How to Get and Render Metafield Type File from a Shopify Metaobject

Understanding File Metafields in Shopify Metaobjects

Shopify allows merchants and developers to store additional structured data using metafields. Metaobjects, a more advanced type of metafield, enable the storage of reusable and structured content across a Shopify store. One common use case is storing file references such as PDFs, images, or other downloadable assets within a metaobject.

However, retrieving the correct file URL from a file-type metafield within a Shopify metaobject can be tricky. By default, accessing the .value of a file-type metafield may return GenericFileDrop, which does not provide a usable file URL. This issue occurs because the file metafield stores a reference rather than a direct URL.

This guide will show you the correct way to get and render file URLs from metafields in Shopify metaobjects.

The Issue: file_url Returns GenericFileDrop

When working with file-type metafields in Shopify metaobjects, you may encounter an issue where entry.resource_one.value returns GenericFileDrop. This indicates that the metafield is storing a file reference and needs to be accessed differently.

The Correct Fix: Use .value.url for File Metafields

Shopify metaobject file metafields store an object, not just a string. To retrieve the actual file URL, use .value.url instead of file_url.

Updated Code:

{% assign marketing_entries = shop.metaobjects.marketing_new_resource.values %}

{% if marketing_entries != blank %}
    <ul>
        {% for entry in marketing_entries %}
            <li><strong>Name:</strong> {{ entry.name.value }}</li>
            
            {% if entry.resource_one.value %}
                <li><strong>Resource One:</strong> 
                    <a href="{{ entry.resource_one.value.url }}" target="_blank">Download File</a>
                </li>
            {% endif %}
        {% endfor %}
    </ul>
{% else %}
    <p>No entries found for this metaobject.</p>
{% endif %}

When Should file_url Be Used?

While file_url does not work for file-type metafields within metaobjects, it is still useful in other areas of Shopify. You should use file_url when dealing with:

• Standard file metafields (not inside metaobjects) stored under settings_files or product metafields.
• Manually uploaded files via Shopify’s admin panel, stored under files in the Shopify dashboard.
• Theme assets or files that are uploaded as part of a theme’s assets folder.

Example of Using file_url Correctly:

{{ shop.metafields.global.manual_pdf | file_url }}

This will correctly generate a downloadable link for a global metafield file.

Explanation of Fix

File Metafields Do Not Return URLs Directly

• entry.resource_one.value returns an object reference, not a direct URL.
• Incorrect: entry.resource_one.value | file_url (This does not work for metaobject file fields.)
• Correct: entry.resource_one.value.url (This properly retrieves the actual file URL.)

Why This Works

• Shopify metaobject file fields store an object rather than a simple string.
• The .url property of that object contains the correct Shopify CDN file link.

Debugging: Check the Raw Metafield Data

If the fix does not work, debug the response using:

<pre>{{ entry.resource_one.value | json }}</pre>

Example JSON Output

{
  "url": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0000/0001/files/your-file.pdf?v=123456"
}

If you see this structure, then entry.resource_one.value.url is the correct way to access the file URL.

If It Still Shows GenericFileDrop

• Ensure that resource_one is correctly set as a file-type metafield in the Shopify Admin.
• Re-upload the file in the metaobject settings.

🚀 Final Fix Summary

✅ Use .value.url for file-type metafields inside metaobjects. ✅ Debug the JSON output to verify the actual structure. ✅ Ensure the file was uploaded correctly in Shopify’s metaobject settings.

Try this fix and confirm whether the file URL is correctly rendered! 🚀