Big Cartel templates share the same basic structure and core design tools. No matter which template you choose, you can create a polished shop using your products, logo, images, colors, fonts, pages, and brand messaging.

The main differences between templates are how those elements are arranged and displayed. Some templates may also include special layout or homepage options that others don’t.

What you can customize across templates

Big Cartel templates generally allow you to:

• Add your logo and brand images
• Choose your colors and fonts
• Apply style presets
• Organize your products and categories
• Translate your shop text and labels in different languages
• Adjust font size
• Create custom pages on premium plans (upgrade here on Gold)
• Customize available homepage text and messaging
• Preview your shop on desktop and mobile

Your products, product images, categories, shop information, and custom pages remain in your shop when you preview or switch templates. You don’t need to add that content again for every template you try.

What may look different between templates

Although the core customization options are similar, templates may present your content differently.

Depending on the template, you may see differences in:

• Homepage image size and placement
• Product and category layouts
• Header and navigation placement
• Product image shape or spacing
• Featured products or categories
• Welcome messages and homepage text
• Secondary product images or hover effects
• Slideshow or full-screen image options
• Sidebar, top navigation, or menu layouts
• Announcement or promotional message displays

Some settings may also have different names or appear in different parts of Shop Designer.

How to compare templates

The easiest way to choose a template is to preview it using your real products and brand assets.

When previewing a template:

1. Add your logo, welcome image, colors, and fonts.
2. Preview several templates in Shop Designer.
3. Look through the settings available for each template.
4. Check how your products, categories, and images are displayed.
5. Preview the shop on desktop and mobile.
6. Choose the template that already feels closest to the experience you want to create.

Try not to choose a template based only on its default colors, fonts, or example products. Those details can be changed. Pay more attention to the overall layout, navigation, image presentation, and how customers will move through your shop.

Why a setting might be missing

The settings shown in Shop Designer depend on the template you’re currently previewing. If you can’t find an option, it may be because:

• Your current template doesn’t include that feature.
• The setting has a different name in that template.
• Another setting you selected has replaced or hidden it.
• You changed the setting but haven’t published it yet.

For example, selecting one type of homepage layout may hide settings that only apply to a different layout. That doesn’t necessarily mean something is broken.

Before switching templates

If another template includes a feature you need, you can preview it before changing your live shop.

Your shop content will remain in your account, but some design settings and custom code may not work the same way in the new template. Before switching:

• Preview the new template with your products and brand assets.
• Review its homepage, navigation, and layout settings.
• Check your custom pages and links.
• Preview the desktop and mobile versions.
• Back up your current template if you’ve customized its code.
• Publish only after you’re satisfied with the new design.

If your template doesn’t support a feature

You may still be able to accomplish your goal by:

• Using another built-in layout or setting
• Presenting the content on a custom page
• Choosing a different template
• Using a supported integration

You don’t need every possible feature to create a strong shop. Focus on the template that presents your products clearly, supports your most important needs, and gives your brand the right overall feeling.