Index Pages in Squarespace 7.0
TL;DR:
- Index pages combine content from multiple sub-pages into one main page with unique layouts
- Available in grid, stacked, and slideshow formats (depends on your template)
- Perfect for showcasing collections of related content in one navigable spot
- Only works with templates that support index pages – not all do
- You can add up to 100 sub-pages but keep it under 25 for best performance
- Password protection works differently depending on your index style
Index pages in Squarespace 7.0 let you pull together various sub-pages under one main page. This creates a clean way to present related content that looks good and works well for visitors.
Your template determines which style you get. There are three options:
Grid: Each sub-page shows as a clickable image in a visual grid layout
Stacked: Sub-pages stack vertically so visitors scroll through them on one page
Slideshow: Each sub-page gets a full-width background image with clickable content on top
Setting Up Your Index Page
First, check if your template supports index pages. Not all of them do.
If yours does, here's how to add one:
- Go to the Pages panel
- Select 'Index' from the page menu
- Set your title and URL slug (this determines how people find and access your page)
Customizing Your Index
Each template offers different customization options based on its design. You can adjust:
- Page settings like title and description from the page settings panel
- Visual elements like fonts and image spacing through the site styles panel
- Navigation and layout options (varies by template)
Managing Your Content
Adding and organizing sub-pages within your index is straightforward:
- Add sub-pages through the Pages panel (keep it under 25 for optimal loading)
- Drag and drop to reorder content
- Set individual page titles and descriptions
- Add featured images for each sub-page
For password protection, the approach depends on your index style:
- Grid and slideshow styles: You can password-protect individual sub-pages
- Stacked style: The main index password protects all sub-pages together
Keep your content fresh by updating featured images and descriptions regularly. This helps with both visitor engagement and search engine visibility.
FAQs
Can I add more than 25 pages to an Index Page?
Yes, Squarespace allows up to 100 sub-pages, but staying under 25 keeps your page loading quickly.
How do I password-protect sub-pages within an Index?
In grid and slideshow styles, you can add passwords to individual sub-pages. With stacked styles, the main index password protects everything.
What if my template doesn't support Index Pages?
You'll need to use alternative page types like layout pages to create something similar, or consider switching to a template that supports index pages.
Can I change the index style after creating it?
The index style is determined by your template. To change it, you'd need to switch templates or customize the existing one through code.
Jargon Buster
Index Pages: Special Squarespace pages that compile content from multiple sub-pages into one organized layout
URL Slug: The customizable end part of a web address that reflects your page content
Sub-pages: Individual pages that sit within your main index page
Featured Image: The main image that represents each sub-page in your index
Wrap-up
Index pages in Squarespace 7.0 help you create organized, attractive pages that keep visitors engaged longer. Whether you're building a portfolio, blog, or product showcase, these pages adapt to your content while providing smooth navigation. If your current template doesn't support index pages, you can still create similar layouts using other page types with a bit more manual work.
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