Adding Pages to Your Squarespace Navigation
Adding new pages to your Squarespace navigation is straightforward once you know where to look. The process varies slightly depending on your Squarespace version, but the basics remain the same across all platforms.
TL;DR:
- Add pages through the Pages panel using the + icon next to your main navigation
- Choose from layout pages, collection pages, or special page types based on your needs
- Version 7.1 offers more flexibility with layout customisation than 7.0
- You can create dropdown menus and add external links to keep navigation tidy
- Some advanced features require desktop access rather than mobile editing
How to Add Pages to Your Navigation
Open the Pages panel in your Squarespace editor and look for the + icon. You'll find this next to your main navigation area, or within existing dropdown menus if you want to add pages there.
Click the + icon and select your page type. You'll see options for blank pages, pre-built layouts, or collection pages. Type in your page title and hit Enter. Your new page appears in the navigation immediately.
The key is knowing which page type works best for your content. This affects how you'll build the page later and what features you'll have access to.
Understanding Squarespace Page Types
Layout Pages
In Squarespace 7.1, layout pages are your standard web pages. They're not blogs, portfolios, or store pages. You start with either a blank canvas or choose from pre-built layouts that you can customise.
These pages give you the most flexibility for custom designs. You can mix and match different content blocks to create exactly what you need.
Collection Pages
Collection pages group related content together. Think blog pages, event listings, or product galleries. When visitors click on a collection page, they see all the posts or items in that collection.
For example, a blog page automatically displays your blog posts in a grid or list format. Visitors can then click through to read individual posts.
Special Navigation Features
Dropdown Menus
Dropdown menus keep your main navigation clean by grouping related pages under a single menu item. This works well when you have several pages that belong together, like different service pages or multiple portfolio sections.
To create a dropdown, add pages within an existing navigation item rather than at the main level.
External Links
You can add links to other websites or specific tagged content on your own site. This is useful for linking to your social media profiles, partner websites, or filtered views of your content.
Mobile vs Desktop Editing
The Squarespace app lets you manage pages on mobile, but some features require desktop access. Version 7.0 sites particularly need desktop editing for layout customisation.
If you're working on a complex layout or need advanced customisation options, plan to use a desktop rather than trying to do everything on mobile.
Version Differences
Squarespace 7.1 gives you more layout flexibility than 7.0. If you're on 7.0, you'll have fewer template options but the basic page-adding process remains the same.
Version 7.1 also handles responsive design automatically, while 7.0 requires more manual adjustments for mobile viewing.
FAQs
How do I add a new page to my Squarespace navigation?
In the Pages panel, click the + icon next to your main navigation, select your page type, enter a title, and press Enter.
Can I hide navigation on specific pages?
Yes, you can customise visibility settings to hide the main navigation or footer on selected pages through your page settings.
What's the difference between layout pages and collection pages?
Layout pages are for custom designs using different content blocks. Collection pages automatically group related content like blog posts or products.
Why can't I edit some features on mobile?
Some advanced customisation features, especially on Squarespace 7.0, require desktop access due to interface limitations.
Jargon Buster
Dropdowns: Menu feature that groups multiple pages under a single navigation heading to keep menus tidy.
Collection Pages: Pages designed to display and organise grouped content like blog posts, events, or products.
Layout Pages: Standard web pages you customise with different content blocks to create unique designs.
Pages Panel: The editing interface where you manage your site's page structure and navigation.
Wrap-up
Adding pages to your Squarespace navigation is one of the first skills you'll need as you build your site. The process is consistent across versions, though 7.1 offers more flexibility for customisation.
Remember that good navigation helps visitors find what they're looking for quickly. Keep your menu structure logical and don't be afraid to use dropdown menus to group related pages together.
If you're just starting out, stick with the basics first. Add your essential pages, then experiment with more advanced features like external links and custom layouts once you're comfortable with the fundamentals.
Need more hands-on guidance with your Squarespace site? Check out our detailed courses at Pixelhaze Academy.