Using Content Blocks on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Content blocks let you add text, images, buttons, and interactive elements to your Squarespace site
- The process varies between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1, plus the mobile app has limited editing
- Not all page areas support blocks – headers, footers, and some gallery sections are restricted
- You get basic blocks (text, images), interactive blocks (forms, calendars), and specialized content (audio, maps)
- Use drag-and-drop on desktop for the best editing experience
Adding Blocks to Your Squarespace Site
Content blocks are the building pieces of your Squarespace site. Here's how to add them:
- Select your page from the Pages panel
- Click Edit (usually top-left corner)
- Find the insertion point – hover over where you want the new block
- Click 'Add Block' or the '+' icon that appears
- Choose your block type from the menu
- Customize the content using the editor that opens
Managing Block Placement
Moving blocks around is straightforward on desktop:
- Drag and drop blocks to reposition them within your page
- Use insert points – look for '+' icons between existing blocks for precise placement
- Stack blocks vertically or arrange them side-by-side depending on your template
The mobile app has more limited editing options, so stick to desktop for major layout changes.
Types of Blocks You Can Add
Squarespace offers three main categories:
Basic Blocks:
- Text blocks for paragraphs and headings
- Image blocks for photos and graphics
- Button blocks for calls-to-action
- Spacer blocks for visual breathing room
Interactive Blocks:
- Contact forms and newsletter signups
- Calendar integrations
- Social media feeds
- Comment sections
Specialized Content:
- Audio players for podcasts or music
- Google Maps for location pages
- Restaurant menus and pricing tables
- Code blocks for custom HTML/CSS
Block Limitations and Version Differences
Squarespace 7.1 uses the Fluid Engine, giving you more flexibility with block placement and sizing. You can drag blocks anywhere within a section.
Squarespace 7.0 uses the Classic Editor with more structured layouts. You'll see clear insertion points marked with '+' symbols.
Where blocks can't go:
- Site headers and navigation areas
- Footer content areas (though some templates allow it)
- Index gallery pages
- Certain cover pages
Template-specific features: Some template families like Montauk let you place blocks over banner images, while others keep content and banners separate.
FAQs
How do I know which Squarespace version I'm using?
Check your site's URL when editing. Version 7.1 sites show a grid-based editor, while 7.0 sites have the Classic Editor with clear insertion points.
Can I copy blocks between pages?
Yes, but the method depends on your version. In 7.1, you can duplicate blocks within the same section. In 7.0, you'll need to manually recreate blocks on different pages.
Why can't I drag blocks on my phone?
The Squarespace mobile app has limited editing capabilities. For full drag-and-drop functionality, use a desktop browser.
What happens if I delete a block by accident?
Use Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) immediately to undo the deletion. Squarespace also keeps page revisions you can restore from the Pages panel.
Jargon Buster
Classic Editor: The original Squarespace editing interface used in version 7.0, featuring structured layouts with clear insertion points.
Fluid Engine: Squarespace 7.1's flexible layout system that lets you position blocks anywhere within a section using drag-and-drop.
Insert Points: The '+' symbols that appear between content areas in the Classic Editor, showing where you can add new blocks.
Index Pages: Special gallery-style pages that showcase multiple pieces of content, often with limited block support.
Wrap-up
Content blocks give you the tools to build exactly the website you want. Start with basic text and image blocks to get comfortable, then experiment with interactive elements like forms and calendars. Remember that desktop editing gives you the most control, especially for complex layouts.
The key is understanding your Squarespace version and template limitations. Once you know where blocks can and can't go, you'll be building professional-looking pages in no time.
Ready to start building? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step tutorials and expert tips.