supply

supply · Not mentioned by Google

Appears in

HowTo

What is it?

The supply property lists materials that get consumed when completing a how-to task. Supplies are items the reader uses up during the process, like paint, nails, or sandpaper. This distinguishes them from tools, which are used but not consumed.

Why this matters for AEO

When a user asks "what do I need to tile a bathroom floor," AI answer engines pull supply data to generate a shopping list. Structured supply data with names and images gives the AI a clean list to present, rather than forcing it to extract materials from paragraph text.

What the specs say

Schema.org:HowToSupply, Text. A sub-property of instrument. A supply consumed when performing instructions or a direction.

Google: Not mentioned. HowTo rich result has been deprecated by Google as of September 2023. Source

How to find your value

• Recipes — Ingredient lists
• DIY guides — Materials lists at the top of the article
• Craft tutorials — "You will need" sections
• Repair manuals — Parts and consumables lists

Format and code

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "HowTo",
  "name": "Change a Flat Tire",
  "supply": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToSupply",
      "name": "Flares"
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToSupply",
      "name": "Wheel wedges",
      "image": "wheel-wedges.jpg"
    }
  ]
}

Plain text is also valid:

{
  "supply": ["Flares", "Wheel wedges"]
}

Webflow implementation

Static pages

Add supply as an array of HowToSupply objects inside your HowTo JSON-LD block in Page Settings > Custom Code > Footer Code.

CMS template pages

If supplies vary per page, store them in a CMS text field (comma-separated) and split them into HowToSupply objects in a custom code embed.

In Schema HQ

The supply field does not currently generate HowTo markup. Add supply data manually through Webflow custom code.

Real examples

From Schema.org HowTo Example:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "HowTo",
  "name": "Change a Flat Tire",
  "supply": {
    "@type": "HowToSupply",
    "name": "Flares",
    "image": "flares.jpg"
  }
}

Related fields

• tool
• step
• estimatedCost

FAQ

What is the difference between supply and tool?

A supply is consumed during the task (paint, nails, sandpaper). A tool is used but not consumed (hammer, drill, paintbrush). If the item is gone after the task, it is a supply.

Can supply be used inside individual steps?

Yes. supply appears on both HowTo and HowToDirection. You can list supplies at the top-level HowTo for a full materials list, or within specific directions to show which supply each step requires.