Recovering Lost Content on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Squarespace doesn't auto-save, so you need to save manually
- Deleted pages and blog posts can be recovered within 30 days
- Use Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo recent deletions in the editor
- Save frequently and keep backups to prevent future losses
- Try the Wayback Machine for older content that's permanently gone
If you've accidentally deleted content on Squarespace, don't panic. While the platform doesn't have auto-save (frustrating, we know), there are still ways to recover your work depending on what happened and when.
What to Do If You've Accidentally Deleted Content
Pages and Blog Posts
If you've deleted a page or blog post within the last 30 days, you're in luck. Squarespace keeps these items in a temporary holding area.
For deleted pages: Check the "Deleted Pages" section at the bottom of your Pages panel. You should see your deleted page there, ready to restore.
For deleted blog posts: Look for "Deleted Posts" at the bottom of your blog's post list. Your deleted post will be waiting there.
After 30 days, Squarespace permanently deletes these items and they can't be recovered through the platform.
Blocks and Text Content
If you've accidentally deleted text or blocks while editing, you can usually fix this immediately:
- Click the undo icon in the upper-left corner of the editor
- Use Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac) to undo the deletion
- This only works while you're still in the editor, so act quickly
When Recovery Isn't Possible
Some situations mean your content is gone for good:
- Closing your browser accidentally while editing
- Device or browser crashes during editing
- Editing from multiple locations at the same time (this can cause conflicts)
If you're in this situation, try the Wayback Machine. This internet archive service takes snapshots of websites over time, so you might find an older version of your content there.
Preventing Future Content Loss
Save Frequently
Get into the habit of saving your changes regularly, especially after making significant edits. This is your best defence against losing work.
Keep a Stable Connection
Edit your content when you have a reliable internet connection. Unstable connections can cause problems when saving changes.
Create Backups
- Keep copies of your text content in a Google Doc or Word document
- Store original copies of all images and files you upload
- Back up any custom code you've added to your site
Test Major Changes Carefully
Before making big changes to your live site, consider testing them in a safe environment first. This reduces the risk of something going wrong.
FAQs
Does Squarespace automatically save my changes?
No, Squarespace doesn't have auto-save. You need to manually save your changes every time you edit content.
What happens if I accidentally close the editor?
Any unsaved changes will be lost if you close the editor without saving first.
Can I get back a deleted page after 30 days?
No, Squarespace permanently deletes content after 30 days and it can't be recovered through the platform.
Will the undo function work after I've saved and closed the editor?
No, the undo function only works while you're actively editing. Once you close the editor, those temporary undo states are lost.
Jargon Buster
Blocks: The modular sections in Squarespace where you add different types of content like text, images, or videos.
Wayback Machine: An internet archive service that stores snapshots of web pages over time, accessible at web.archive.org.
Editor: The interface where you make changes to your Squarespace content, accessed by clicking "Edit" on any page.
Wrap-up
Losing content on Squarespace can be frustrating, especially since there's no auto-save feature. The good news is that recently deleted pages and posts can be recovered within 30 days, and you can prevent most losses by saving frequently and keeping backups.
Remember to use the undo function while you're still editing, and don't forget about the Wayback Machine for older content that might be permanently lost. With these strategies, you'll be much better prepared to handle any content mishaps.
Ready to master more Squarespace techniques? Join our community at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership for expert guidance and support.