Squarespace Templates Design Guide
TL;DR:
- Squarespace templates are professionally designed starting points that work across all industries
- Every template is mobile-responsive and adjusts automatically to different screen sizes
- You can switch templates anytime without losing content, though some tweaking may be needed
- Basic customisation happens through the Style Editor – no coding required
- Advanced changes need CSS or JavaScript knowledge
- Template choice affects your site's structure and available features
Squarespace templates give you a professional foundation to build from. Think of them as the architectural blueprint for your website – they determine the overall structure, layout options, and visual style.
Choosing the Right Template
Start by browsing Squarespace's template library, which is organised by industry and website type. Don't get too hung up on the exact colours or fonts you see in the preview – these can be changed easily later.
Pay attention to the template's structure instead. Does it have the right sections for your content? If you need an online store, portfolio gallery, or blog layout, make sure your chosen template supports these features well.
Template Families and Versions
Squarespace 7.1 templates (the current standard) are more flexible than older 7.0 templates. With 7.1, you get:
- Universal layout options that work across all page types
- Better mobile editing controls
- More design flexibility without needing custom code
- Easier template switching
If you're starting fresh, stick with 7.1 templates. They're built for modern web standards and give you more room to grow.
Customising Your Template
The Style Editor is where most of your visual customisation happens. You can adjust colours, fonts, spacing, and layout options without touching any code.
For each template, you'll find different style options available. Some templates offer more typography choices, while others focus on layout flexibility. Spend time exploring these built-in options before considering custom code.
When Templates Feel Limited
Every template has boundaries. If you find yourself fighting against your template's natural structure, you might need to either switch templates or add custom code.
Common limitations include fixed header styles, specific gallery layouts, or rigid footer designs. Before diving into CSS, check if another template handles your needs better.
Template Performance Considerations
All Squarespace templates are optimised for speed and mobile performance, but your content choices affect loading times. Large images, too many embedded videos, or complex animations can slow things down regardless of your template choice.
Keep your template clean and focused. Use Squarespace's built-in image optimisation and be selective about added features.
FAQs
Can I switch templates after my site is live?
Yes, but expect to spend time adjusting your content to fit the new template's structure. Some elements might need repositioning or restyling.
Do all templates work the same way on mobile?
Every template is responsive, but they handle mobile layouts differently. Some stack content vertically, others use collapsible menus, and some hide certain elements on smaller screens.
Can I use parts of different templates together?
No, you can't mix template structures. You can only use one template at a time, though you can replicate design elements from other templates using custom CSS.
Are there templates specifically for online stores?
While any 7.1 template can handle e-commerce, some are designed with product sales in mind. These typically have better product page layouts and shopping-focused homepage sections.
Jargon Buster
Template Family: Groups of related templates that share similar coding structure and features
Style Editor: Squarespace's built-in customisation panel where you adjust colours, fonts, and layout options
Responsive Design: Templates that automatically adjust their layout to work on different screen sizes
7.1 vs 7.0: Different generations of Squarespace templates, with 7.1 being the current standard
Custom CSS: Additional styling code you can add to override template defaults
Wrap-up
Your template choice sets the foundation for everything else you'll build. Take time to explore the options and pick something that fits your content structure, not just your colour preferences.
Remember that templates are starting points, not limitations. With some customisation knowledge, you can push most templates well beyond their default appearance while keeping the underlying structure that makes them work well.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace design? Join our community at Pixelhaze Academy for advanced tutorials and expert guidance.