If I Switch to a New Squarespace Template and Then Switch Back, Will My Site Go Back to the Way It Was?

One of the most fun aspects of owning a website is creating a website that fits your brand and portrays your brand. This is a fun, exciting period that you can spend hours doing. From time to time, you might want to change the design so that the design is more aligned with new ideas or industry changes. Or you might be forced to make a change to your website due to a Squarespace template being discontinued.

Switching your Squarespace template is rather easy on the platform. It takes just a few minutes to do or you can spend hours making changes to the template to ensure that it is perfect. If you’re in a rush you might switch the template and then make changes after the new template has gone live. Or you could switch the template, and make some changes in the preview before pushing them to the live site.

Whatever way you do there is always a chance that you don’t like the new look of your website. You might prefer the old design and want to revert to the previous template.

However, you might have some concerns. If you’re worried about your website content. If you switch back does your website look exactly the same as it did before? Here are some things to think about that answer that question.

Content Changes

When you switch back, the content that you’ve added, removed, or altered in the new design will remain the same. This means that when you’ve made a change to the content, you don’t have to redo this work, which could have taken you hours.

There are benefits to this, for one it saves you time. However, if you also preferred the old content, this is lost and you would need to re-enter the old content for it to show up on the template you’ve reverted to.

Design

The design of the website will revert to the old template as you had it before you changed templates. This is an important thing to think about. Content on the template will switch to the most relevant bloc on the design. If there is no block there that supports that element (like video) then you might lose the template.

Header/Footer

The header and footer content is unique and attached to the template. So if you’ve made changes to the header/footer of the new template, they will not be carried to the old template when you switch back. You would need to make those changes again.

Custom CSS

Custom CSS is attached to the template and not the website. Therefore, when you revert to the old website, any new Custom CSS that you’ve entered into the template will be lost on your website.

Understanding the Impact of Template Switching on Squarespace

Switching templates on Squarespace can be a seamless experience, offering a refresh to your website's appearance and functionality. However, reverting to a previously used template after exploring a new design can raise questions regarding the integrity of the website's original state.

This section explores the consequences of such actions, focusing on the preservation of website structure and content in the context of template transitions.

Template Transition: A Closer Look

Switching templates on Squarespace is more than just a cosmetic change; it involves the reorganization of content and design elements to fit new structural paradigms. When deciding to revert to a previously used template, it's essential to understand the scope of changes that persist and those that are reversible.

Layout and Section Configuration

Upon reverting to an original template, the overall layout and section configuration will attempt to mirror their initial states. However, the process is not always straightforward.

The reintegration of content into the old template's structure may encounter discrepancies, especially if the new template introduces layout options or features absent in the original.

This scenario highlights a critical area in Squarespace troubleshooting and issues, where understanding the limitations and capabilities of each template becomes paramount.

Media and Embedded Content

Media elements and embedded content, such as images, videos, and external widgets, generally maintain their placement within the website. Nevertheless, the compatibility of these elements with the old template's design constraints could affect their presentation.

For instance, if the new template supported wider image formats or offered advanced video embedding features not available in the original template, adjustments may be necessary to achieve optimal display.

Style Settings and Customizations

One of the more nuanced aspects of template switching involves style settings and customizations. While Squarespace templates offer a degree of stylistic flexibility, each template comes with its unique set of design options and CSS possibilities.

Consequently, reverting to a previous template might not automatically restore custom style settings and modifications applied during the tenure of the new template. Users may need to reapply these customizations manually, taking into account the original template's design parameters.

Navigational Elements and Site Organization

Navigational elements, including menus and site organization features, should largely revert to their original state. However, any new pages or sections created while using the new template will need to be reconfigured to fit the structural and navigational schema of the old template. This adjustment process may require manual intervention to ensure that the site's navigational integrity and user experience remain intact.

Understanding the Do's and Don'ts of Template Switching on Squarespace

Switching templates on Squarespace can revitalize your website's design and functionality, aligning it more closely with evolving brand strategies or industry trends.

However, transitioning between templates and potentially reverting to a previous choice involves a series of considerations to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of your website.

This guide outlines essential do's and don'ts when navigating these changes, ensuring a smooth transition while preserving your site's core elements.

Do's When Switching Templates

Prepare for Content Reorganization

Before switching templates, anticipate the need for content reorganization. While Squarespace maintains your content's integrity, the way it's displayed can change significantly with a new template.

Preparing for this helps in minimizing disruptions, especially in complex sites with extensive media or custom blocks.

Understanding the content structure of both your current and prospective templates allows for a smoother transition, ensuring that all elements are compatible and visually appealing in the new layout.

Review Media Compatibility

Assess the compatibility of your media elements with the new template. This includes images, videos, and any embedded content that might have specific display or functionality constraints.

Since templates can vary in their media handling capabilities, ensuring that your visuals and interactive content will look and operate as intended in the new template is crucial.

This might involve resizing images, adjusting video embedding codes, or even reconsidering the use of certain media types to align with the new template's design standards.

Customize With Caution

When customizing the new template, proceed with caution, especially with regard to CSS customizations and layout adjustments. It's important to note that any direct modifications to the template's code or deep stylistic changes may not seamlessly revert if you decide to switch back.

Keep track of all customizations made, and consider the potential need to reverse these changes manually. Employing a strategic approach to customization can prevent loss of work and ensure that your site remains consistent with your brand's aesthetic, regardless of template changes.

Don'ts When Switching Templates

Overlook Backup and Documentation

Do not overlook the importance of backing up your site and documenting the current state before making any changes. While Squarespace maintains your content through template transitions, the specific configurations, custom CSS, and integrations with third-party services might not be preserved.

Keeping a record of your site's layout, custom code, and any specific settings used in your current template will facilitate a smoother transition, whether moving forward with a new template or reverting to the previous one.

Ignore Template Limitations

Avoid ignoring the limitations and specific features of both your current and prospective templates. Each template on Squarespace is designed with unique features, layout possibilities, and stylistic nuances.

Not all templates will support every type of content or feature in the same way. It's essential to thoroughly research and understand these limitations to avoid functionality loss or design inconsistencies, ensuring that your site's transition is as seamless as possible.

Rush the Transition Process

Rushing the process of switching templates can lead to overlooked details, misplaced content, and a disjointed user experience. Take the time to preview changes, explore the new template's features thoroughly, and consider the impact on your site's overall design and functionality.

Patience and meticulous planning during the transition process can significantly mitigate the risks of content misalignment, design inconsistencies, and the potential need for extensive revisions after the switch.

By adhering to these do's and don'ts, you can ensure that transitioning to a new Squarespace template—and potentially back again—is a strategic, well-informed process that enhances your website without compromising its integrity or user experience.

Conclusion: If I Switch to a New Squarespace Template and Then Switch Back, Will My Site Go Back to the Way It Was?

When you’re switching back from a new Squarespace template to one you’ve used before, you will lose some information but other content will remain the same. If you do want to switch, it is highly recommended that you back up your website before you start the process.