Switching themes in BigCommerce can feel like a fresh start for your online store’s design. The good news: it’s straightforward. The reality: whether you “keep everything” depends on how much customization you’ve done and where it lives. If you’ve heavily modified code, you may need a developer’s help to carry changes into the new theme.

To set expectations clearly, here’s what stays the same, what doesn’t, and how to make a smooth transition.

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## 1. What Stays the Same When You Change Themes

BigCommerce keeps your store’s data and core systems intact:

- Products, categories, customers, and orders – all safe.
- Payment gateways, shipping methods, taxes, and apps – remain connected.
- Content pages like About Us and Contact – stay, though layouts or styling may shift under the new theme.

Bottom line: your store still works. The theme change only impacts design and presentation.

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## 2. What Might Need Re-Doing

Here’s where things can get tricky:

- Theme-specific customizations (custom HTML/CSS/JS or unique templates) do not carry over. They’re tied to the old theme.
- Theme settings (colors, fonts, header/footer layouts, widgets) reset with each theme, requiring reconfiguration.
- Page Builder layouts can be copied, but you may need adjustments if the new theme handles spacing, widths, or styles differently.
- Custom scripts added directly into theme files must be re-added. (Scripts in Storefront › Script Manager stay safe.)

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## 3. How to Preview and Test a New Theme

BigCommerce makes it easy to try before you commit:

- Install the new theme as unpublished so your live store remains untouched.
- Configure and preview it in the admin staging environment.
- Compare layouts, navigation, and product presentation before pushing live.

This means you can experiment without risk.

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## 4. Where to See How Themes Are Set Up

Not sure what a theme looks like in action? You’ve got options:

- [BigCommerce Theme Marketplace](https://www.bigcommerce.com/theme-store/) – Most paid themes include live demo stores (desktop & mobile).
- Theme documentation – Developers often provide setup guides with available layouts and customization options.
- Your control panel – Go to Storefront › My Themes, then click Customize to explore widgets, layouts, and settings.

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## 5. Best Practices Before Switching

A theme change can go wrong if you don’t prep properly. Safeguard your work with these steps:

1. Duplicate your current theme – always have a backup.
2. Screenshot or export settings – so you can reference your old design choices.
3. Test in preview mode – confirm content and products display properly.
4. Check compatibility – ensure custom code and third-party apps still function.

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## Step-by-Step Checklist for Switching to a New Theme

Follow this process to switch smoothly:

01. Back Up Your Current Theme
    - Go to Storefront › My Themes.
    - Click Advanced › Download Current Theme Files to save a copy.
02. Document Current Settings
    - Take screenshots of header/footer layouts, colors, fonts, navigation menus, and Page Builder layouts.
03. Review Custom Code
    - Collect any HTML/CSS/JS changes or snippets added directly to theme files.
    - Move custom scripts to Storefront › Script Manager if possible.
04. Install the New Theme as Unpublished
    - Add the theme from the Marketplace to your store.
    - Leave it unpublished so your live site stays untouched.
05. Preview & Configure
    - Open the new theme in Customize mode.
    - Reapply settings (colors, fonts, header/footer layouts).
    - Copy Page Builder content into the new theme and adjust as needed.
06. Check Key Store Pages
    - Homepage, Category pages, Product detail pages, Cart, Checkout.
    - Confirm navigation, buttons, and forms display correctly.
07. Test Integrations
    - Verify apps, third-party scripts, and custom code function correctly.
    - Check if tracking (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, etc.) is still firing.
08. Cross-Device Review
    - Test on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
    - Use BigCommerce’s preview plus your own devices.
09. Publish the Theme
    - Once you’re confident everything works, publish the new theme.
    - Monitor site performance and user behavior over the next few days.
10. Keep Your Backup Handy

- If issues arise, you can quickly revert to your old theme.

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## The Smart Way to Switch

Changing themes in BigCommerce isn’t about “losing everything” — it’s about understanding what persists and what needs attention. With backups, testing, and a careful rollout, you can refresh your storefront design without disrupting operations.

If you’re planning to move to a paid theme and want expert help, Brod Solutions can guide you through the transition. We’ll ensure your customizations and apps stay functional while giving your store a fresh new look.

👉 Ready to switch? [Contact us](/content/site-root.html) to make your theme upgrade smooth and stress-free.