Squarespace Custom Code Basics: Built-in vs Custom Code

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the difference between Squarespace's built-in features and custom code
2. Identify when to use built-in features versus custom code
3. Learn basic steps to implement custom code on your Squarespace website
4. Recognise the benefits and drawbacks of adding custom code

Introduction

Squarespace gives you two main ways to build your website: use the built-in features or add custom code. This chapter shows you when to stick with the standard tools and when custom code might be worth the extra effort.

Most beginners start with built-in features, and that's perfectly fine. You can create professional websites without touching a line of code. But sometimes you need something specific that Squarespace doesn't offer by default. That's where custom code comes in handy.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Using Squarespace's Built-in Features

Squarespace's built-in tools handle most website needs without requiring any coding knowledge.

Step 1: Pick a template that matches your vision
Browse the template library and choose one that's close to what you want. Don't worry about getting it perfect – you can customise it later.

Step 2: Customise using the built-in editor
Use the drag-and-drop editor to adjust layouts, change fonts, and update colours. The Style Editor gives you control over most visual elements.

Step 3: Add functionality through menus
Add galleries, blogs, and eCommerce features through simple menu selections. Everything integrates automatically.

When built-in features work best:

• You're new to website building
• Your design needs are straightforward
• You want reliable, tested functionality
• You prefer not to deal with troubleshooting

Lesson 2: Adding Custom Code

Custom code lets you add specific features or styling that aren't available through standard options.

Step 1: Access the Custom CSS panel
Go to Design > Custom CSS to start making visual changes. This is where you'll add most styling tweaks.

Step 2: Use Code Injection for advanced features
Find Code Injection under Settings > Advanced. Here you can add HTML or JavaScript for more complex functionality.

Step 3: Test across devices
Always check your custom code on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Custom code can sometimes break responsive design.

When custom code makes sense:

• You need specific functionality not available by default
• Your brand requires unique visual elements
• You're comfortable with basic troubleshooting
• You have time to maintain custom elements

Lesson 3: Making the Right Choice

Start by listing what you actually need your website to do. Most requirements can be met with built-in features.

Consider custom code when:

• Built-in options don't match your brand requirements
• You need specific user interactions
• You want to integrate third-party tools in a custom way

Stick with built-in features when:

• Standard functionality meets your needs
• You're working to tight deadlines
• You're not comfortable with code maintenance

Practice

Here's a simple way to test custom code:

Task: Change your homepage background colour using CSS

1. Go to Design > Custom CSS
2. Add this code: body { background-color: #f0f0f0; }
3. Replace #f0f0f0 with your preferred colour code
4. Check how it looks on desktop and mobile

This gives you a feel for how custom code works without breaking anything important.

FAQs

Q: When should I use built-in features instead of custom code?
A: Use built-in features if you're new to web design or when standard functionality meets your needs. They're tested, reliable, and update automatically with Squarespace.

Q: How do I add custom code to my Squarespace site?
A: Use the Custom CSS panel under Design for styling changes, or Code Injection under Settings > Advanced for HTML and JavaScript.

Q: Can custom code slow down my website?
A: Yes, if it's not optimised properly. Keep custom code minimal and always test page loading speeds after adding new code.

Q: What happens to my custom code when I change templates?
A: Custom CSS and Code Injection content usually transfers, but you'll need to check everything still works properly with the new template design.

Jargon Buster

• Custom Code: Code you add to enhance or change your site's default behaviour
• CSS: Cascading Style Sheets – controls how your website looks (colours, fonts, layouts)
• HTML: HyperText Markup Language – the basic structure of web pages
• JavaScript: Programming language for adding interactive features to websites
• Code Injection: Squarespace's feature for adding custom HTML, CSS, or JavaScript to your site

Wrap-up

Most Squarespace sites work perfectly well with just built-in features. Start there and add custom code only when you need something specific that isn't available by default.

If you do add custom code, start small. A simple CSS change is much easier to manage than complex JavaScript. Build your confidence gradually.

Remember that custom code needs maintenance. Updates to Squarespace or changes to your template might affect how your custom code works.

Ready to dive deeper? Next, we'll look at specific techniques for customising your Squarespace site's appearance and functionality.

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