Squarespace Layout Pages Made Simple
TL;DR:
- Start with a blank page or choose from pre-built layouts like About or Contact pages
- Customize pages by adding and rearranging blocks using drag-and-drop
- Edit placeholder content or add new blocks to match your needs
- All layout pages are responsive and work well on mobile devices
- Preview your work on mobile to catch any layout issues early
When you're building a new page on Squarespace, you have two main options: start with a blank canvas or use one of the pre-designed templates. Both approaches work well, and which one you choose depends on how much you want to build from scratch.
Starting with a Blank Page
Creating a blank page is straightforward, though the steps differ slightly between Squarespace versions.
Version 7.1
- Open the Pages panel and click the "+" sign
- Choose 'Blank Page' under the "Pages" category
- Give your page a title and hit Enter to save
Version 7.0
- Go to the Pages panel and click the "+"
- Select 'Blank' under the "Layouts" section
- Enter a page title and press Enter to confirm
Once your page is created, click 'Edit' to start adding content. You can add sections and fill them with blocks, or use ready-made structures to speed things up.
Always preview your layout on mobile devices to make sure everything looks right on smaller screens.
Using Pre-Built Layouts
If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, Squarespace offers ready-made page layouts for common page types like RSVP, Digital Products, or Team pages.
Adding a Template Layout
The process is similar for both Squarespace versions:
- Click the "+" in the Pages panel
- Choose 'Page layouts' or 'Layouts' and pick a type like About or Contact
- Browse the available options, select one, and modify the page title
These templates come with placeholder blocks that you can edit to match your content. Just double-click on any block to start making changes. You can always add or remove blocks to get the layout exactly how you want it.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different block arrangements. The templates are starting points, not rigid structures you have to stick with.
Editing and Managing Your Pages
Once your page is set up, making changes is easy.
Making Basic Edits
For both Squarespace versions:
- Go to the Pages panel
- Select your page and click 'Edit'
- Modify titles, descriptions, URLs, and other settings as needed
Styling Your Page
Your styling options depend on which version you're using:
- In version 7.1, you can adjust specific section styles separately
- For version 7.0, style changes typically apply more broadly, though some templates have individual style settings for banners or content sections
What to Do Next
After you've got your page looking good, consider:
- Setting it as your homepage if that's what you intended
- Adjusting whether it appears in your navigation menu
- Adding a page description or changing the URL for better SEO
FAQs
Can I switch from a pre-built layout back to a blank page?
You can't convert a layout page to a blank page directly, but you can delete all the existing blocks and start fresh. Or just create a new blank page and delete the old one.
How do I edit or replace placeholder blocks in my layout?
Double-click any placeholder block to edit its content. To replace it entirely, hover over the block, click the settings icon, and choose 'Remove Block', then add a new block in its place.
Are all layout pages designed to be responsive automatically?
Yes, all Squarespace pages are responsive by default. However, you should still preview your pages on mobile to make sure everything looks the way you want it to.
Jargon Buster
Drag-and-Drop: A tool that lets you move elements around your page by clicking and dragging them to new positions.
Mobile Responsiveness: Your page automatically adjusts to look good and work properly on mobile devices and tablets.
Placeholder Blocks: Sample content blocks in templates that you can edit or replace with your own content.
Wrap-up
Getting started with Squarespace layout pages is pretty straightforward. Whether you start with a blank page or use a pre-built template, you'll have the tools you need to create something that works for your site. The key is to customize the page to fit your needs and always check how it looks on mobile devices.
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