
Drop-down Menu vs. Index Page: A Guide to Website Navigation Tools
Organizing website navigation can be achieved through drop-down menus or Index pages in version 7.0, each serving distinct purposes.
Drop-down Menus
- Create hierarchical navigation menus
- Available in all templates
- Don't create new pages, only organize existing ones
- Style and functionality vary by template
- Some templates offer customization options for colors, fonts, and icons

Maritime navigation equipment
Index Pages
- Create a single page displaying content from multiple pages
- Available in select templates
- Function as landing pages for content collection
- Display formats include image grids, stacked sections, or full-screen slideshows
- Can be set as homepage
- Cannot be nested within drop-down menus or other Index pages

Collection of six landscape and object photos
Key Considerations
- Drop-down menus are best for organizing navigation
- Index pages excel at creating content overviews
- Cannot combine Index pages and drop-down menus
- Template changes may convert one type to another
- Test both options to determine the best fit for your site
Important Limitations
- Index pages cannot be placed within drop-down menus
- Drop-down menus cannot be placed within Index pages
- Neither can be nested within their own type
- Template changes may affect menu and Index page functionality
Choose drop-down menus for simple navigation organization and Index pages for creating compelling content overview pages. Experiment with both to find the most effective solution for your website's structure and user experience.
Related Articles

How to Choose and Customize Your Perfect Squarespace Template - A Complete Guide
