Understanding How Squarespace Templates Work and Develop

Understanding How Squarespace Templates Work and Develop

By Michael Turner

December 24, 2024 at 02:10 AM

Squarespace templates serve as the foundation for your website design. Here's everything you need to know about how they work and how to use them effectively.

Version 7.1 vs 7.0 Templates

Version 7.1:

  • Templates are starting points for your site's design
  • All sites share the same features and style options
  • No template switching needed for new features
  • Customize using the Squarespace Design Kit with AI

Version 7.0:

  • Each template has unique features and style parameters
  • Templates determine available customization options
  • Can switch templates while keeping content
  • Features vary between template families

Template Development Process

Squarespace templates are built using:

  • HTML: Determines content structure
  • CSS/LESS: Controls design elements
  • JavaScript: Powers interactive features
  • JsonT: Transforms server data into HTML
  • JSON: Links editor interface with template code

Customization Options

Version 7.1:

  • Add content using page sections
  • Customize through Site Styles panel
  • Full design flexibility across all templates

Version 7.0:

  • Limited to template-specific style options
  • Style changes apply site-wide
  • Preview and switch templates without losing content

Key Features

  • Professional designs by Squarespace's design team
  • Regular updates and improvements
  • Mobile-responsive layouts
  • Built-in accessibility features
  • Consistent styling across pages

Important Considerations

  • Templates can't be sold by third-party developers
  • Advanced users can modify code through Code Injection
  • All templates receive automatic platform updates
  • Version 7.0 users can upgrade to 7.1 for newer features
  • Squarespace Experts available for custom modifications

For optimal results, choose a template that aligns with your content needs while considering the different capabilities between versions 7.0 and 7.1.

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