Build Responsive Websites That Work on Any Device
TL;DR:
- Start building your site's layout on desktop to set up a strong foundation
- Don't rely on automatic adjustments for mobile view – manually test and tweak everything
- Use Squarespace's controls to adjust padding, spacing, and font size in mobile view
- Aim for a mobile experience that feels intentional, not just shrunk down
Starting your design in desktop view gives you a solid foundation. You've got more space to think about how your navigation, images, and text work together. It's much easier to scale down from a larger plan than build up from something cramped.
But here's the bit most people miss – once you've got your desktop site sorted, you need to properly adjust the mobile layout. This isn't about making things smaller. It's about making sure everything actually works on a touchscreen.
Getting Your Mobile Layout Right
When you switch to mobile view, check that fonts are readable without zooming, images fit properly within the screen, and all your buttons are easy to tap. On mobile, every interaction matters.
Here's what needs your attention:
Adjust Your Padding
Make sure there's enough space around elements so your screen doesn't look cluttered. Nothing screams "amateur" like text crammed against the edges.
Give Things Room to Breathe
Proper spacing between elements helps with readability and makes everything feel more professional. Your visitors' eyes need places to rest.
Check Your Font Sizes
If people need to pinch and zoom to read your content, you've lost them. Bump up font sizes where needed.
Sort Out Your Images
Images should look like they belong in your mobile layout, not like they've been awkwardly squeezed in. Center them or scale them so they work with your design.
Using Squarespace's Mobile Controls
Squarespace lets you switch between desktop and mobile views while you're editing. This makes it easy to see exactly how your changes look on different screen sizes.
The preview mode is your friend here. Use it to flip between devices and make adjustments as you go. Don't wait until the end to check how everything looks.
Note: These instructions apply to Squarespace 7.1. If you're still on 7.0, some mobile customization options will be more limited.
FAQs
How do I make my website responsive on Squarespace?
Start with a solid desktop layout, then adjust each section specifically for mobile viewing. Focus on making it usable and readable, not just smaller.
Can I preview how my site looks on different devices in Squarespace?
Yes, Squarespace has a device-switching feature in the editor that shows you how your site appears on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
What are the most important things to check for responsive design?
Keep layouts simple, make sure images load quickly, test that text is readable across devices, and aim for a consistent experience no matter what device someone's using.
Jargon Buster
Responsive Design – Creating a web design that adjusts to look good on all devices, from desktops to smartphones
Padding – The space between content and its border, important for preventing things from looking crammed together
Spacing – How much room you leave between elements on a page, which creates a clean and organized look
Font Size – How large or small text appears on your site. Adjusting this improves readability on different devices
Image Positioning – Where and how images are placed in your design, making sure they add to rather than distract from the user experience
Wrap-up
Responsive design isn't optional anymore. Starting on desktop gives you control and space to plan, while refining in mobile view makes sure your site actually works well on smaller screens.
A good mobile site doesn't just shrink your desktop content – it makes the experience better for people using touchscreens. The key is thoughtful adaptation, not just letting things adjust automatically.
Roll your sleeves up and test everything. Your visitors will thank you for it.
Ready to build websites that work beautifully on every device? Join Pixelhaze Academy and master responsive design with our step-by-step courses.