, with pre-configured prompts ready to generate them.

## Channels vs. Integrations

Don't confuse channels with integrations:

* **Integrations** = data pipes. They import data into Merchkit or export data out. They're about connecting systems.
* **Channels** = content generation destinations. They transform your product data into marketplace-specific formats and attributes.

An integration might import inventory from your ERP. A channel generates a complete, formatted feed for Wayfair with all required attributes filled in.

## Types of Channels

Merchkit supports several channel types:

### Traditional Marketplaces

* **Wayfair** — Furniture and home goods with extensive category-specific attributes
* **Walmart** — Retail marketplace with standard product attributes
* **Amazon** — E-commerce with detailed product specifications
* **Shopify** — Your own storefront or connected Shopify stores

### Marketplace Platforms

* **Mirakl** — White-label marketplaces (various branded instances: Mathis, Mine, Rue La La, etc.)
* **Nordstrom Rack** — Luxury goods marketplace

### Specialized Channels

* **Google Merchant** — Google Shopping and feed requirements
* **ChatGPT / GEO** — AI and voice assistant marketplaces (emerging channels)
* **Houzz** — Home and design marketplace

## How Channels Work: The Flow

Here's what happens when you use a channel in Merchkit:

1. **Connect the channel** — Link your account to Wayfair, Walmart, Amazon, etc.
2. **View channel attributes** — Open the channel and see its dedicated grid with all required fields
3. **Generate content** — Select SKUs and use AI to fill channel-specific attributes
4. **Validate** — Check for errors and missing required fields
5. **Export** — Download the channel-formatted data
6. **Submit** — Upload the feed to the marketplace

## Accessing Channels

In your Merchkit sidebar, you'll see a **Channels** section listing all your connected channels with icons. At the bottom is a **+ Add Channel** button to connect new ones.

Clicking a channel name opens its dedicated grid view—a separate URL like `merchkit.com/home/your-workspace/channels/wayfair`.

\[SCREENSHOT: Channels section in sidebar with connected channel icons and "+ Add Channel" button]

## What Makes Channels Powerful

Channels let you:

* **Generate marketplace-ready content** — AI fills channel-specific attributes automatically
* **Manage per-channel requirements** — Each marketplace has different needs; channels handle them separately
* **Maintain consistency** — Your source product data stays clean; channels create formatted copies
* **Optimize for each platform** — Customize channel prompts to match marketplace best practices
* **Scale effortlessly** — Add new channels and regenerate content as you grow

## Next Steps

Ready to add your first channel? Move on to [Adding a Channel](/product/channels-and-content-generation/adding-a-channel) to get started.