Fix and Debug Custom Code on Squarespace

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Identify and correct errors in your custom code using browser tools
• Apply common troubleshooting strategies to ensure code works smoothly
• Use Squarespace's backup system to revert changes if needed

Introduction

Adding custom code to your Squarespace site can transform how it looks and works. But when things go wrong, you need to know how to fix them quickly. This chapter covers the essential debugging techniques that will help you spot problems, understand what's causing them, and get your code working properly. You'll learn to use browser developer tools, apply systematic troubleshooting methods, and recover from mistakes using Squarespace's backup features.

Lessons

Using Browser Developer Tools

Browser developer tools are your first line of defence when custom code isn't working. Here's how to use them effectively:

Step 1: Right-click anywhere on your webpage and select "Inspect" or press F12 to open the developer tools.

Step 2: Click on the "Console" tab to see JavaScript errors. Red text indicates errors, while yellow shows warnings.

Step 3: Use the "Elements" panel to inspect your HTML and CSS. You can edit styles directly here to test changes before applying them to your site.

Step 4: Check the "Network" tab if external resources like fonts or scripts aren't loading. Failed requests appear in red.

The developer tools show you exactly what's happening with your code in real-time. You can test fixes immediately without making changes to your actual site.

Common Troubleshooting Strategies

When code doesn't work, follow these steps to find the problem:

Check for syntax errors first. Missing brackets, semicolons, or quotation marks cause most coding problems. Look for red underlines or error messages in the Console.

Disable recent changes. Remove the last piece of code you added and see if the problem disappears. This helps you identify which addition caused the issue.

Test one thing at a time. If you added multiple code snippets, disable all but one. Turn them back on individually to find the problematic code.

Check browser compatibility. Some CSS properties or JavaScript features don't work in older browsers. Test your code in different browsers to identify compatibility issues.

Verify code placement. CSS goes in the Custom CSS panel, while JavaScript needs to be in Code Injection or Code Blocks. Wrong placement prevents code from working.

Keep notes of what you try. This helps you avoid repeating failed solutions and track what works.

Using Squarespace's Backup System

Squarespace automatically saves versions of your site, which you can restore if custom code causes problems:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Website > Website Tools.

Step 2: Click "Revert Site" to see available backup versions.

Step 3: Choose a backup from before you added the problematic code.

Step 4: Preview the backup version to make sure it's what you want, then click "Revert to this version."

This feature works for Squarespace 7.1 sites. Version 7.0 sites have limited backup options, so be extra careful when adding custom code to older templates.

Regular backups aren't automatic, so export your site content regularly through Settings > Advanced > Import/Export if you're making significant customisations.

Practice

Try this debugging exercise:

1. Add this CSS to your Custom CSS panel:

   .site-title {
    color: red
    font-size: 24px;
   }
   

2. Open your site and use the browser developer tools to find the error (missing semicolon after "red").

3. Fix the error in the developer tools to see the change, then apply the corrected code to your site.

4. Practice using the Console tab to spot the error message and the Elements panel to test the fix.

FAQs

How do I view errors in my custom JavaScript on Squarespace?
Open the browser developer tools and check the Console tab. JavaScript errors appear in red text with line numbers to help you locate the problem.

What should I do if custom CSS isn't displaying correctly on mobile?
Use the device toggle in developer tools to simulate mobile screens. Check if your CSS includes responsive rules with media queries for smaller screens.

Can custom code break my Squarespace site?
Custom code can affect site functionality, but it rarely breaks the entire site. Most issues affect specific elements or features rather than the whole website.

Why isn't my Code Injection working?
Code Injection only works on published sites, not in preview mode. Make sure your site is published and check that you've placed the code in the correct section (header, footer, or page-specific).

How do I know if my code is compatible with my Squarespace template?
Test your code thoroughly after adding it. Some templates have specific CSS classes or structures that might conflict with custom code. Check the developer tools for any error messages.

Jargon Buster

Custom Code: HTML, CSS, or JavaScript that you add to modify your Squarespace site's appearance or functionality beyond the standard options.

Debugging: The process of finding and fixing errors in code by testing, checking error messages, and systematically eliminating potential causes.

Developer Tools: Built-in browser features that let you inspect webpage code, view error messages, and test changes in real-time.

Syntax Error: A mistake in code structure, such as missing punctuation or incorrect formatting, that prevents the code from working properly.

Responsive CSS: Styles that adjust based on screen size, ensuring your website looks good on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

Wrap-up

Debugging custom code is part detective work, part systematic testing. Browser developer tools give you the insights you need to understand what's happening with your code. When problems arise, work through them methodically rather than trying random fixes. Remember that Squarespace's backup system is there as a safety net, but prevention is better than cure.

The skills you've learned here will serve you well as you add more custom code to your site. Practice using the developer tools regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment – you now know how to fix things when they go wrong.

Ready to take your custom code skills further? Join our community at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership for more advanced tutorials and expert support.