Squarespace Shape Blocks for Better Design
TL;DR:
- Shape blocks work only on Squarespace 7.1 with Fluid Engine
- Add geometric shapes to any section and customize color, size, and effects
- Use blend modes to layer shapes over images for overlay effects
- Add outlines (solid or dotted) and drop shadows for depth
- Choose custom colors to keep consistency when changing site themes
Shape blocks are one of Squarespace's most useful design tools, but they're only available on version 7.1 with Fluid Engine. If you're still on version 7.0, you won't have access to these features.
These blocks let you add simple geometric shapes to any section of your site. They're perfect for creating visual interest, dividing content, or adding subtle background elements.
Adding Your First Shape Block
Getting started is straightforward. Open the page you want to edit, click 'Add Block' and select 'Shape' from the menu.
The block editor gives you several shape options to choose from. Basic shapes like squares can be customized further by adjusting the corner radius to create rounded rectangles.
Customizing Your Shapes
The 'Stretch' toggle is worth understanding. When enabled, your shape fills the entire block area. Turn it off to maintain the shape's original proportions when you resize the block.
Color settings work with your site's existing palette, but you can also choose custom colors. This matters more than you might think. If you pick a palette color and later change your site's theme, that color will update automatically. Custom colors stay exactly as you set them.
Adding Visual Effects
Blend modes are where shape blocks get interesting. These settings control how your shape's colors mix with whatever's behind them. This is particularly useful when layering shapes over images to create overlay effects.
The stroke option adds an outline around your shape. You can choose between solid or dotted lines, adjust the thickness, and pick the color. This works well for creating buttons or highlighting important areas.
Drop shadows add depth to your shapes. You can adjust the angle, distance, blur, and color. If your shadow isn't showing up, try increasing the distance or blur values.
Color Management Tips
Your shape block colors connect to your site's overall color scheme through Site Styles. Go to 'Colors' and click the pencil icon next to your section's theme to modify the default colors.
Here's something most people miss: always use custom colors for shape blocks if you want them to stay consistent. When you change your site's palette later, palette-linked colors will shift, but custom colors remain unchanged.
Common Use Cases
Shape blocks work well for creating section dividers, background elements, or simple graphic accents. Try overlapping them with other blocks to create more complex designs.
They're also useful for creating subtle backgrounds behind text blocks or highlighting call-to-action areas without using traditional button blocks.
FAQs
Can I add images inside shape blocks?
No, shape blocks only display solid colors and effects. Use image blocks if you need to embed images within specific shapes.
How do I keep my shape colors consistent when changing themes?
Choose custom colors instead of palette colors when setting up your shapes. Custom colors won't change when you update your site's color scheme.
Can I move and resize shape blocks after creating them?
Yes, you can drag them around and resize them just like any other block. The Fluid Engine layout system makes repositioning straightforward.
Do shape blocks work on mobile?
Yes, but they'll resize and reposition based on your mobile layout settings. Test how they look on different screen sizes.
Jargon Buster
Shape Blocks: Design elements that add geometric shapes to your Squarespace sections
Fluid Engine: Squarespace's advanced layout system (7.1 only) that allows flexible positioning of blocks
Blend Mode: Settings that control how your shape's colors mix with background elements
Drop Shadow: A visual effect that creates a shadow behind your shape to add depth
Stroke: An outline or border around your shape
Wrap-up
Shape blocks give you a simple way to add professional design elements to your Squarespace site. The key is experimenting with different combinations of colors, effects, and positioning to see what works best for your design.
Start simple with basic shapes and solid colors, then try adding effects like drop shadows or blend modes once you're comfortable with the basics. Remember to use custom colors if you want your designs to stay consistent across theme changes.
Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and design techniques.