How to select and customize templates on Wix

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Select a Wix template by browsing categories or searching by keyword, then customize it using the drag-and-drop editor to modify colors, fonts, layouts, and content. You can preview changes in real-time and publish when satisfied with your design.

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Prerequisites

A Wix account (free or premium)
Basic understanding of web design concepts
Access to a computer or tablet with internet connection
Clear vision of your website's purpose and style

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access the Template Library

Log into your Wix account and click Create New Site from your dashboard. Select Choose a Template to access the template library. You'll see featured templates and categories like Business, Online Store, Portfolio, and Blog displayed on the main page.

Use the search bar at the top to find templates by keyword if you have a specific industry or style in mind.

Browse and Filter Templates

Click on relevant categories from the left sidebar to narrow your options. Use the Filter button to sort by features like Online Store, Booking System, or Blog functionality. Hover over templates to see a quick preview, then click View to see the full template demo.

Pay attention to the layout structure rather than just colors and images, as these are easier to change later.

Select Your Template

Once you find a template you like, click Edit This Template to start customizing. Wix will create a copy of the template for your site and load the Wix Editor. The template will open with all its default content, which you can now modify.

Don't worry about choosing the 'perfect' template - you can always switch to a different one later, though you'll lose customizations.

Customize Colors and Fonts

Click on any text element to edit content and formatting. Access the Design panel on the left sidebar to change your site's color scheme and fonts globally. Select Site Colors to modify the color palette, or choose Site Fonts to change typography across your entire site.

Stick to 2-3 fonts maximum and ensure your color choices maintain good contrast for readability.

Modify Layout and Add Elements

Click and drag elements to reposition them on the page. Use the Add button (+) on the left sidebar to insert new elements like text boxes, images, buttons, or interactive features. Delete unwanted elements by selecting them and pressing the Delete key or clicking the trash icon.

Use the alignment guides that appear when moving elements to maintain a professional, organized layout.

Customize Individual Pages

Navigate between pages using the Pages panel on the left sidebar. Click on each page name to edit that specific page. Add new pages by clicking the + icon next to Pages, then select the page type (regular page, blog, shop, etc.) you want to create.

Maintain consistent design elements across pages like headers, footers, and color schemes for a cohesive user experience.

Preview and Test Your Site

Click the Preview button at the top right to see how your site looks to visitors. Test the mobile version by clicking the mobile icon in preview mode. Check all links, forms, and interactive elements to ensure they work properly before publishing.

Preview your site on different screen sizes and test loading times, especially if you've added many images or videos.

Publish Your Customized Site

Once satisfied with your customizations, click the Publish button in the top right corner. Choose your site's URL (you can use a free Wix subdomain or connect your own domain). Click Publish Now to make your site live on the internet.

You can continue editing and republish changes anytime - your site will automatically update with new modifications.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Template elements won't move or resize properly

Ensure you're not trying to move elements that are part of a Strip or Container. Click on the container first, then move individual elements within it. Use the Layers panel to better understand element hierarchy.

Site looks different on mobile than expected

Switch to Mobile Editor by clicking the mobile icon at the top of the editor. Wix automatically optimizes for mobile, but you may need to manually adjust spacing, text sizes, or hide certain elements for mobile viewing.

Changes aren't appearing on the live site

Make sure you clicked Publish after making changes. Clear your browser cache or try viewing the site in an incognito/private browser window. Changes can take a few minutes to propagate globally.

Can't find specific design options or elements

Use the search function in the Add Elements panel to find specific features. Check if the element you want requires a premium plan upgrade. Some advanced customizations may require switching to Wix Velo for code-level modifications.

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

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