Switching your Squarespace template can be completed for numerous reasons. You might be looking for a new look for your website to match changes within the brand, environment, social factors or just convert more visitors to your website.
When you make changes to your Squarespace website, there are going to be some things that will change automatically because they’re specific to the template files and not to the website files. This includes custom CSS, headers, footers, sidebars and more. However, what will happen to your index page when you switch your Squarespace template? Will it remain where it is or will it disappear? Here are the answers to those questions.
What is the Index Page?
Index pages are there to arrange images and content from different pages in a unique layout. This creates a single destination that allows your website visitors to browse content from numerous sub-pages within one single page.
They’re useful because it can allow you to host more information on a page that can attract the attention of your audience and make it easier for you to sell ideas to them.
However, there are also problems that you need to be aware of. First of all, not all Squarespace templates support Index pages. They’re only available in certain templates and when you make a switch to a template that doesn’t support them, you can lose your index page.
What Happens to the Index Page?
If the new template that you’re using doesn’t support the use of index pages, then the index page is converted into a folder that is stored within the website files program. If you switch to another template in the future that does support index pages, then you can re-use the information within the folder to create a new index page.
Can I Create a New Index Page?
While there are templates that support an index page in some forms, there are ways that you can design a new index page on those templates that support them. All you need to do is to create a new page and then add the content blocks into the page as you would like them to appear.
You can use custom CSS to change the style or make performance improving features on the index page to help you build a better website. This is not a foolproof option and it will take hours to create and more time to maintain it. However, it is a great way to get around the fact that some templates won’t support the index page.
Can I Check Whether a Template Supports Index Pages?
Before you install any new template, it is best practice to check that it supports the features and functions that you want on the website. The same is said for index pages. If you’re unsure, check with Squarespace support to see if they can see whether the template supports index pages.
Final Word: What Will Happen to My Index Page After Switching Squarespace Templates?
If you’re switching templates, there is every chance that you will lose your index page. If this is the case, you can create your own, but this is hours of work. Sometimes it is best to just find a template that has the features you want for your website.
