Collection Pages on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Collection pages group similar content like blog posts, events, or products in a browse-and-click format
- Items from collections can be displayed across your site using summary blocks, archive blocks, and gallery blocks
- Most collection pages have two levels – the main collection page and individual item pages
- Tags and categories help organize and filter content for better navigation
- Portfolio projects have display limitations when using summary blocks
Collection pages on Squarespace work as central hubs for grouped content. Think blog posts, event listings, products, or portfolio pieces. Visitors see a summary view first, then click through to individual pages for the full content.
Types of Collection Pages
Blog, Event, and Store Pages work well for articles, upcoming events, and products. These are the most common collection types you'll use.
Album and Gallery Pages appear in some older Squarespace versions for media-heavy content. If you're on version 7.1, you'll use gallery blocks instead.
Portfolio and Project Pages showcase creative work. These aren't available in all templates, so check your template's capabilities before planning a portfolio-heavy site.
Adding and Managing Content
Adding new items is straightforward. Open the Pages panel, click into your collection section, and press the '+' button to add new items. You can edit, duplicate, or delete items as needed.
The real power comes from displaying collection items beyond their main page. Use summary blocks, archive blocks, and gallery blocks to feature collection content on other pages. This gives you flexibility in how visitors discover your content.
Organizing with Tags and Categories
Tags and categories keep your content organized and help visitors find what they need. Set up categories for broad topics and use tags for specific themes or keywords.
This organization pays off when you're filtering content on different pages. You can show only certain categories or tags in summary blocks, creating focused content sections.
Display Limitations to Know
Portfolio projects don't always play nicely with summary blocks. The formatting can look off or break entirely. If you're showcasing portfolio work, test how it appears in summary blocks before committing to a layout.
For better results with portfolio content, stick to the main portfolio page or use gallery blocks when possible.
Moving and Duplicating Content
You can move items between similar collection types. This helps when you're reorganizing your site or changing your content strategy. Duplicating items works too, though be careful not to create duplicate content issues.
When moving content, double-check that all your summary blocks and navigation still work properly.
FAQs
How do I filter content on collection pages?
Use tags and categories when creating your content, then apply filters in your summary blocks or archive blocks. This lets you show specific content groups on different pages.
Why won't my portfolio projects display properly in summary blocks?
Portfolio projects have different formatting than blog posts or products. The summary block layout often doesn't accommodate portfolio content well. Try using gallery blocks or stick to the main portfolio page.
Can I move collection items between different pages?
Yes, you can move items between similar collection types. Go to the item's settings and change its collection assignment. Just remember to check that your site navigation still works after moving content.
Jargon Buster
Collection Pages – Pages that group similar content types like blog posts or products for organized display
Summary Blocks – Tools that display snippets of collection content on other pages of your site
Tags and Categories – Organization features that help sort and filter collection items
Archive Blocks – Display collection items in a list format, often used for showing recent posts or filtered content
Wrap-up
Collection pages give your visitors a clear way to browse related content. The key is setting up your organization system early and testing how your content displays across different blocks and pages.
Remember that not all content types work the same way in summary blocks. Plan your layout based on what you're showcasing, and always preview how things look before going live.
Ready to build a more organized Squarespace site? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guidance on collection pages and advanced Squarespace techniques.