How to duplicate a Squarespace website
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Duplicating your Squarespace website is a simple process that allows you to create a backup copy or experiment with new designs without affecting your live site. Whether you want to test a new template, create a similar site for a different purpose, or simply have a safety net in case of any issues, duplicating your Squarespace website is a valuable tool.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to duplicate your Squarespace website and explore the benefits of having a duplicate site.
Quick Fix
How to Duplicate a Squarespace Website:
- Log in to your Squarespace account and go to your main dashboard.
- Locate the site you want to duplicate and click the three dots next to it.
- Select "Duplicate Website" from the dropdown menu and confirm the duplication.
- Find your duplicate site at the top of your dashboard, titled "Website Name (Copy)."
- Customize the duplicate site as needed, including changing the title and URL.
Why Duplicate Your Squarespace Website?
Create Backups: Duplicating your site ensures you always have a copy of your content, design, and settings in case of any issues with the original site.
Test New Designs: Experiment with different templates, layouts, and features on your duplicate site without affecting your live website.
Repurpose Content: Use your duplicate site to create a similar website for a different purpose, such as a portfolio or an online store.
Streamline Development: If you're a web designer, you can create a starter kit with your preferred settings, blocks, and code snippets, saving time on future projects.
How to Duplicate a Squarespace Website
Step 1: Access Your Squarespace Dashboard
Log in to your Squarespace account and go to your main dashboard, which lists all the websites associated with your account.
Step 2: Locate the Site You Want to Duplicate
Find the website you want to duplicate in the list of sites on your dashboard.
Step 3: Initiate the Duplication Process
Click the three dots next to the site you want to duplicate.
Select "Duplicate Website" from the dropdown menu.
Confirm the duplication by clicking "Duplicate" in the pop-up window.
Step 4: Find Your Duplicate Site
The duplicated site will appear at the top of your dashboard, titled "Website Name (Copy)."
If you don't see it, use the search bar to find your duplicate site.
Step 5: Customize Your Duplicate Site
Click on the duplicate site to access its dashboard.
Change the site title by clicking on the title and entering a new name.
Customize the URL by clicking on the URL and modifying it as needed.
Make any other changes to the content, design, or settings as desired.
What Gets Duplicated?
When you duplicate a Squarespace website, the following elements are copied over to the new site:
Pages, sections, layouts, and blocks
Site title and logo
Style settings
Template
Text content
However, some site-specific settings and content do not duplicate, such as:
Add-on features and subscriptions (e.g., domains, Email Campaigns)
Selling settings (e.g., orders, discounts, subscriptions)
Third-party integrations (e.g., connected accounts, API keys)
Website-specific settings (e.g., analytics, billing, contributor permissions)
Best Practices for Duplicate Sites
Keep Your Duplicate Site Private: To avoid confusion, consider setting your duplicate site to private until you're ready to launch it.
Update Duplicate Site Settings: Remember to update any site-specific settings, such as domains, billing information, and contributor permissions, on your duplicate site.
Regularly Sync Content: If you make updates to your original site, consider duplicating it again to keep your backup current.
Manage Disk Space: Duplicating a site counts towards your Squarespace storage limit. Be mindful of your disk space usage and delete any duplicate sites you no longer need.
Conclusion
Duplicating your Squarespace website is a straightforward process that offers numerous benefits, from creating backups to testing new designs. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping best practices in mind, you can effectively manage your duplicate sites and leverage them to enhance your online presence.