Can I Import or Export Style on Squarespace?

Can You Import or Export Styles on Squarespace?

The short answer: only in very specific circumstances on version 7.0. For most Squarespace users on 7.1, there is no built-in way to import or export site styles. Here is what each version supports.

Squarespace 7.0: Tweaks Import/Export (Limited)

Squarespace 7.0 has a Tweaks 2.0 feature that allows importing and exporting style settings as a JSON file. This feature is only available to Squarespace Circle members (the developer and designer community). To use it, go to Design > Site Styles, scroll to the bottom of the panel, and click Export to download your current style tweaks as a JSON file. To import, click Import and upload a JSON file.

There are significant limitations. Imported tweaks only apply correctly to templates within the same template family. Cross-family imports result in only matching tweak names being applied - everything else is ignored. Custom CSS is not included in the export. And if something goes wrong, there is no undo - always export your current tweaks as a backup before importing new ones.

Squarespace 7.1: No Import/Export Feature

Squarespace 7.1 uses a unified design system instead of template families. There is no Tweaks import/export feature. Site Styles changes are made through the visual editor and cannot be exported as a file. This means you cannot directly transfer styles between two 7.1 sites using any built-in tool.

How to Transfer Styles Between Squarespace Sites

Since the built-in options are limited, here are the practical methods for replicating your design on another Squarespace site.

Method 1: Document and Recreate Manually

The most reliable approach. Open Site Styles on your source site and screenshot or write down every setting - fonts, colors, spacing, button styles, header layout, and footer configuration. Then apply the same settings manually on your target site. This is tedious but guarantees accurate results because you are working within each site's native design system. For design guidance, our guide to Squarespace design tips covers the design process from planning through execution.

Method 2: Export and Transfer Custom CSS

If your design relies heavily on Custom CSS, you can copy the CSS code directly between sites. Go to Design > Custom CSS on your source site, copy all the code, and paste it into the same location on your target site. Custom CSS transfers perfectly between sites using the same template (7.0) or between any two 7.1 sites, because 7.1 uses a consistent class structure across all designs. For CSS techniques, our guide to Squarespace custom CSS covers every styling approach.

Method 3: Duplicate the Entire Site

If you want an exact copy of your site including all styles, duplicate the site. Go to Settings > General > scroll to the bottom and click "Duplicate Site." This creates a complete copy with all content, styles, and settings intact. Then modify the content on the duplicate while keeping the design. This is the fastest way to create a second site with identical styling. For managing multiple sites, our guide to multiple sites on Squarespace covers account management.

Method 4: Use a Design System Document

For agencies or businesses managing multiple Squarespace sites, create a brand style guide document that records every design setting: exact hex color codes, font names and sizes, spacing values, button styles, and header/footer configurations. Apply this document to each new site during setup. This ensures consistency without needing to transfer files between sites.

What Can and Cannot Be Transferred

Understanding what is transferable helps you choose the right approach.

Transferable: Custom CSS code (copy-paste), color hex codes, font names, spacing values (as documented settings), Code Injection snippets, and image files (download and re-upload).

Not directly transferable: Site Styles settings (no export on 7.1), section layouts and page structure (must be rebuilt), Fluid Engine block arrangements, header and footer configurations, and template-specific design settings.

Partially transferable (7.0 only): Tweaks JSON files (Circle members only, same template family required).

Using the 7.0 Tweaks Import/Export (Step by Step)

If you are on 7.0 and have Circle membership, here is the exact process.

To export: Go to Design > Site Styles. Scroll to the bottom of the panel. Click Export. A JSON file downloads containing your current tweak settings. Save this file securely.

To import: First, export your current tweaks as a backup (critical - imports overwrite existing settings with no undo). Go to Design > Site Styles. Scroll to the bottom. Click Import. Select the JSON file. The tweaks apply immediately.

Important rules: Only import to a template in the same family as the source. Only tweaks with matching names transfer - mismatched templates result in partial application. Custom CSS is not included in the JSON file. Test on a trial site before importing to a live site. For understanding template differences, our guide on changing templates on Squarespace covers template families and version differences.

Why Squarespace Does Not Offer Full Style Export

Squarespace's design system is tightly integrated with each site's template, layout engine, and content structure. Styles are not just color values and font names - they include section configurations, responsive behaviors, and template-specific features that do not translate cleanly between sites. The platform prioritizes design consistency and reliability over raw portability. This is a deliberate design choice, not a missing feature.

Transfer Your Styles with the Right Approach

Squarespace does not offer a universal style export - but you can transfer your design using Custom CSS, site duplication, or documented style guides. On 7.0 with Circle membership, the Tweaks JSON export covers most settings within the same template family. For everyone else, manual recreation with good documentation is the most reliable path.