Manage Oversized Images on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Oversized images slow down your Squarespace site and hurt SEO rankings
- Keep display images under 250 KB and banner images under 500 KB
- Pre-size images between 1500 and 2500 pixels wide before uploading
- Use Squarespace's image editor to resize or compress images already on your site
- Check your media library regularly to spot problem files
Identifying and Adjusting Oversized Images
If your Squarespace site feels sluggish, oversized images are often the culprit. Large image files drag down loading speeds and hurt your search rankings. Tools like SEOSpace can flag these problematic images, but you can also spot them manually in your media library.
The fix is straightforward: resize your images to meet Squarespace's recommended guidelines. This keeps your site running smoothly without sacrificing visual quality.
Preparing Images Before Uploading
Getting your images right before uploading saves time later. Here's what to aim for:
- Display images: Under 250 KB
- Banner images: Under 500 KB
Pre-size your images between 1500 and 2500 pixels wide using any image editing software. This width range works well because Squarespace can create different versions for various screen sizes without losing quality.
Most photo editing apps can handle this resizing. Even free tools like GIMP or online compressors will do the job.
Using Squarespace's Built-In Image Editor
Already uploaded oversized images? No problem. Squarespace has a built-in editor that handles basic adjustments:
To access the image editor:
- Go to your media library
- Click on the image you want to edit
- Select the editing tools
Your main options:
- Resize: Change the image dimensions
- Compress: Reduce file size while keeping acceptable quality
Save your changes when you're done. If you've made significant changes, consider resubmitting your sitemap to Google so search engines pick up the improvements.
After editing several images, check your page loading speed to see the difference. Most sites notice a clear improvement once oversized images are sorted.
FAQs
How can I spot oversized images on my Squarespace site?
Check your media library and look for files over the recommended sizes. SEOSpace and similar tools can also flag these automatically.
Does Squarespace automatically compress images?
Yes, Squarespace optimises images when you upload them, but very large files might still need manual compression to reach optimal sizes.
Will resizing affect my site's image quality?
Some quality loss is inevitable, but proper resizing keeps images looking crisp while dramatically improving site speed. The trade-off is worth it.
What if I need high-resolution images for print or other uses?
Keep your original high-res files stored separately. Use web-optimised versions for your Squarespace site.
Jargon Buster
SEOSpace Plugin: A tool that scans your Squarespace site for SEO issues, including oversized images that slow down loading times.
Image Compression: Reducing file size while maintaining acceptable visual quality. Essential for keeping websites fast.
Media Library: Squarespace's storage area where all your uploaded images, videos, and other files live.
Sitemap: A file that tells search engines about all the pages and content on your website.
Wrap-up
Keeping images within the right size limits is one of the easiest ways to improve your Squarespace site's performance. Regular checks of your media library help catch oversized files before they become a problem.
The built-in editing tools handle most situations, but preparing images properly before uploading prevents issues in the first place. Your site visitors will notice faster loading times, and search engines will reward you with better rankings.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace optimisation? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more detailed guides and expert tips.