Interactive Elements on Squarespace with JavaScript

Learning Objectives

• Understand how to inject custom JavaScript into your Squarespace site
• Learn to create accordion tabs and image sliders using JavaScript
• Build confidence in enhancing website interactivity through basic coding

Introduction

This chapter will guide you through adding interactive elements like accordion tabs and image sliders to your Squarespace website. These additions can transform static content into dynamic, engaging experiences for your visitors. We'll start with the basics and build up your skills step by step, making it manageable even if this is your first time writing code.

Lessons

Adding Custom JavaScript in Squarespace

Custom JavaScript can transform your site's functionality. Here's how you add it:

Step 1: Log in to your Squarespace account and navigate to Settings.

Step 2: Select Advanced, then click Code Injection.

Step 3: In the Footer section, paste your JavaScript code. The footer ensures scripts load after your content, which prevents errors.

Step 4: Save your changes and refresh your website to see the results.

Before you add any code to your live site, test it in a local environment or through your browser's developer console. This helps you catch errors before they affect your visitors.

Creating an Accordion Tab

Accordions work brilliantly for FAQs or any content that needs organised sections. Here's how to build one:

Step 1: Add the HTML structure for your accordion in a Code Block on your desired page:

<div class="accordion-container">
  <div class="accordion">
    <h3>Section 1</h3>
    <div class="panel">
      <p>Your content goes here.</p>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="accordion">
    <h3>Section 2</h3>
    <div class="panel">
      <p>More content here.</p>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

Step 2: Add this JavaScript to make the accordion interactive:

document.querySelectorAll('.accordion').forEach((accordion) => {
  accordion.onclick = () => {
    accordion.classList.toggle('active');
    let panel = accordion.nextElementSibling;
    if (panel.style.display === "block") {
      panel.style.display = "none";
    } else {
      panel.style.display = "block";
    }
  };
});

Step 3: Apply CSS for styling:

.accordion {
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 18px;
  width: 100%;
  border: none;
  text-align: left;
  outline: none;
  background-color: #f1f1f1;
  transition: 0.4s;
}

.panel {
  padding: 0 18px;
  display: none;
  background-color: white;
  overflow: hidden;
}

Use clear class names like 'accordion' to keep your code clean and easy to understand later.

Implementing an Image Slider

Image sliders make your galleries interactive and help showcase multiple images in a compact space. Here's how to set one up:

Step 1: Place your images within a Code Block using this HTML structure:

<div class="slideshow-container">
  <div class="mySlides fade">
    <img src="your-image-1.jpg" style="width:100%">
  </div>
  <div class="mySlides fade">
    <img src="your-image-2.jpg" style="width:100%">
  </div>
  <div class="mySlides fade">
    <img src="your-image-3.jpg" style="width:100%">
  </div>
  
  <a class="prev" onclick="plusSlides(-1)">&#10094;</a>
  <a class="next" onclick="plusSlides(1)">&#10095;</a>
</div>

Step 2: Add this JavaScript to create sliding functionality:

let slideIndex = 1;
showSlides(slideIndex);

function plusSlides(n) {
  showSlides(slideIndex += n);
}

function showSlides(n) {
  let i;
  let slides = document.getElementsByClassName("mySlides");
  if (n > slides.length) {slideIndex = 1}    
  if (n < 1) {slideIndex = slides.length}
  for (i = 0; i < slides.length; i++) {
      slides[i].style.display = "none";  
  }
  slides[slideIndex-1].style.display = "block";  
}

Step 3: Add CSS for the navigation buttons and transitions:

.slideshow-container {
  max-width: 1000px;
  position: relative;
  margin: auto;
}

.mySlides {
  display: none;
}

.prev, .next {
  cursor: pointer;
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%;
  width: auto;
  margin-top: -22px;
  padding: 16px;
  color: white;
  font-weight: bold;
  font-size: 18px;
  background: rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
  border: none;
  user-select: none;
}

.next {
  right: 0;
}

.prev:hover, .next:hover {
  background: rgba(0,0,0,0.8);
}

Always test your slider on mobile devices, as touch interactions can behave differently than desktop clicks.

Practice

Create an accordion using the steps above, then modify the JavaScript code to automatically open the first section when a user lands on the page. Here's a hint: you'll need to add a line that applies the 'active' class to the first accordion item and displays its panel.

Try building the image slider with your own images. Once it's working, experiment with adding automatic sliding every 3 seconds.

FAQs

How do I add custom JavaScript to my Squarespace site?
Navigate to Settings, then Advanced, then Code Injection. Add your JavaScript code in the Footer section for best results.

Can JavaScript be used for more than visual effects on Squarespace?
Yes, JavaScript can manipulate almost every element on your site, from dynamically changing text to adjusting layouts based on user interactions.

Do I need to understand HTML and CSS to use JavaScript on Squarespace?
Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS will help you work more effectively with JavaScript, as these languages work together to create interactive web experiences.

What happens if my JavaScript code breaks something on my site?
You can always remove the code from the Code Injection area to restore your site to its previous state. This is why testing code before implementation is so important.

Jargon Buster

Code Injection: A Squarespace feature that allows you to add custom HTML, CSS, or JavaScript directly into the header or footer of your website.

JavaScript: A programming language used to create interactive effects within web browsers, enhancing user experience and site functionality.

Accordion: A graphical control element with vertically stacked items, each of which can be expanded or collapsed to reveal associated content.

DOM: Document Object Model – the structure that represents your webpage's content, which JavaScript can manipulate to create interactive effects.

Wrap-up

You've now learned how to add interactive JavaScript features to your Squarespace site. Start by implementing one of these examples on your site, then experiment with variations. The key is to start small and build your confidence with each success.

Remember that JavaScript opens up endless possibilities for customisation. As you become more comfortable with these basics, you'll be able to create increasingly sophisticated interactive elements that make your site stand out.

Practice regularly, don't be afraid to experiment, and always test your code before going live. Your visitors will appreciate the enhanced user experience these interactive elements provide.

Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Join our community at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership