Product & Sales template
Ordering Guide Template: Build & Export Free
Break down the part-number structure, options and ordering codes so customers order the right product, then export a print-ready PDF, free to start.
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A live Ordering Guide rendered from this template, and yours opens the same way, in your brand, and exports to a clean PDF.
Overview
What is an ordering guide?
An ordering guide explains how to select and order the correct version of a product: the part-number structure, the configurable options and their codes, package quantities and anything else a customer needs to place the right order. It's the reference that turns a configurable product into an unambiguous part number.
A good ordering guide is a decoder. It breaks the part number into its positions, lists the options available at each one with their codes, and shows a worked example that builds a complete part number from a set of choices. It covers accessories and spares, pack quantities and minimums, and where to order, so an order lands right the first time.
Ordering guides are standard for configurable and catalog products across electronics, industrial and components. They sit alongside the data sheet and specification sheet but do a distinct job: the data sheet sells and the spec sheet details, while the ordering guide is purely about choosing and ordering the right part (more below).
The fields
What to include in an ordering guide
An ordering guide that prevents wrong orders is clear and worked-through. These are the sections buyers expect, and all of them are in the template.
Product family and identity
The product family or series the guide covers, so it's clear what range the ordering logic applies to.
Part-number structure
The part number broken into its positions, with what each position controls: the decoder at the heart of the guide.
Configurable options
The options available at each position, each with its code, so a customer can see the choices.
Ordering codes / matrix
The full ordering matrix or code table that maps choices to the characters in the part number.
Worked example
A complete part number built from a set of choices, so a customer can see the logic in action.
Accessories and spares
Related accessories, spares and consumables with their own order numbers.
Package quantities
Pack sizes, standard pack quantities and any minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Lead times and availability
Standard, configured and made-to-order lead times, and any availability notes.
How and where to order
Where to place the order and the contact or channel details to do it.
Revision and validity
A revision and date, so a customer can confirm the ordering information is current.
Step by step
How to make an ordering guide
Four passes take you from a blank template to an unambiguous ordering reference.
Identify the family
Add the product family or series the guide covers and your brand, so the ordering logic is clearly scoped to the right range.
Break down the part number
Lay out the part-number structure position by position, showing what each position controls. This decoder is the core of the guide.
Lay out options and codes
For each position, list the available options with their codes, and build the full ordering matrix. Add accessories, spares and pack quantities.
Add an example and export
Add a worked example that builds a complete part number, plus lead times and how to order, then export a print-ready PDF.
Which one
Ordering guide vs. data sheet
They often sit together, but do different jobs. One helps a customer choose the right part; the other helps them evaluate the product.
Ordering Guide
A how-to-order reference: the part-number structure, options, codes, pack quantities and a worked example that produce the correct part number.
Use when a customer needs to configure and order the right variant.
Product Data Sheet
A customer-facing overview with the benefits, applications, headline specifications and approvals a buyer needs to evaluate the product.
Use when a customer is evaluating whether the product fits.
See the Product Data Sheet template →Get it right
Common mistakes to avoid
- No part-number decoder, so a customer can't build the right number.
- Options listed without their ordering codes.
- No worked example, so the logic is left for the customer to guess.
- Missing pack quantities or minimum order quantities.
- An ordering guide that no longer matches the current catalog or options.
- No contact or channel for where to actually place the order.
Questions
Frequently asked
What is an ordering guide?
An ordering guide explains how to select and order the correct version of a product: the part-number structure, the configurable options and their codes, package quantities and where to order. It turns a configurable product into an unambiguous part number so orders land right the first time.
What's the difference between an ordering guide and a data sheet?
An ordering guide is purely about choosing and ordering the right variant: the part-number decoder, options and codes. A data sheet is about evaluating the product: its overview, benefits, specifications and approvals. Many configurable products have both.
What is a part-number structure?
A part-number (or ordering-code) structure breaks a configurable product's part number into positions, where each position encodes a choice: size, voltage, connection, option. An ordering guide documents what each position means and the code for each option, so a complete part number describes an exact configuration.
What should an ordering guide include?
The product family, the part-number structure, the configurable options and their codes, a full ordering matrix, a worked example, accessories and spares, package and minimum order quantities, lead times, how and where to order, and a revision. This template includes all of them.
What are ordering codes?
Ordering codes are the characters in a part number that stand for specific options, for example a letter for a connector type or a number for a voltage. An ordering guide's matrix maps each option to its code so the assembled part number specifies exactly which variant to build or ship.
Related templates
Read the guideOrdering guide: helping customers order the right product
An ordering guide turns a range of options into a correct order. Here’s how to build one: part-number logic, configuration options, compatibility, and how to lay it out so customers order the right thing the first time.
Read the guide →Documents that go with a Ordering Guide
Price List
List prices by order code (description, price, pack quantity and lead time) for a range or a distributor's stock, dated and carrying its terms.
Open template →Product Catalog
Presents a broader portfolio or product family in a compact, browsable format: categories, entries with key specs and order codes, and the differentiators that help a reader shortlist.
Open template →Product Selection Guide
Helps users choose the right product or configuration by organizing selection criteria, options, decision points and recommended fits.
Open template →Build your Ordering Guide now
Fill in the fields, apply your brand, and export a clean PDF. Free to start.
Note: This template gives you a structured, professional starting point for an ordering guide. You remain responsible for the accuracy of the part numbers, option codes, quantities and lead times you publish, and for confirming they match your current catalog before you distribute the guide.