This question primarily applies to Squarespace 7.0, where switching between named templates (Brine, Bedford, York, etc.) is a distinct action. On Squarespace 7.1, all sites use the same underlying template system, so there is no template switching - you redesign through Site Styles and the editor. Squarespace preserves your content during template switches on every plan. Use coupon code OKDIGITAL10 for 10% off any Squarespace plan.
What Carries Over When You Switch Templates
Page Content
All text content on your pages - headings, paragraphs, lists, and formatted text - transfers to the new template. The words you wrote remain exactly the same. However, the visual presentation (font, size, color, spacing) changes to match the new template's default styling.
Images and Media
Uploaded images, videos, and other media files remain in your Squarespace media library and on your pages. The images themselves do not change - but how they display (size, crop, position, aspect ratio) may differ because the new template has different default image handling.
Blog Posts and Products
All blog posts (including categories, tags, and metadata) and all products (including descriptions, pricing, variants, and inventory) carry over completely. The content is stored in Squarespace's database independently of the template.
Pages and Navigation Structure
Your page hierarchy - main navigation, not-linked pages, and folder structure - transfers to the new template. However, the navigation display (header layout, menu style, dropdown behavior) changes based on the new template's navigation design.
SEO Settings
Meta titles, descriptions, URL slugs, and social sharing images for each page carry over. Your SEO configuration is page-level data, not template-level, so it survives template changes. For SEO verification after switching, our Squarespace SEO guide covers post-change auditing.
What Does NOT Carry Over Perfectly
Visual Layout and Positioning
Each template arranges content blocks differently. A two-column layout in one template may become single-column in another. Image positions may shift. Section spacing changes. After switching, review every page and adjust block positions to match your intended design.
Site Styles Settings
Font choices, color settings, button styles, and spacing values in Site Styles are template-specific on 7.0. Your old Site Styles settings do not transfer - the new template applies its own defaults. You need to reconfigure fonts, colors, and styling in the new template's Site Styles panel. For Site Styles configuration, our guide to Squarespace Site Styles covers settings and troubleshooting.
Custom CSS
Custom CSS that targeted your old template's HTML classes will not work on the new template because class names differ between templates. Your CSS remains in the Custom CSS editor, but the selectors need to be updated to match the new template's HTML structure. For CSS migration, our guide to Squarespace custom CSS covers finding new selectors.
Header and Footer Configuration
Header layout, logo positioning, navigation style, and footer content may need reconfiguration. Different templates handle headers and footers differently - some settings from your old template may not have equivalents in the new one. For header setup, our guide to editing the navigation bar covers configuration on different templates.
Template-Specific Features
Some 7.0 templates have unique features - specific gallery layouts, sidebar configurations, index page styles, or page-level settings - that other templates do not include. If your old template had a feature the new one lacks, that functionality disappears after switching.
How to Prepare for a Template Switch
Document Everything
Before switching: screenshot every page, save your Custom CSS to a text file, document your Site Styles settings (fonts, colors, sizes), save Code Injection contents, and note any template-specific features you rely on. For backup procedures, our guide to backing up your Squarespace site covers complete export methods.
Preview First
On 7.0, use the template preview feature (Design > Template > Preview) to see how your content looks in the new template before committing. This non-destructive preview helps you evaluate whether the switch is worth the reconfiguration effort.
Plan for Reconfiguration Time
Budget time to review and adjust every page after switching. A simple site (5 pages) may take an hour. A complex site (20+ pages with custom CSS) may take a full day. Do not switch templates right before a launch or during a high-traffic period.
After Switching: The Reconfiguration Checklist
1. Configure Site Styles. Set your fonts, colors, button styles, and spacing in the new template's Site Styles panel.
2. Check every page layout. Review block positions, section arrangements, and content flow on every page. Adjust as needed.
3. Reconfigure the header. Set logo, navigation layout, and header behavior for the new template.
4. Update Custom CSS. Inspect elements in the new template to find updated class names. Rewrite your CSS rules with the correct selectors.
5. Test on mobile. The new template's mobile layout differs from the old one. Check every page on a phone. For mobile testing, our guide to Squarespace mobile optimization covers responsive verification.
6. Verify SEO settings. Confirm meta titles, descriptions, and URLs are intact on every page.
7. Test all forms and commerce. Verify contact forms submit correctly and checkout works. For design strategies, our Squarespace design tips guide covers visual consistency after design changes. For template switching details, our guide to changing templates on Squarespace covers the complete process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my content carry over when I switch Squarespace templates?
Will I lose my images when switching Squarespace templates?
Does Custom CSS carry over to a new Squarespace template?
Do Site Styles settings transfer when switching templates?
Will my blog posts survive a template switch?
Does this apply to Squarespace 7.1?
Should I back up before switching Squarespace templates?
Your Content Is Safe - Your Layout Needs Work
Switching Squarespace templates preserves your content - every word, image, blog post, and product carries over. What changes is the visual presentation. Plan for reconfiguration time, document your current design before switching, and review every page after the switch.
The content migration is automatic. The design migration is manual. Budget your time accordingly.
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