Just a brief run down on how attributes work in Zencart.
Note: I am going to be using a website that has multiple option name and values for the following examples. The website is Tastycravings.net which sales Gourmet Chocolates.
You have an Option Name Manager, an Option value Manager and then the Attribute Controller. All these are located in the catalog drop down in the admin area.

The option name would be things like the following
Dark
White
Milk
Plain
These are the name of the drop down selection menu.
Option Values are the attributes associated with the option name.
1lb
1/4lb
1/2lb
3oz
7oz
Please Select (This option value is something I always attach to each option name)
When a customer goes to dark chocolate pretzels they see a drop down that says Dark, when they click the drop down, they are presented with options associated with the option name. (You can click the dark chocolate pretzel link to visually see how it is laid out.)
When you go to the attribute controller and click on Dark Chocolate Pretzels, you will see at the top left of the option values the name of the option set, in this case it will say Dark.

In this example, when you click edit on the right hand side for an option value, you will see all the option values associated with only the Assorted Option Name. If you want to add an option value to the list, just mouse over the catalog menu (see previous screen shot) and click on Option Value Manager. When it comes up, you will see a drop down where you select the option name, then a place to type in the option value. (And yes a blank option name is a valid option, in fact a lot of option values on this website are set to a blank option name)
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How to use the Attribute Controller once you have setup Option Names and Option Values
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If you have any questions or comments, I will respond to them as soon as I can. Hope this guide helped to clear up the attributes in Zencart.



Its Very Informative. Helpful for me. Thanks for Share.:)
can you change the price on the attributes in bulk or does it have to be one at a time?
2nd. once you create a series of attributes and prices, can you then “copy” that to other items in the store?
3rd it is possible within the checkbox option to create limitations — such as “choose 3″ from a list of 12
and then the “buyer” can only select 3 boxes?
Hello daniel, give me a day or so to reply. There is a lot of questions and I may make a separate post for them.
1. Unfortunately, a basic installation can not bulk edit prices. But ez populate puffin can do it for.
2. Yes u can under the option value and name manager.
I have an attribute set up with 100′s of values associated with it. How can I remove all the values without going into each individual product? Thanks.
I have not looked into removing all values for a product. I prefer to not use massive amounts of attributes unless I really need to for a website. This works best for using google base and other feeder mods.
PS. sorry about the delay, took a long weekend to move.