# Variant Management

## How to Create Optional Items

| ### What to do:
| In this example, the structure (identical item) of the variant wildcard is changed to an optional identical item. For this reason you have to complete example Create Structures (identical items) first. However, it is also possible to enter any item in the bill of material as optional item. These changes must be made in BOM management.
| Select Start > Bill of Material > Item Variants.
| Select the variant wildcard ART-1200-V Ornamental Ring (variant).
| Select the tab Identical Items with the left mouse button.
| Select the identical item ART-1201 Protective Cover.
| Select Update from the context menu.
| To change the type click the Type field. This field is colored in yellow and the word Type is written in red.
| Click the button . The selection list is opened.
| Select o = optional item from the context menu.
| Save the entry with the button .