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How to Change Template on Squarespace in 2026

Last Updated: Mar 30 2026 • By David
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Changing your Squarespace template feels like a big decision - and on version 7.0 it is, because switching templates means redesigning your site. On 7.1, it is much simpler because all templates share the same features. Template changes on Squarespace work differently depending on your version. On 7.1, you customize the same base with different starting designs. On 7.0, templates have unique features that do not transfer when you switch.

Changing your Squarespace template means updating your site's visual design foundation - layout, default styling, and section structure. Whether you are unhappy with your current look, rebranding, or want access to a different layout starting point, this guide covers how template changes work on both Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1, what to expect during the process, and how to minimize disruption.

How to Change Template on Squarespace in 2026

The process and implications of changing templates differ significantly between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1. On 7.1, it is a design refresh. On 7.0, it is essentially rebuilding your site. Understanding which version you are on is the first step. For version identification, our guide to checking your Squarespace version covers how to determine which version your site uses. Squarespace includes all templates free on every plan. Use coupon code OKDIGITAL10 for 10% off any Squarespace plan.

Changing Templates on Squarespace 7.1

How It Works

On Squarespace 7.1, all sites share the same feature set regardless of which template you started with. The "template" is really a starting design - a pre-configured set of fonts, colors, layouts, and section styles. You can change any of these through Site Styles and the page editor without switching templates.

To change your 7.1 site's appearance, you do not switch templates - you redesign using Site Styles (Design > Site Styles). Change your fonts, colors, button styles, header layout, and section designs. The Fluid Engine gives you complete control over page layouts. Every visual aspect is customizable without changing the underlying template.

Starting Fresh on 7.1

If you want a completely different starting point, create a new 7.1 site with a different template starting design and rebuild your content. This is a more drastic approach but gives you a clean slate. Your existing site remains untouched - you build the new one separately and switch your domain when ready.

Changing Templates on Squarespace 7.0

How It Works

On Squarespace 7.0, templates are distinct - each has unique features, layout options, and design controls. Switching templates on 7.0 is a significant change that affects your site's structure and appearance. Some templates have features others do not, so switching may mean losing functionality you currently use.

Preview Before Switching

Squarespace 7.0 lets you preview other templates before committing. Go to Design > Template and browse available templates. Click Preview to see how your content looks in a different template. This is a non-destructive preview - your live site does not change until you click Install.

What Transfers and What Does Not

Transfers: Pages, blog posts, products, images, and text content carry over to the new template.

May not transfer: Custom CSS (selectors change between templates), template-specific page layouts, header configurations, sidebar arrangements, and some block positioning. After switching, you need to review every page and adjust the layout.

Steps to Change a 7.0 Template

1. Back up your Custom CSS - copy it to a text file. 2. Screenshot your current design for reference. 3. Go to Design > Template. 4. Browse and preview templates. 5. Click Install on your chosen template. 6. Review every page and adjust layouts, header settings, and navigation. 7. Update your Custom CSS for the new template's selectors. 8. Test on desktop and mobile.

Before Changing Your Template

Back Up Everything

Before any template change: save your Custom CSS to a text file, save your Code Injection contents, screenshot your current design (every page), export your site content, and document your current Site Styles settings (colors, fonts, sizes). For backup procedures, our guide to backing up your Squarespace site covers every export method.

Consider Alternatives to Switching

Before switching templates, ask whether Custom CSS and Site Styles changes could achieve the look you want without switching. On 7.1, you can transform any template into virtually any design through styling alone. On 7.0, some visual changes are achievable with CSS even if the template's settings do not expose them. For CSS techniques, our guide to Squarespace custom CSS covers visual transformations.

Redesigning Without Changing Templates

Site Styles Overhaul

A fresh color palette, new font pairing, and updated button styles can make your site feel completely new without changing the template. Go to Design > Site Styles and update every visual setting. This is the fastest, lowest-risk way to refresh your site's appearance. For design strategies, our Squarespace design tips guide covers color, typography, and visual hierarchy.

Section-by-Section Rebuild

Instead of switching templates, rebuild your pages section by section within your current template. Delete old sections and create new ones with fresh layouts using the Fluid Engine (7.1). This preserves your domain, SEO, and blog content while giving you a completely new visual experience.

Custom CSS Refresh

Replace your existing Custom CSS with a new set of rules that change the visual feel - different hover effects, new spacing values, updated font sizes, and fresh button styling. A comprehensive CSS refresh can transform your site's personality without touching the template or content structure. For CSS implementation, our guide to adding custom CSS to Squarespace covers every technique.

After Changing Your Template

Review Every Page

After a template change, check every page on your site. Layouts may have shifted. Images may display differently. Navigation structure may need reconfiguring. Go through each page systematically and adjust block positions, section settings, and content formatting.

Update Custom CSS

Your old Custom CSS selectors likely do not match the new template's HTML structure. Either rewrite your CSS using the new template's selectors (found through browser DevTools) or start fresh with new CSS rules that target the new template correctly.

Test on Mobile

The new template's mobile layout may differ from your previous one. Check every page on an actual phone. Verify navigation works, images display properly, and text is readable. For mobile optimization, our guide to Squarespace mobile optimization covers responsive testing.

Check SEO Settings

Template changes should not affect your SEO metadata (titles, descriptions, URLs), but verify everything is intact. Check that page URLs have not changed - if they have, set up 301 redirects. For SEO verification, our Squarespace SEO guide covers post-change SEO auditing. For redirects, our guide to 301 redirects on Squarespace covers URL mapping.

Common Template Change Mistakes

Not backing up CSS before switching. Your Custom CSS disappears or stops working after a template change. Always save it to a text file first.

Switching templates to fix a small issue. If you only want to change one thing (header layout, font options, gallery style), try CSS or Site Styles first. A template switch to fix a minor issue creates more work than it solves.

Not reviewing all pages after switching. Content may shift, images may crop differently, and navigation may break. Review every page - not just the homepage.

Switching on a live site during business hours. Template changes can temporarily affect your site's appearance. Make changes during low-traffic periods. For broader site management, our guide to customizing your Squarespace website covers safe update practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my Squarespace template?

On 7.1, you do not switch templates - redesign using Site Styles, the Fluid Engine, and Custom CSS. On 7.0, go to Design > Template, preview available templates, and click Install. Review every page after switching.

Will I lose my content if I change Squarespace templates?

No. Pages, blog posts, products, and images carry over. However, page layouts, Custom CSS, header configurations, and template-specific features may need to be reconfigured after the switch.

Can I preview a Squarespace template before switching?

On 7.0, yes - go to Design > Template and click Preview on any template. On 7.1, all templates share the same features, so you customize your existing site's design through Site Styles rather than switching templates.

Is changing templates different on Squarespace 7.0 vs 7.1?

Yes, significantly. On 7.1, all templates share the same features - you redesign through Site Styles. On 7.0, templates have unique features and switching means adapting your site to a different template structure.

Will changing templates affect my SEO?

Template changes should not affect your SEO metadata or URLs. However, if page structures change, verify all URLs still work and set up 301 redirects for any that changed. Check meta titles and descriptions after switching.

Can I go back to my old Squarespace template?

On 7.0, you can switch back to a previously installed template. Your content transfers back, but you may need to reconfigure layouts again. On 7.1, there is no template switching - you redesign the same site.

Should I change templates or redesign with CSS?

Try CSS and Site Styles first - they are lower risk and faster. Change templates only if the visual change you need is impossible with your current template's structure. On 7.1, template switching is rarely necessary.

Change Your Design, Not Your Foundation

On Squarespace 7.1, you rarely need to change templates - Site Styles, the Fluid Engine, and Custom CSS give you complete visual control. On 7.0, template changes are more significant and require careful planning. Either way, back up your CSS, review every page after changes, and test on mobile.

The best approach is usually a redesign within your current template rather than a template switch. It is lower risk, preserves your SEO, and keeps your content intact.

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