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Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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Learn to effectively use gallery blocks on Squarespace with options for layouts, mobile optimization, and interactivity. Key features include adding images and videos, choosing from slideshow, grid, or stack layouts, and ensuring fast loading times on mobile devices.
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Gallery Blocks on Squarespace: How to Use Them Properly
Gallery blocks let you show collections of images and videos in different layouts across your Squarespace site. Whether you're spicing up a blog post or showing product details, these blocks give you the tools for a strong visual presentation.
TL;DR: Key Points
- Add gallery blocks to blogs, event pages, and product sections
- Upload your own images or use Squarespace's stock library
- Choose from slideshow, carousel, grid, and stack layouts
- Features differ between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1
- Add titles, descriptions, and links to make galleries interactive
- Test on mobile devices for the best user experience
Where You Can Add Gallery Blocks
This is where it gets a bit confusing, because the rules change depending on which version of Squarespace you're using.
Squarespace 7.1: You can add gallery blocks to blog posts, individual event pages, and product information sections. You can't add them to regular pages because these use the section-based layout system.
Squarespace 7.0: You can use gallery blocks on layout pages and in footer areas, plus all the places where 7.1 allows them.
The blog and events sections in both versions still use the 7.0 block system, which is why gallery blocks work there.
How to Add Gallery Blocks
- Click an insert point where gallery blocks are supported
- Choose 'Gallery' from the block menu
- Start adding your content
If you need more help with the basics, check Squarespace's help centre guide on adding content blocks.
Adding Images and Videos
You've got three options for content:
- Upload new images: Drag files into the gallery editor or click to browse your computer
- Use existing images: Click the + icon and select from your library
- Stock images: Access Squarespace's licensed stock photo collection through the same + menu
Video Support
Here's another version difference that matters:
- Squarespace 7.0: You can embed videos directly in gallery blocks
- Squarespace 7.1: Use separate video blocks or embed blocks instead. Direct video integration in galleries is limited
Layout Options
Squarespace gives you four main layout types:
Slideshow and Carousel: Perfect when you want to tell a story or show images in sequence. Users click or swipe through one image at a time.
Grid: Creates an organised, symmetrical display. Great for portfolios or product collections where you want everything visible at once.
Stack: Shows images in a single column, one after another. This keeps focus on individual images and works well on mobile.
Each layout has its own design settings for things like transition effects, image cropping, and thumbnail visibility. Play around in the Design tab to find what works best for your content.
Mobile Optimisation Tips
Gallery blocks can slow down your site if you're not careful. Here's what actually works:
- Test your galleries on different devices before going live
- Use fewer images if loading times get sluggish
- Consider image file sizes (you don't need 5MB photos for web galleries)
- Check how your chosen layout behaves on small screens
Some layouts work better on mobile than others. Stack layouts are usually the most mobile-friendly, while complex grid layouts can feel cramped on phones.
Making Galleries Interactive
You can add more than just images to gallery blocks:
- Titles and descriptions: Help visitors understand what they're looking at
- Clickthrough URLs: Turn gallery images into links to other pages
- Lightbox settings: Control how images appear when clicked
These features turn a simple image collection into a more engaging part of your site.
Common Questions
Can I add videos to gallery blocks?
Yes in Squarespace 7.0, but for 7.1 sites, use dedicated video blocks instead.
How many images can I add?
Up to 250 items per gallery block, regardless of whether they're images or videos.
Can I reuse images I've already uploaded?
Absolutely. Use the "My Library" tab in the gallery editor to access previously uploaded images.
Quick Reference
Gallery Blocks: Sections that let you organise collections of images and videos
Aspect Ratio: The relationship between an image's width and height
Clickthrough URLs: Links attached to images that take users to other pages
Thumbnail: A smaller preview version of an image
Lightbox: The popup window that shows a larger image version when clicked
Getting It Right
Gallery blocks can make your Squarespace site more visually engaging, but only if you set them up thoughtfully. Choose layouts that match your content, test on different devices, and don't overload galleries with too many images. The goal is to enhance your content, not slow down your site or confuse your visitors.