How to Change Squarespace Templates: Step-by-Step Guide

Feb 10

If your Squarespace site feels outdated or no longer fits your brand, switching templates can be a game-changer. Whether you’re looking to improve functionality, refresh your design, or align with your evolving business needs, changing your template can give your website a major boost. However, before jumping into a template switch, it’s important to understand how the process works in both Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1. Not sure which template is right for you? Check out our guide to finding the perfect Squarespace template before you make the switch. In this guide, we'll walk you through each step and share tips to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.

Understanding Template Switching

What to Expect When Switching Templates

Before switching, keep in mind:

Squarespace 7.0 allows you to install multiple templates and switch between them easily.
Squarespace 7.1 does not support traditional template switching; instead, all sites share the same underlying structure, and design changes are made using style settings.
Content may not transfer seamlessly, meaning you may need to manually move pages, reformat layouts, and adjust design elements after switching.
Some blocks and features may not be available in different templates, requiring adjustments to maintain functionalit

Special Pages and Considerations

Some pages and features in Squarespace require special attention when switching templates:

Index Pages (7.0 only): These structured pages may not transfer properly to a new template.
Blog and Product Pages: Layouts can change significantly when switching.
Custom Code: If your site has custom CSS or JavaScript, you may need to adjust or reapply it if you want to maintain the customizations from the old site on the new site.

Preparing to Switch Templates

Prepare for Layout Changes

When switching templates, layouts may shift unexpectedly. Review your existing layout and note which sections are critical for your site’s design. If using Squarespace 7.1, you’ll be working within the same system, so styling options will be your main focus.

Backup Your Content

Before making any changes, ensure you have a backup of your site content. While Squarespace does not offer an automatic backup feature, you can manually save content by:

Copying and pasting text into a document.
Downloading images and media files.
Taking screenshots of page layouts for reference.
Exporting blog content if needed.

Understanding the Costs of Squarespace

Before committing to a template switch, it’s important to understand how Squarespace pricing works—especially if you’re starting fresh with a new site. Get a complete breakdown of Squarespace’s costs in our pricing guide to ensure you choose the right plan for your needs.

Ok so you’ve been on Squarespace for a while and you understand the costs. However, maybe you just recently renewed your subscription for another year and want to move it over to your new site. Is there a way to do that natively? Unfortunately, no. However, Squarespace is really great about providing prorated refunds when moving a subscription from one website/template to another. Follow the below instructions on how to get your prorated refund:

Starting New Subscription & Cancelling Old Subscription:

Subscribe to Plan on New Website/Template

Purchase one of our templates. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive an invite to your new website.
Accept the invite, and your new site will appear in your Squarespace dashboard.
In your Squarespace Dashboard, click your Station Seven template website.
Click the Settings Icon (bottom left corner).
Go to Billing > Subscriptions > Website > Subscribe.
Select a plan and complete your purchase.

Cancel Plan on Old Website/Template

In your Dashboard, click your old website.
Click the Settings Icon (bottom left corner).
Go to Billing > Subscriptions > Website > Cancel Subscription.

Request a Prorated Refund

Send the following email to customercare@squarespace.com with the subject line "Request for Prorated Refund":

"Hello Squarespace Support,
I recently canceled the subscription for my old Squarespace website (insert site name) and transferred the domain to my new site (insert new site name and domain), which is now active with a paid plan. I'd like to request a prorated refund for the unused time on my old site’s subscription, as I understand this is something you offer when an active subscription exists on another site. Thank you!"

Switching Templates in Squarespace 7.0 & 7.1

Squarespace 7.0: Switching Templates

If you’re currently on Squarespace 7.0 and considering an upgrade, switching templates could be the perfect time to make the move to 7.1. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about transferring from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1 to help you decide. If you're using Squarespace 7.0, you can install multiple templates and switch between them. This allows you to preview different designs and select the one that best fits your needs. When you switch templates, your content remains intact, though some page structures may shift depending on the new template’s layout.

To switch a template in Squarespace 7.0:

Navigate to Design in your dashboard.
Select Template and choose Install New Template.
Preview the new template before activating it.
Once satisfied, set it as your live template and adjust your styles and layout as needed.

Squarespace 7.1: Customizing Instead of Switching

In Squarespace 7.1, template switching is not possible in the traditional sense. Instead, all sites in 7.1 share a unified structure, and design changes are made through the style settings. If you want a dramatically different look, you have two main options:

Customize Your Existing Site – Use Squarespace’s Style Editor to modify fonts, colors, spacing, and layouts to achieve a new design without switching templates.
Start a Brand New Site – If you want to work from a different starting point, you’ll need to create a new site and manually transfer your content.

Options for Transitioning to a New Look

If you’re making major design changes, whether in 7.0 or 7.1, here are some strategies to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Use an Under Construction Page

If you don’t want visitors to see your in-progress design, consider setting up a temporary Under Construction page. This keeps your main site active while you work on the new design behind the scenes.

2. Enable a Sitewide Password

Another way to work on a redesign privately is by setting a password for your entire site. This ensures that only those with the password can view your website while changes are being made.

3. Start a New Site (Required for Switching from 7.0 to 7.1)

Since there is no direct way to upgrade a Squarespace 7.0 site to 7.1, the only option is to build a new site manually in 7.1. You’ll need to copy over your content and settings manually.

Squarespace Circle Members get an extended 6-month trial period to build their new site before launching.
Non-Circle Members have a standard 14-day trial before they need to subscribe.

Installing and Customizing a New Template

Step 1 - Install a New Template

If you're using Squarespace 7.0, you can install a new template and apply it to your site:

Go to Design > Template. This section houses all available templates for your site.
Browse the available templates. Consider your website’s needs, such as portfolio layouts, eCommerce support, or blog-friendly designs.
Click Install Template. This adds the new template to your site but does not immediately make it active.
Set it as your primary template. Once activated, the template will override your current design, but your content will remain intact (though it may need reformatting).

Step 2 - Preview the Template

Before committing to a new template, take advantage of preview mode:

Ensure all essential pages display correctly.
Check mobile responsiveness to see how the template adjusts on different screen sizes.
Click through different sections to test navigation, buttons, and interactive elements.
Identify elements that may need reformatting due to the new template’s layout.

Step 3 - Move Your Pages

Not all pages transfer seamlessly to a new template. Follow these steps to maintain a smooth transition:

Recreate key layouts if your new template does not support previous structures (e.g., Index Pages in 7.0).
Rebuild any missing sections using Squarespace’s drag-and-drop editor (called Fluid Engine).
Update navigation menus to ensure links lead to the correct pages.
Check buttons and internal links to avoid broken navigation.

Step 4 - Style the Template

After installing your new template, customize it to match your brand:

Adjust fonts and typography under the Design > Fonts panel.
Update colors and backgrounds to align with your branding.
Modify section layouts by adding or removing blocks, adjusting column spacing, and tweaking paddings/margins.
Customize buttons and calls-to-action to enhance usability.

Step 5 - Publish the Template

Once satisfied with your new design:

Perform a final site-wide check to catch formatting errors.
Preview on desktop and mobile to ensure consistent design.
Check SEO settings and metadata to maintain search rankings.
Publish your new design and monitor user engagement for any necessary tweaks.

Managing Templates

Uninstalling an Unused Template

If you've experimented with a new template but decided to revert, you can uninstall it in Squarespace 7.0:

Navigate to Design > Template.
Select the template you want to delete.
Click Uninstall and confirm the removal.

Note: Uninstalling a template does not delete content but may affect site styling.

Reinstalling a Template for Troubleshooting

If your site encounters design issues, reinstalling your current template can reset it to default settings:

Navigate to Design > Template.
Select your active template and choose Reset Defaults.
This will revert any custom styling but keep your content intact.

Managing Multiple Templates (Squarespace 7.0)

Squarespace 7.0 allows multiple templates to be installed at once, which is useful for testing different designs:

Preview templates before applying them to avoid unnecessary changes.
Use alternate templates for seasonal promotions (e.g., a holiday-themed homepage).
Save template customizations by noting settings before switching back.

In Squarespace 7.1, template switching is not available, so changes must be made within the existing framework.

Additional Design Tips

Enhancing your website’s design goes beyond just switching templates. Here are some key design and SEO tips to help you make the most of your Squarespace site:

1. Focus on the 5 Essential Website Elements

A well-designed website needs more than just a great template—it should also have clear navigation, compelling visuals, strong calls-to-action, mobile responsiveness, and optimized page speed. These elements ensure a seamless user experience and keep visitors engaged. Learn more in our blog post: 5 Essential Elements Every Website Must Have.

2. Optimize for SEO from the Start

Switching templates is a great time to review and improve your SEO settings. Be sure to:

Update page titles and descriptions
Optimize images for faster loading speeds
Use structured headings (H1, H2, etc.) for readability and SEO ranking
Ensure URLs remain consistent to avoid broken links

For a more in-depth guide, check out our post: Top 10 Squarespace SEO Tips to Improve Your Search Results.

3. Use Custom CSS for Extra Design Flexibility

If you want to fine-tune the appearance of your site beyond built-in Squarespace settings, CSS can help. Simple tweaks like adjusting spacing, creating hover effects, or changing button styles can give your site a more polished look. Be sure to test any custom code across devices to maintain a cohesive design.

4. Maintain a Consistent Brand Aesthetic

When changing templates, ensure that fonts, colors, and imagery remain aligned with your brand identity. This helps maintain recognition and trust with your audience. If needed, create a brand style guide to reference as you customize your new template.

5. Keep Your Content Readable and Accessible

Good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about usability. Use legible fonts, sufficient contrast, and clear call-to-action buttons to guide users through your site effortlessly. Accessibility should always be a priority to ensure all visitors can engage with your content effectively.

By implementing these design tips, you’ll create a visually appealing, user-friendly, and SEO-optimized website—no matter which Squarespace template you choose.

Final Thoughts

Switching Squarespace templates can be a game-changer for your website, whether you're refreshing your design, improving functionality, or realigning with your brand’s evolution. While the process requires time and effort, understanding how it works ensures a smoother transition.

Before making the switch, take time to back up your content, test your new design, and adjust settings to maintain consistency in branding, SEO, and user experience. If you're moving from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1, be prepared for manual content migration, and consider how features or integrations may differ between platforms.

Remember, this is also an opportunity to refine your site—not just replicate your old one. Take advantage of this fresh start to improve your site’s structure, optimize navigation, and enhance user experience.

Ready to Switch? Find the Perfect Template to Get Started

Now that you know how to change your Squarespace template, it’s time to find the right one for your site. You can explore Squarespace’s free template offerings or choose from our premium, professionally designed Squarespace templates at Station Seven—crafted to help you launch with confidence and ease.

Browse our collection below to find the perfect fit for your business!

Templates