Squarespace Summary Blocks Guide
TL;DR:
- Summary blocks display collection items like blog posts or products in different layouts
- Perfect for featuring content on homepages and linking related posts together
- Four layout options available: wall, carousel, list, and grid
- Customize text size, alignment, and what metadata shows
- Won't work with portfolio pages or gallery sections
- You can display up to 30 items per block
What are Summary Blocks?
Summary blocks pull content from your collection pages (like blogs or store pages) and display it anywhere on your site. They're handy for creating organized, visual displays without redesigning your entire layout.
Think of them as a way to showcase your best content in spots where it'll get noticed.
Setting Up Your Summary Block
Adding the Block
- Go into edit mode on your page
- Click 'Add Block' or hit an insertion point
- Select 'Summary' from the block options
- Choose which collection page you want to pull content from
- Head to the Design tab to customize how it looks
Picking Your Content and Layout
You'll need to decide which page feeds into your summary block. For event pages, you can choose whether to show past or upcoming events.
The four layout options each serve different purposes:
Wall – Creates a Pinterest-style masonry grid
Carousel – Slides through items horizontally
List – Shows items in a clean, vertical list
Grid – Displays items in neat rows and columns
Customization Options
Design Controls
You can adjust how many items display, change text alignment and size, and toggle features like images and titles on or off. Each layout style gives you different visual options to match your site's look.
Filtering and Metadata
Filter content by categories or tags to show only what's relevant. Choose which metadata appears (like author names, dates, or custom fields) to give visitors the information they need.
The key is testing different combinations in preview mode before you go live. What looks good on desktop might need tweaking for mobile.
FAQs
Can I show portfolio content in summary blocks?
No, summary blocks only work with collection pages like blogs, events, and products. Portfolio pages and gallery sections aren't supported.
How many items can I display?
Up to 30 items per summary block.
Can I customize the design?
Yes, you can adjust layout, text alignment, size, and visibility of different elements through the Design tab.
Jargon Buster
Collection Pages – Pages where similar content types (blog posts, products, events) are grouped together
Featured Image – The main image representing each blog post or product in your summary display
Metadata – Information about your content like author, date, categories, or custom fields
Tags – Keywords you assign to content for organization and filtering
Wrap-up
Summary blocks are one of the most useful tools for organizing and displaying content on your Squarespace site. They help maintain visual consistency while making it easy for visitors to find related content.
Whether you're highlighting recent blog posts, showcasing products, or promoting upcoming events, summary blocks handle both the visual presentation and the functional organization your site needs.
Join Pixelhaze Academy for more detailed Squarespace tutorials and design strategies.