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Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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dropdowns
index pages
squarespace
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AI summary
Use dropdowns to organize navigation by grouping related pages, and index pages to showcase content visually. Ensure your template supports these features for optimal site structure and user experience.
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How to Use Dropdowns and Index Pages in Squarespace 7.0
If you're working with Squarespace 7.0, you've got two handy tools for structuring your website: dropdowns and index pages. They might look similar in the Pages panel, but they work quite differently and serve different purposes.
Dropdowns: Tidy Up Your Navigation
Dropdowns help you organise your navigation by grouping related pages under one menu item. Instead of having a cluttered navigation bar with loads of pages, you can tuck related content under a single dropdown.
How Dropdowns Work
Your dropdown appearance will depend on your template. Some let you customise background colours, add icons, or change how the sub-pages look. Have a dig around in your dropdown settings to see what options your template offers.
Quick tip: Test any navigation changes when your site traffic is quiet. You don't want to confuse visitors whilst they're browsing.
Index Pages: Show Off Your Best Content
Index pages are a Squarespace specialty. They pull content from different pages and display it all together in one place. Perfect for creating impressive landing pages, portfolios, or showcasing your best work.
Design Options
How your index page looks depends on your template. You might get grid layouts, scrolling sections, or full-screen slideshows. This flexibility makes index pages brilliant for making a strong first impression.
Quick tip: Index pages work best with high-quality images and your strongest content. Don't waste the prime real estate on filler material.
Template Compatibility
Here's the catch: not all Squarespace 7.0 templates support index pages. Before you plan your whole site around them, check if your template actually has this feature. If it doesn't, you can create something similar using regular pages with multiple sections.
Common Questions
Should I use a dropdown or an index page?
Use dropdowns when you want to organise related pages in your navigation. Use index pages when you want to create a visual showcase that combines content from multiple sources.
Can I put an index page inside a dropdown?
No, Squarespace 7.0 doesn't allow you to nest index pages within dropdowns or the other way around.
Do all 7.0 templates have index pages?
No, only certain templates support index pages. If yours doesn't, you can achieve something similar using regular pages with multiple sections, or consider switching to Squarespace 7.1 where this functionality works differently.
Key Terms
Dropdowns: Navigation menus that show related pages when you hover or click on them
Index Pages: Special pages that combine and display content from other pages in various layouts
Templates: The design framework that determines what features and layouts are available on your site
Worth Remembering
Getting these features right can make a big difference to how people use your site. Dropdowns keep your navigation clean, whilst index pages let you create impressive showcases. Just remember to check what your template actually supports before you start planning.
Both tools are about making your visitors' lives easier. Use them thoughtfully, and your site will be much more pleasant to browse.