How to Change Your Squarespace Template for 7.0 and 7.1 (Without Breaking a Sweat)
So you built a site on Squarespace and now you’ve got template regret. Maybe your current look screams 2017 when you're going for modern and minimalist. Good news: you're not stuck. Changing your Squarespace template isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things you do need to know so you don’t accidentally nuke your site’s vibe.
Let’s walk through it.
Squarespace 7.1: The Modern Setup
If you're on 7.1, here's the twist: you can’t switch templates. That’s because Squarespace 7.1 uses a universal design system. Every site uses the same base and you customize the look using style settings, sections, and layout tweaks. It’s perfect.
You’re not switching templates, you’re shaping your own.
Squarespace 7.0: The Old Guard
Still rocking 7.0? You can install and preview new templates right from the backend. But there’s a catch: each template is like its own little world. Switching means reconfiguring settings, pages, and styles.
Think of it like moving houses. You can bring your furniture, but you'll need to rearrange everything. So, we highly recommend updating to Squarespace 7.1.
How to Change a Template on Squarespace 7.0
Log in to your Squarespace dashboard.
Go to Design → Template.
Browse templates and click Install Template on the one you like.
Once installed, select Preview to see it in action.
When you're happy, hit Set as Live Template.
Customize the style settings so it doesn’t look like you just installed it 30 seconds ago.
What If You’re on 7.1 and Still Want a Fresh Look?
Here’s where things get creative and a little exciting. While Squarespace 7.1 doesn’t let you swap templates the old-school way, you can totally revamp your site with a few smart moves.
Redesign your site using style changes like fonts, colors, and spacing.
Add new sections and use layout blocks to rebuild pages from scratch or just zhuzh them up.
Or, and here’s the fun part, use a premium Squarespace template from Squarepaste.
Squarepaste offers beautifully designed, professionally built templates that plug right into Squarespace 7.1. It’s like giving your site a triple shot of espresso and a wardrobe upgrade at the same time.
You still keep your existing setup, but with a Squarepaste template, you get:
Custom page layouts
Unique section designs
Polished aesthetics that don’t look like, well, everyone else’s site
SEO Note: Does Changing Templates Mess with Your Rankings?
Short answer: not if you do it right.
Keep your URLs consistent.
Make sure heading structures (H1, H2, etc.) remain logical.
Double-check your alt text and meta descriptions.
Test your site speed and mobile usability post-change.
A new design won’t tank your rankings if you keep the structure clean and SEO best practices in place.
Time to Change That Squarespace Template
Whether you’re giving your site a facelift or a full-blown redesign, changing your Squarespace template (or its style) doesn’t have to be painful. Know your version. Backup your content. Make the switch. Then strut like the design-savvy site owner you are.