How to Choose Carrd Template on Carrd

beginner 5 min read Updated 2026-03-24

Quick Answer

Go to carrd.co, click Choose a Starting Point or New Site from dashboard, browse template categories like Portfolios or Landing Pages, preview with Demo, and select to load into the builder. All templates are responsive by default with no coding required. Free templates available; Pro unlocks more options.

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Prerequisites

A free Carrd account (sign up at carrd.co if needed)
Modern web browser like Chrome or Firefox
Internet connection
Optional: Pro account for premium templates

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access Carrd Homepage or Dashboard

Navigate to the Carrd homepage at carrd.co. If you have an account, click Log In, enter credentials, then from the dashboard click New Site or Choose a Starting Point to begin creating a new site. New users can sign up first for free access to core features.

Open Template Library

Clicking Choose a Starting Point or New Site automatically opens the Template library. This displays approximately 250 responsive templates organized into categories such as Portfolios, Landing Pages, Profile Pages, Form, Coming Soon Pages, or Sectioned Sites to match your needs.

Free templates show by default; Pro templates are marked and require a paid plan like Pro Lite.

Browse Template Categories

Narrow options by selecting a category like Portfolios for creative showcases or Landing Pages for marketing. Scroll through thumbnails; each template includes prebuilt elements like text, images, buttons, and responsive layouts optimized for mobile and desktop.

Use the blank page option if you prefer starting from scratch without a template.

Preview a Template

Click the Demo button on any template to open a full preview in a new tab. Test responsiveness, animations, hover effects, and elements like forms or slideshows. Close the preview when ready to proceed—no download or install needed.

Select and Load Template

Once satisfied, click Select on the desired template. It instantly loads into the builder dashboard (Canvas view) for editing. Defaults include mobile-responsive design, standard styling, and access to add elements via Add Element.

No terminal commands or code required; everything is drag-and-drop.

Explore Builder Basics

In the builder, use the Canvas to arrange elements on the Page. Customize background (color, gradient, image), preview on mobile via the device icon, or switch to Section View for multi-section sites. Pro users get advanced options like custom domains.

Click <strong>Add Element</strong> to insert text, images, buttons, forms, or widgets post-selection.

Handle Custom Templates (Pro Only)

Pro Lite+ users see a Custom category. To create one: Build or open a site, click Publish > URL > Save as a template, then Save. Custom templates appear in the library for reuse across sites.

Download sites (Pro feature) for HTML/CSS/JS export if needed.

Publish Your Site

After editing, click Publish to set URL, custom domain (Pro), or meta tags. Free sites get carrd.co URLs; Pro removes branding and adds analytics, forms, embeds. Test live view before finalizing.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Template won't load or preview

Ensure browser is updated, cookies enabled, and clear cache. Check internet connection; try incognito mode or different browser.

Pro templates inaccessible

Upgrade to Pro Lite ($9/year) or higher via dashboard. Free accounts limited to basic templates.

Unfinished elements like missing images

Replace placeholders in builder properties panel. Official docs cover section breaks and header/footer issues post-selection.

Mobile view not responsive

Templates are responsive by default; toggle mobile view in builder and adjust element spacing or sizes manually.

Can't find specific category

Refresh library or log out/in. Categories include Portfolios, Landing Pages; use search if available or contact support.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Carrd website before purchasing.

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