Using Text Blocks on Squarespace
Text blocks are the backbone of content creation on Squarespace. They handle everything from simple paragraphs to complex layouts with custom styling. Here's how to get the most out of them.
TL;DR:
- Text blocks are your main tool for adding headings, paragraphs, links, and lists
- Only users with editing permissions can modify text blocks – visitors need form blocks for input
- Squarespace 7.1 offers more styling options than older versions
- Common issues include formatting problems from copied text and spacing quirks
- Advanced features include background colors, padding adjustments, and blend modes
Adding Your First Text Block
Adding text blocks is straightforward. Navigate to your page editor and click the plus icon where you want to add content. Select 'Text' from the block menu.
Once placed, click inside the block to start typing. Press Enter to create new paragraphs. The toolbar appears when you select text, giving you formatting options like bold, italic, and links.
Remember to save your changes before leaving the page.
Formatting Text Properly
The text block toolbar handles most formatting needs. You can create headings, add links, make bulleted lists, and adjust text alignment.
For headings, select your text and choose from Heading 1 through Heading 4. These automatically inherit your site's styling, keeping everything consistent.
When adding links, paste the URL and add descriptive link text. This helps with both user experience and SEO.
Customizing Text Block Appearance
Squarespace 7.1 gives you more control over individual text blocks. Click the paintbrush icon in the block toolbar to access styling options.
You can add background colors, adjust padding around your text, and even apply blend modes when overlaying text on images. The stroke feature adds outlines to text, useful for readability over busy backgrounds.
These options aren't available in Squarespace 7.0, where styling happens mainly through the site-wide Style Editor.
Common Problems and Solutions
Copied text often brings unwanted formatting. When pasting content from Word or other sources, use the 'Remove Formatting' button in the toolbar to strip out problematic styling.
For single line breaks without extra spacing, use Shift+Enter instead of just Enter. This creates a line break within the same paragraph.
If text blocks behave strangely, try pasting as plain text first, then reapplying formatting through Squarespace's tools.
Managing Text Block Layout
Text blocks stack vertically by default. In Squarespace 7.1, you can create more complex layouts using the grid system or by placing blocks side by side.
Empty placeholder text blocks appear on new pages but don't affect your live site. You can't delete these until you add more content blocks to the page.
To remove a text block, click the trash icon in the block toolbar. Be careful – this action can't be undone in some versions once you save the page.
FAQs
Can visitors edit text blocks on my site?
No, only users with editing permissions can modify text blocks. If you want visitor input, use form blocks instead.
How do I change fonts in text blocks?
Font changes happen through your site's Style Editor, not individual text blocks. This keeps your design consistent across all pages.
Can I underline text in Squarespace?
Squarespace 7.1 doesn't have a built-in underline option. Use text highlights as an alternative, or check if your template supports underlining through custom CSS.
Why does my copied text look different?
External sources often include hidden formatting. Use the 'Remove Formatting' tool or paste as plain text to fix this.
Jargon Buster
Text Block – The basic content block for adding and formatting text on Squarespace pages
Block Toolbar – The formatting menu that appears when you click inside a text block
Placeholder Blocks – Empty blocks that appear on new pages as starting points for content
Blend Mode – A styling option that changes how text blocks interact with background images or colors
Wrap-up
Text blocks form the foundation of most Squarespace websites. Understanding how to add, format, and customize them properly will make your content creation much smoother. Start with basic formatting, then experiment with the advanced styling options as you get more comfortable.
The key is keeping your text readable while making it visually appealing. When in doubt, simpler formatting usually works better than complex styling.
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