You can change your Squarespace template at any time, and your pages and content stay intact
Squarespace stores your content separately from the template that displays it. When you switch templates, your text, images, and page structure remain in place — the new template straightforward wraps around what you already built. You can change templates from the Design panel without starting over, though some content may need minor adjustments depending on how different the new template's layout is.
The process takes a few minutes and you can preview the change before committing to it. If you dislike the new template, you can switch back to your previous one or try another.
Key Takeaways
- Your pages, text, images, and files do not disappear when you change templates — they move with you to the new design.
- You access template options through the Design panel in the Squarespace editor, not through settings or account pages.
- Squarespace shows you a preview of how your site will look in the new template before you confirm the change.
- Some templates handle content differently, so images or text blocks may need repositioning after the switch, but nothing is deleted.
- You can revert to your old template within a short window if the new one does not work for you.
Finding and previewing a new template
Open your Squarespace site in edit mode and click the Design panel on the left sidebar. At the top of the Design panel, you will see a button labeled "Change Template" or "Template" depending on your Squarespace version. Click it to see the full template library.
Squarespace organizes templates by category — Portfolio, Blog, E-commerce, Services, and so on. Browse by category or use the search box to find templates by name or keyword. When you hover over a template, you can click "Preview" to see how your actual content would look inside that template's layout. The preview shows your real pages, text, and images applied to the new design, not a generic demo.
Take time with the preview. Look at how your longest page titles fit, whether your images display well in the new template's proportions, and whether the navigation structure matches how you organized your pages. Some templates are wider, some narrower; some put navigation at the top, others on the side.
Switching to the new template
Once you have found a template you want to use, click "Select" or "Use This Template" in the preview window. Squarespace will ask you to confirm — this is your final note to back out before the change takes effect. Click confirm, and the template switches when ready.
Your site will now display in the new template. All your pages are still there, all your content is still there, but the visual presentation has changed. You may see a brief loading period as Squarespace reorganizes how the content displays.
What happens to your content after the switch
Text blocks, images, and files stay in place on each page. However, the new template may have different spacing, column widths, or section heights. An image that fit perfectly in your old template might need resizing in the new one. A text block that was centered might now be left-aligned by default.
Open each page in edit mode and scan for content that looks misaligned or cramped. You can adjust image sizes by clicking them and dragging the corners, or reposition blocks by dragging them to new locations. These are minor tweaks, not rebuilds — your content is all there, just needing visual fine-tuning.
Some templates handle certain content types differently. If your old template had a built-in image gallery and your new one does not, the images remain but you may need to add a gallery block to display them the way you want. Squarespace does not delete content; it just may not display it in the same way.
Reverting to your old template
If you change your mind about the new template, you can switch back. Go to the Design panel, click "Change Template" again, and select your previous template. Squarespace remembers your old template for a limited time — usually several days — so you can revert without losing anything.
After you revert, your content will look exactly as it did before the switch. If you wait too long, Squarespace may no longer offer the revert option, but you can always choose your old template from the library and switch to it manually.
Tips for a smooth template change
Before switching, take a screenshot or note of your current site's appearance so you remember what you liked about it. This helps you decide whether the new template is actually better or just different.
If you have a lot of pages or custom styling, test the new template on a staging version of your site if Squarespace offers that feature in your plan. This lets you see the full impact before your live site changes. Not all plans include staging, so check your plan details first.
After switching, spend time in edit mode checking each page. Look for text that wraps awkwardly, images that are too small or too large, and sections that feel cramped. These are all fixable in minutes, and fixing them now prevents visitors from seeing a half-finished site.
When to change templates and when to stick with yours
Change templates if your current one no longer fits your brand, if you have added new types of content that the old template does not display well, or if you straightforward want a fresh look. Squarespace releases new templates regularly, so there is always something new to try.
Stick with your current template if it is working well and your site looks professional. Changing templates for the sake of change creates extra work for you and can confuse visitors who know your site's current appearance. A well-maintained site in an older template beats a rushed site in a trendy new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pages disappear if I change templates?
No. Your pages, text, images, and files all stay on your site. Only the visual design changes. You may need to adjust spacing or reposition some content blocks, but nothing is deleted or lost.
Can I change templates multiple times?
Yes. You can switch templates as often as you want. Each time you switch, your content moves with you. Squarespace keeps a record of your previous template for a few days in case you want to revert.
What if my content looks broken in the new template?
Most content displays fine, but some may need adjustment. Images might need resizing, text blocks might need repositioning, and certain layout features might work differently. These are quick fixes in edit mode — click the content, adjust its size or position, and save.
Do I lose my custom CSS or code if I change templates?
Custom CSS added to the Code Injection panel stays in place. However, if your custom code was written specifically for your old template's structure, it may not work perfectly in the new template. You may need to update the code to match the new template's class names and layout.
Can I preview the template change before it goes live?
Yes. The preview window shows exactly how your site will look in the new template before you confirm the change. You can spend as long as you want in the preview before clicking select.