- Version 7.1 vs 7.0 in one table
- Why 7.1 doesn't need template switching
- How to get a new look on 7.1
- How to switch templates on 7.0
- What carries over when you switch on 7.0
- Things to know before switching on 7.0
- Should you move from 7.0 to 7.1?
- Protect your site during a redesign
- Not sure which version you're on?
- Starting over is also an option
- Ask for a second opinion
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
How you change your template on Squarespace depends on your site's version. On version 7.0 you can install, preview and switch templates from the design settings. On version 7.1 you can't change templates at all, because every site shares the same features; instead you restyle it with Site styles, page sections and layouts.
If you've searched for the switch template button on Squarespace and come up empty, you're not doing anything wrong. Whether you can change templates depends entirely on which version of Squarespace your site runs on, and on the newer version the idea of a template works differently. Here's how to tell which you have, how to switch on the older version, and how to get a fresh design on the newer one.
Version 7.1 vs 7.0 in one table
| Version 7.1 | Version 7.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Can you change templates? | No | Yes |
| What a template is | Your starting design | A fixed set of styles and features |
| How to change the look | Site styles and page sections | Switch templates or use Site styles |
Squarespace's help centre confirms it isn't possible to change templates on a version 7.1 site. Most sites built in recent years are on 7.1.
Why 7.1 doesn't need template switching
Here's the insight that changes how you think about it. Squarespace explains that all version 7.1 sites belong to the same template family, so every site has the same features and style options. On 7.0, you switched templates to get different features. On 7.1, you already have them all, so the template you picked was only ever a starting point. Any 7.1 site can be restyled to look like any other.
How to get a new look on 7.1
- Open the Site styles panel and choose a new font pack and colour palette.
- Edit your pages and swap sections for new layouts.
- Replace demo images and old photos with fresh ones.
- Rework your header and footer layout.
- Preview on desktop and mobile, then save.
Squarespace says that in 7.1 you add content with page sections and style your site in the Site styles panel. Between them, they can take your site somewhere completely new without starting again.
How to switch templates on 7.0
On version 7.0, Squarespace lets you install, preview and switch templates any time, as often as you like, with only one template live to visitors at a time. When you preview a new template, it's only visible to you while you're logged in, so you can experiment without visitors seeing anything.
What carries over when you switch on 7.0
| Stays the same across templates | Changes with the template |
|---|---|
| Pages and their content | Fonts and colours |
| Blog posts, products and events | Custom CSS |
| Logo or site title | Navigation link order |
| Page and SEO titles | Sidebar and footer content |
Squarespace says most of your content stays intact when you switch, but design and some layout settings belong to each template. Make only template-specific changes while previewing, so nothing unexpected appears on your live site.
Things to know before switching on 7.0
- You can't mix and match features from more than one template.
- You can only install one of each template.
- In Developer Mode, you can't switch templates.
- The templates you see depend on your site's language setting.
- Some special page types convert or disappear in templates that don't support them.
Should you move from 7.0 to 7.1?
Squarespace offers an update tool to move a 7.0 site to 7.1, giving you its latest features, such as fully customisable page sections. If you're on 7.0 and craving a big redesign, updating may serve you better than another template switch, because you won't hit the same limits again.
Protect your site during a redesign
- Keep your page addresses the same where you can.
- Check your SEO titles and descriptions after any change.
- Test forms, buttons and checkout before you finish.
- Look at every page on your phone.
Any big design change is a chance to improve your marketing too. My Squarespace marketing strategy guide covers what to do once your site looks right, and my guide to a successful website redesign helps you plan the change.
Not sure which version you're on?
Squarespace has a help guide called What's my site's version and template? that walks you through checking. A quick clue: if your pages are built from sections you can add, move and restyle freely, you're almost certainly on 7.1. If your design options seem tied to a named template with its own special features, you're likely on 7.0.
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Starting over is also an option
If you'd rather begin with a completely fresh design on 7.1, you can start a new site from a different template and rebuild your content there. It's more work than restyling, so I'd only do it if your current site's structure is badly wrong for your business. For most people, new fonts, colours, images and section layouts give all the freshness they're after.
Ask for a second opinion
Before you publish a big design change, show it to a couple of customers or friends who match your audience. Ask them what the business does and what they'd click first. If they can't answer quickly, the new look needs work, however lovely it seems to you.
My verdict
Check your version first. On 7.0, preview and switch templates freely, knowing your content stays put. On 7.1, forget template switching: every site has the same features, so use Site styles and page sections to create a fresh design. If you're on 7.0 and want lasting flexibility, consider the update to 7.1.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my template on Squarespace?
On version 7.0, yes. On version 7.1, no; restyle the site with Site styles and page sections instead.
Why can't I switch templates on Squarespace 7.1?
All 7.1 sites share the same template family, with the same features and style options.
Will I lose content if I switch templates on Squarespace 7.0?
Most content stays intact, but template-specific styles and some layout settings change.
Can visitors see a Squarespace template preview?
No. A preview template is only visible to you while you're logged in.
Can I move my Squarespace site from 7.0 to 7.1?
Yes. Squarespace provides an update tool to move from version 7.0 to version 7.1.
