Squarespace Templates Cost Nothing Extra
TL;DR:
- All Squarespace templates are included free with any subscription plan
- You get access to the full template library regardless of which plan you choose
- Templates can be switched at any time without losing your content
- Each template offers different features and layouts suited to specific website types
- Customisation is built-in with no coding required
Squarespace bundles all their templates into every subscription plan. You won't pay extra fees to access different designs or unlock premium templates like you might with other platforms.
Template Access Across All Plans
Every Squarespace subscription gives you the same template library. Whether you're on Personal, Business, or Commerce plans, you can browse and use any template in their collection. This includes new releases as they're added to the platform.
The templates cover most website types you'll need. Business sites, portfolios, online stores, blogs, and personal pages all have dedicated template options with appropriate layouts and features built in.
Switching Templates Later
You can change your template whenever you want. Squarespace preserves your content when you switch, but the new template's layout might require some adjustments to how things display.
Your pages, blog posts, products, and media will transfer over. However, you'll likely need to reconfigure design settings, check your navigation menus, and adjust any custom styling you've applied.
This is the bit most people miss: not every template handles content the same way. A portfolio template might display your images differently than a business template, so budget time for tweaks after switching.
Template Features Vary
Templates aren't just different colours and fonts. Each one comes with specific features and layout options that work better for certain website types.
E-commerce templates include product showcase areas, shopping cart integration, and checkout flows. Portfolio templates focus on image galleries and project displays. Blog templates emphasise readable text layouts and archive pages.
Check what features matter for your site before picking a template. A restaurant template might have menu displays and booking widgets, but lack the product variants you need for an online shop.
Customisation Without Coding
Squarespace's customisation tools work through their visual editor. You can change colours, fonts, spacing, and layout elements by clicking and adjusting sliders rather than writing code.
The Style Editor lets you modify design elements across your entire site. Individual pages can have their own layout tweaks using the page editor. Most changes show up in real-time as you make them.
Some templates offer more customisation options than others. Newer templates typically have more flexible design controls, while older ones might be more rigid in their layouts.
Choosing the Right Starting Point
Pick a template based on your content structure rather than just visual appeal. A template that looks great but doesn't suit your content type will create more work later.
Preview templates with your actual content when possible. Upload some real images and text to see how the template handles your specific material. This gives you a better sense of how the finished site will look.
Consider your content volume too. Templates designed for minimal content might feel empty with lots of pages and posts, while busy templates might overwhelm simple sites.
FAQs
Can I use multiple templates on one Squarespace site?
No, each Squarespace site uses one template at a time. You can switch templates, but the entire site will use the new design.
Do I lose customisations when switching templates?
Yes, most custom styling and layout changes are template-specific. You'll need to reconfigure design settings after switching.
Are there restrictions on template changes?
You can switch templates as often as you want. There's no limit or additional cost for changing your mind.
Do all templates work with e-commerce?
Most modern templates support Squarespace's e-commerce features, but some are better optimised for online shops than others.
Jargon Buster
Template – A pre-designed website layout that determines how your content displays and what features are available
Style Editor – Squarespace's tool for changing design elements like colours, fonts, and spacing across your entire site
Content Migration – The process of moving your pages, posts, and media when switching between templates
Layout Engine – The system that controls how content is arranged on your pages, which varies between templates
Wrap-up
Squarespace includes all templates with every subscription plan, so you're not paying extra for design options. The key is picking a template that matches your content needs rather than just visual preferences.
Template switching is possible but requires some adjustment time. Your content survives the change, but you'll need to reconfigure design settings and check layouts work properly with your material.
Take advantage of the included variety. Try different templates in preview mode with your content before committing to one direction.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace design techniques? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guidance on making the most of your chosen template.