Customizing Dropdown Menus in Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Dropdown behavior varies by template – some open on hover, others need a click
- Mobile dropdowns work differently, typically expanding with a tap
- Certain templates like Adirondack and Bedford turn dropdowns into secondary navigation bars
- You can adjust dropdown styling through your template's design settings
- Always check mobile view to ensure your dropdowns work properly on all devices
Dropdown menus help keep your navigation clean while maintaining functionality. In Squarespace, how these dropdowns look and work depends entirely on your template choice.
Desktop vs Mobile Behavior
Desktop Dropdowns
Most Squarespace templates use hover activation – move your cursor over a menu item and the dropdown appears. This works well for desktop users who expect this behavior.
Some templates like Aviator and Tremont require a click instead. This prevents accidental dropdown triggers and works better for touch-friendly designs.
Mobile Dropdowns
On mobile devices, dropdowns typically collapse into expandable menu items with tap icons. Users tap to expand the dropdown, keeping the interface clean and preventing accidental activations.
The mobile experience often differs significantly from desktop, so always check your site on actual mobile devices, not just desktop preview modes.
Template-Specific Features
Adirondack and Bedford Templates
These templates handle dropdowns differently. Instead of traditional dropdown menus, they create secondary navigation bars or sidebar navigation areas. This gives you more space for extended link lists and creates a cleaner visual hierarchy.
Brine Template Family
In Brine templates, footer dropdowns don't behave like traditional dropdowns. Instead, they form columns in your footer area, which can be useful for organizing footer links.
Version 7.1 Templates
Most current Squarespace sites use version 7.1 templates, which offer more consistent dropdown behavior and easier customization options through the design panel.
Customization Options
Background Colors
You can adjust dropdown background colors in most templates through the site styles panel. In 7.1 templates, look for navigation or dropdown-specific color options in your design settings.
Alignment and Spacing
Many templates allow you to adjust how dropdown links align and space themselves. Check your template's style options for navigation-specific settings.
Icons and Indicators
Some templates include arrows or other indicators to show when a menu item has a dropdown. These usually can't be removed but follow your template's overall design language.
Common Issues and Solutions
Dropdowns Not Working on Mobile
If your dropdowns aren't working properly on mobile, check if your template requires specific mobile navigation settings. Some templates have separate mobile menu configurations.
Styling Inconsistencies
When dropdown styling doesn't match your main navigation, look for separate dropdown styling options in your template's design panel. Not all templates link these settings together.
Too Many Dropdown Levels
Squarespace generally supports one level of dropdown menus. If you need more complex navigation, consider using folder pages or a different site structure approach.
FAQs
Can I force my dropdown to open on click instead of hover?
This depends on your template. Templates like Aviator and Tremont use click activation by default, but you can't usually change hover templates to click activation without custom code.
Why do my dropdowns look different on mobile?
Mobile dropdowns are designed to work with touch interfaces. They typically expand vertically rather than dropping down, and may use different styling than desktop versions.
Can I style individual dropdown items differently?
Most templates apply consistent styling to all dropdown items. Individual item styling usually requires custom CSS.
Jargon Buster
Dropdown menu: A navigation element that reveals additional menu options when activated, either by hovering or clicking
Template family: Groups of Squarespace templates that share similar features and customization options
Mobile responsive: How well a website adapts its layout and functionality for mobile devices
Hover state: The appearance or behavior of an element when a user's cursor hovers over it
Wrap-up
Getting dropdowns right in Squarespace starts with understanding your template's specific behavior and limitations. Focus on testing the mobile experience, as this is where most dropdown issues occur.
Remember that different templates handle dropdowns in unique ways – what works in one template might not be available in another. If dropdown customization is crucial for your site, factor this into your template selection process.
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