What is Datasheet

A datasheet is a document with detailed information about a product, like its dimensions, materials, and technical features. You can think of it as a kind of résumé: it has all the key information a buyer or reseller needs to know about a product, presented professionally (usually as a PDF). They’re especially common in B2B and technical sales, where decision-makers need clear, detailed information to evaluate and compare products.

A brief history

Datasheets were around long before ecommerce. They were originally printed and included in product catalogs, packaging, or technical manuals. When products moved online, datasheets did too, evolving into downloadable PDFs or digital documents.

In industries like manufacturing, electronics, and industrial goods, datasheets remain a go-to resource for resellers, buyers, engineers, and procurement teams who need clear technical specs before making a purchase decision. Today, companies often generate datasheets dynamically using PIM systems or automation tools, which helps keep information consistent and up to date.

Good to know

A datasheet is not marketing content. It’s not meant to sell the product with emotional language or storytelling. Instead, it gives objective, structured data in a standardized format so professionals can make informed decisions quickly.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses datasheets?
Datasheets are most commonly used by resellers, distributors, procurement teams, technical buyers, engineers, and customer support teams. Basically, anyone who needs detailed product information to make decisions or answer questions will benefit from datasheets.
What’s the difference between a datasheet and a sell sheet?
A sell sheet is more marketing-focused. It highlights benefits and use cases to persuade someone to buy. A datasheet is technical: it lists facts, specifications, and certifications to inform and support decision-making.
How are datasheets created?
They can be created manually, but many companies now use PIM systems or document automation tools to pull data from a central source and generate standardized, up-to-date datasheets for multiple products at once.
Are datasheets still relevant in ecommerce?
Yes, datasheets are very relevant, especially in B2B. While consumers rely on product pages and images, B2B buyers often need formal documentation like datasheets to review specifications, compare options, and share with internal stakeholders.
Can you create datasheets with Plytix?
Yes! Plytix lets you create product data sheets automatically. You just create a template with your branding, and then Plytix auto-fills it with product information from your PIM so it’s always up-to-date.