Can You Switch Templates in Squarespace?
When you’ve used a particular Squarespace theme for a long time, switching it out can revitalize your site and incentivize you to create fresh new content.
In this guide we’ll show you how to change themes in Squarespace and answer your questions about moving to a brand-new template.
How to Change Themes in Squarespace
Squarespace has nearly 200 professionally designed, mobile responsive templates you can use on your website. You can even use Squarespace Blueprint to build your own custom template using AI!
Whether you can change themes in Squarespace will depend on whether you’re on version 7.0 or version 7.1.
You can tell which version you’re on by going to your website. Under Website, click Pages.
Scroll down to the bottom of the Pages menu and under Utilities, it will display your version.
Squarespace: How to Change Template in Version 7.0
To change templates in version 7.0, go to the Design panel and click Template.
Choose INSTALL NEW TEMPLATE and pick a template you like.
Install new template in version 7.0
Hover over the template and click Start with... This template will now appear in your template panel.
Hover over the thumbnail and click Preview. Here you can look at the different templates in your chosen theme in more detail.
If you want to use this theme, move your pages from the Not linked section to your other navigation areas. You can then start styling the templates to fit your specific needs and add in your content.
When you’re ready to go live, click Set as Live Template and Confirm.
Squarespace: How to Change Template in Version 7.1
Unfortunately you can’t switch Squarespace templates in version 7.1.
This is because while the 7.0 templates were part of different design families with different features, all 7.1 templates are part of the same design family. This means it’s easier to personalize your template to meet your specific needs.
For example, you can add various blocks to your pages, all templates come with a header and footer, and you can easily change your font and theme colors.
What if I Want Something Different?
There are alternatives if you use Squarespace 7.1 and you want to transform your site.
You can buy premium themes from Squarespace designers or hire a design agency to create your own custom template. These designers will access your site and build your new template for you.
(Check out some of our Squarespace template redesigns, before and after!)
The benefit of using a designer is that you get a stunning theme that represents your business and brand, which nobody else will have.
A designer will also work with you to move your existing content to your new template, saving you time and ensuring that every piece of information is accounted for.
5 things to bear in mind when choosing a Squarespace designer
Squarespace: Switching Templates FAQ
No doubt you’ll have lots of additional questions about how to change themes in Squarespace. If so, you’ll find the answers here!
Can I Mix and Match Templates on My Squarespace Site?
No—you can only have one template live on your website at a time.
However, you can customize your individual pages to give them a more distinct look and feel.
If I Switch Templates in Squarespace, Will My Existing Content Move Across Automatically?
No—you’ll need to move your existing content across. This is because 7.0 templates don’t all have the same layout, so you’ll need to adjust your content to suit your new pages.
This means changing templates is a fantastic opportunity for a site audit and cleanup!
Can I Change Back if I Don’t Like My New Template?
Yes. Squarespace will store a copy of your existing template and content, so you can switch back if you want to.
Will Changing Templates Affect My Website’s Ranking in Google?
Possibly. Different templates operate in different ways, which may affect the user experience or how quickly your website loads. Both user experience and page load time can potentially affect your SEO.
If you change Squarespace themes, map out where your existing content will go, test your site thoroughly before you launch, and closely monitor your website rankings afterwards.
How Much Does it Cost to Create a Bespoke Squarespace Theme for My Site?
At Studio Elias, we charge $5,000 for a custom five-page website and $2,500 for a custom one-page website. This cost includes unlimited revisions, basic SEO, an expert content review, and 30 days of post-launch support, so you can make tweaks after you go live.
(And of course, you’ll have a bespoke theme that nobody else will have!)
Ready to Change Themes in Squarespace?
Changing themes in Squarespace can be an easy way to modernize your website and boost your conversion rate. The key is to choose the right template and plan your migration methodically so all your existing content, images, and videos get moved across.
If you use Squarespace and want to change your website template, we’d love to see how we can help. Get in touch today and see why we’re the five-star-rated design agency companies worldwide trust.
