Hello,
Yes, the color swatches on the shop/product archive page are shown only when the attribute is used as a variation for a variable product. If the attribute “colors” is added only as a simple attribute and not used for variations, the swatches will not appear in the product grid or in the single product page before add to cart button.
Please edit the product and make sure that:
1. The product type is set to Variable product.
2. The “colors” attribute is added under Attributes and the option “Used for variations” is enabled.
3. Then create the variations under the Variations tab using those color values.
After the attribute is used for variations, the color swatches will be able to appear on the shop page.
If you want to display variations directly on the archive pages, please navigate to:
Theme Settings > Shop > Variable products and set the option “Grid swatch attribute to display”.
Once enabled, the color swatches will appear in the product grid: https://postimg.cc/FfxThbRd
Best Regards,