> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dishink.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Modifiers & Ingredient Links

> Link modifier options to ingredients so add-ons deduct stock instantly. Three views: Menu Categories, Modifier Groups, Links.

## Overview

Modifiers are the add-ons a customer picks with a menu item: extra cheese, no onions, large size. On their own they add price. When linked to **ingredients**, they also deduct stock automatically — so an "Extra Cheese" modifier drops your cheese stock every time it's ordered.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dishink/images/inventory/modifier-links.png" alt="Modifier links view showing options linked to ingredients" />
</Frame>

## The three views

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Menu Categories" icon="list">
    Browse by category. See which items expose which modifier groups.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Modifier Groups" icon="layer-group">
    Manage groups (Sides, Size, Extras) and their options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Links" icon="link">
    Audit view: every modifier option and the ingredient(s) it deducts.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Linking a modifier to an ingredient

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Inventory → Modifiers">
    Switch to the **Modifier Groups** view.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick a group and option">
    E.g. Group "Extras" → Option "Extra Cheese".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add ingredient link">
    Click **Add ingredient**. Select ingredient (Cheddar), enter quantity (30g), confirm unit.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set deduct_quantity">
    Almost always **true**. Set to false only when the modifier changes price but not stock (e.g. "No cheese").
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    The link is active. Selling this modifier will now deduct 30g of Cheddar per order.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## `deduct_quantity` semantics

| Value              | Effect                                             |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **true** (default) | Modifier deducts its linked ingredient(s) on sale. |
| **false**          | Modifier price applies but stock is unchanged.     |

<Note>
  Negative modifiers ("No onions", "Sauce on side") normally set `deduct_quantity=false` because they change preparation but don't remove ingredients from stock — the recipe already deducted onions.
</Note>

## Multi-ingredient modifiers

A single modifier can link to multiple ingredients. E.g. "Family Upgrade" adds 2 chicken pieces, 200g chips, and 1 drink. Every sale deducts all three.

## Tips

* Audit the **Links view** monthly — modifiers get added, but links often forgotten.
* Match modifier units to ingredient units (ingredient in kg → modifier in kg or g via conversion).
* Test after linking: place a test order with the modifier, check [Adjustments](/inventory/adjustments) for the auto-deduction.
* Use modifier groups for **size upgrades** so quantity scales linearly.

## Common mistakes

* **No ingredient link.** Modifier priced but stock unaffected — quietly loses margin visibility.
* **`deduct_quantity=true` on a negative modifier.** Removes ingredients that were never added.
* **Double-counting via recipe and modifier.** If a burger recipe already includes cheese and "Extra Cheese" also links to cheese, you deduct twice — which is correct. But confirm the intent.
* **Wrong unit.** Ingredient in kg, modifier in g without converting — severe over-deduction.

## Related pages

* [Recipes](/inventory/recipes)
* [Ingredients](/inventory/ingredients)
* [Stock Levels](/inventory/stock-levels)
* [Menu Items](/menu/items)