How to Switch Templates in Squarespace 7.0: A Complete Guide

How to Switch Templates in Squarespace 7.0: A Complete Guide

By Michael Thompson

December 2, 2024 at 05:49 PM

Template switching in version 7.0 allows you to change your website's design while preserving content. Here's how to do it effectively:

What Happens When You Switch Templates

Content that stays the same:

  • Pages and their content
  • Blog posts
  • Gallery images
  • Products
  • Events
  • Site logo/title
  • SEO settings
  • Custom code
  • Album tracks

Content that changes:

  • Site styles (fonts, colors)
  • Navigation link order
  • Sidebar content
  • Footer content
  • Page headers/footers
  • Background images
  • Demo content

How to Switch Templates

  1. Prepare for Layout Changes
  • Review template compatibility for features like sidebars, banners, and background images
  • Check if your desired template supports index pages and footers
  1. Install New Template
  • Go to Design panel > Template
  • Click "Install New Template"
  • Browse and select desired template
  • Click "Start with"

Set as Live Template button

Set as Live Template button

  1. Preview and Customize
  • Click Preview on the new template
  • Move pages from Unlinked section to main navigation
  • Adjust template styling (fonts, colors, backgrounds)
  • Test layout and functionality
  1. Publish Template
  • Click "Set as Active Template" in bottom bar
  • Confirm changes

Row of white beach houses

Row of white beach houses

Managing Templates

To uninstall:

  • Open Design panel > Template
  • Select different active template first
  • Hover over template and click Uninstall
  • Confirm removal

To reinstall current template:

  1. Install temporary template
  2. Uninstall original template
  3. Reinstall original template
  4. Preview and set as active

Important Notes:

  • Preview mode only visible when logged in
  • Cannot mix features from multiple templates
  • Some pages may not be compatible with all templates
  • Version 7.1 doesn't support template switching
  • Save important changes before switching
  • Test in incognito mode for visitor view

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