Transitioning Themes FAQ

After covering the considerations and instructions for upgrading to Stencil, you may have additional questions before you’re ready to make the switch. We've gathered some of the most common questions that arise when transitioning from Blueprint to Stencil.

Will my storefront content, such as products, categories, and web pages, automatically transfer when switching to Stencil?

Your store’s theme is simply a “skin” that is applied to the underlying storefront content; no catalog or web page data is affected when switching themes or theme platforms.

Will I be able to "preview a new theme" with my existing site like I can with Blueprint themes?

Yes. In the Theme Marketplace, click to select the theme, then click the Preview button. However, a free theme can only be previewed via Page Builder after adding it to your theme list.

Can I go back to Blueprint after applying a Stencil theme?

After switching to a Stencil theme, you will retain your previously purchased Blueprint themes. It is possible to go back to those themes, but the Blueprint marketplace is unavailable for purchasing and adding new themes. Note that if you do not back up your existing Blueprint theme before upgrading to a Stencil theme, all customizations in that theme will be lost. BigCommerce cannot restore your theme customizations.

Are there any themes with left side navigation (instead of top navigation)?

Certain premium themes, such as Showroom, Exhibit, and Parts Warehouse, feature left side navigation, and each has multiple variations.

Can I include custom code outside of my site’s footer?

It is possible to paste code in specific parts of your theme by editing the theme files. However, if you have a script from an app to add, or need to insert code into your store’s header or footer, we suggest using the Script Manager. This allows you to control the load method, add categorization for cookie consent banners, and more.

Will I have complete access to all of the theme files included in a Stencil theme?

For full access to all theme files, you will need to use the Stencil CLI. This proprietary tool allows you to access the HTML and CSS for any of your themes, as well as make JavaScript customizations.

Alternatively, you can edit your theme files in the control panel to make quick changes to HTML or CSS files.

Why do some of my pages have more than one H1 tag?

Multiple H1 tags are valid in HTML5 with the use of SECTION tags.

My store has a large number of categories. Will this affect how my theme looks?

Most Stencil themes are designed to feature top-level categories at the top of each page. If you are migrating from a theme designed for large catalogs, or from a theme that uses left side navigation, this could result in a crowded navigation bar at the top of the storefront. Consider grouping similar categories into a shared top-level category, or using one of our premium themes with left side navigation or designed to support large catalogs.

Upgrading from Blueprint to Stencil can be a daunting process, but the improvements to design, performance, and security make it a necessary and beneficial task for your online business. The topics covered in this guide provide you with the information you need to plan your customization budget and ensure your storefront doesn’t experience any issues or downtime.

As we’ve mentioned before, it is vital for you to create a backup of your Blueprint theme before taking any action, as your customized Blueprint template files will be lost after switching to a Stencil theme. This way, you can revert your changes and return to your original theme if you encounter any unexpected issues.

For additional information while making your transition to Stencil, consult the following resources:

• The Stencil Theme Platform — a full comparison of the features available in the Blueprint and Stencil frameworks
• Stencil Themes — an introduction to the different actions available for Stencil themes
• Page Builder — learn how to configure theme settings, add widgets, and organize page layout
• The BigCommerce Theme Marketplace — information on using the theme marketplace, with a table of available themes
• BigCommerce Design Policy — BigCommerce’s policy on supporting themes from our marketplace and assisting with design changes
• Guide to Design Resources — a breakdown of the available options for design assistance
• About Stencil (Dev Center) — an overview of the developer resources available with Stencil themes
• Agency Design Request (BigCommerce) — contact Certified Design Partners for assistance with small to medium design tasks
• Partner Directory (BigCommerce) — a listing of all BigCommerce partners, including those who can take on large-scale customization projects