So, How Many Squarespace Templates Actually Are There?
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How Many Squarespace Templates Actually Are There? (And Why It Doesn't Matter as Much as You Think)
Short answer: 189-194 templates in Squarespace 7.1, which is what you'll use if you start a site today.
But… that number is kind of misleading.
Squarespace 7.1 Template Meriden (Demo it here)
The SQSP Template Situation: What Changed (Kinda) Recently
Squarespace has two main versions floating around, and they work completely differently.
Squarespace 7.1 (current version):
Almost 200 website templates to choose from
All templates use the same editor (called Fluid Engine)
Every single template has identical features
The ONLY difference between templates is how they look when you first start
Squarespace 7.0 (older version):
91 templates grouped into "families"
Each family had its own structure and style DNA
You couldn't make a template from one family look like another; what you picked was what you got
Still accessible if you're attached to those older designs, but you have to start a new trial specifically for 7.0 (and there’s no really no need)
Squarespace doesn't exactly lead with this, but in 7.1, your starting template is basically just... a suggestion.
You can take ANY template and customize it to look like ANY other template.
They all use the same underlying system. The almost 200 templates are really just 189 (and counting) different design suggestions; not 189 locked-in paths.
This is a total shift from how 7.0 worked.
In the old system, picking a template meant committing to that template's bones. If you started with "Bedford" but later wanted the "Pacific" layout? Tough luck. You were stuck.
In 7.1 though, you could start with a template designed for restaurants and turn it into a portfolio site. Or the other way around. The structure is the same; you're essentially just rearranging the furniture.
Squarespace 7.1 Template Almar (Demo it here)
What This Means When You're Choosing a Squarespace Template
When you're staring down those 189+ options (maybe with decision fatigue setting in), here's what I'd focus on:
Pick based on which one looks closest to your vision right now. You're not locked in, but starting closer to your end goal means less work for you later.
Stop stressing about "making the wrong choice." You can always change your mind and rebuild sections to match a different template's style. It's not quick, but it's doable.
The template categories are just suggestions. A "photography" template works perfectly fine for a consulting business if you like the layout. Don't let labels box you in.
The 7.0 vs 7.1 Squarespace Template Decision
If you're starting fresh today, Squarespace will put you on 7.1 by default. That's probably what you want.
The main reason to use 7.0 at this point? You fell in love with one of those old templates and REALLY want that specific design. You can still access them by starting a trial specifically for the 7.0 template store.
But 7.1's Fluid Engine is more flexible and FAR easier to use. The tradeoff is that some of those classic 7.0 designs had a specific aesthetic that's trickier to replicate in the newer system.
Squarespace 7.1 Template Clove (Demo it here)
Squarespace Template FAQ
Q: Can I switch templates on Squarespace 7.1 later?
In 7.1, the concept of "switching templates" like you could in 7.0 is pretty much gone – because all 7.1 templates are built on the same system. Technically you can create a new site using a different starter template, but you can't swap your 7.1 site's template the way you could in 7.0. That said, you can rebuild sections to match a different template's style if you want to.
Q: Do all templates in 7.1 support the same features (blogs, commerce, memberships)?
Yep. One of the major perks of 7.1 is that every template shares the same core feature set, including blogs, e-commerce, member areas, scheduling, you name it. The difference is only in the initial look of the template.
Q: If I start with a template that looks "wrong" for my business, is that a problem?
Not really. Because 7.1 is built for flexibility, you can customize a template until it suits your business. Think of your initial choice as a "design starting point" rather than a commitment ceremony. Choose something that visually inspires you or gets you close, then adjust.
Q: What's the downside of using an older template from version 7.0 today?
If you choose a 7.0 template, you might face limitations: structure rigidities, less flexibility in moving sections around, potential difficulty applying newer features down the road. Unless you have a strong attachment to a classic design, going with 7.1 is generally a better option and more future-proof.
Q: How should I pick a template from the ~190 options?
Here's a simple approach:
Browse the starter designs and find one whose look and layout resonates with your brand.
Don't worry too much about category labels; ignore "blog" or "portfolio" if a layout fits your business best. Remember your template is just one piece of the puzzle. Focus also on your visuals, branding, content structure, and customization plan. Once you've selected one you like, just jump in and start customizing.
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