What Happens When You Change Themes in BigCommerce?

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.

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.

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.)

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• Install the new theme as unpublished so your live store remains untouched.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.

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 – 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.

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.

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

Follow this process to switch smoothly:

1. Back Up Your Current Theme

   • Go to Storefront › My Themes.

   • Click Advanced › Download Current Theme Files to save a copy.

2. Document Current Settings

   • Take screenshots of header/footer layouts, colors, fonts, navigation menus, and Page Builder layouts.

3. 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.

4. Install the New Theme as Unpublished

   • Add the theme from the Marketplace to your store.

   • Leave it unpublished so your live site stays untouched.

5. 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.

6. Check Key Store Pages

   • Homepage, Category pages, Product detail pages, Cart, Checkout.

   • Confirm navigation, buttons, and forms display correctly.

7. Test Integrations

   • Verify apps, third-party scripts, and custom code function correctly.

   • Check if tracking (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, etc.) is still firing.

8. Cross-Device Review

   • Test on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

   • Use BigCommerce’s preview plus your own devices.

9. 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.

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 to make your theme upgrade smooth and stress-free.