What’s worth knowing in the Squarespace world.
For designers, developers, and people building businesses around Squarespace.
Bringing Gallery Blocks Back to Squarespace 7.1 Sections
Bring back full Gallery block functionality to Squarespace 7.1 sections with Beyondspace Classic Gallery block—compatible, customizable, and easy to use!
This post is a collaboration with BeyondSpace.studio
The Gallery block has always been a versatile tool for Squarespace users, allowing the addition of visually appealing image and video galleries across various sections. On Squarespace 7.0, these blocks were highly flexible, supporting multiple layouts and areas. Squarespace 7.1 limits the availability of Gallery blocks to blog posts, events, and product descriptions, leaving users unable to add them to other sections as they could in version 7.0.
Fortunately, with the Classic Gallery block, you can bring back the full functionality of Gallery blocks, making it possible to insert them across sections of your Squarespace 7.1 site!
Inserting Gallery blocks
Classic Gallery Block is now managed through Ground Control for easier navigation and customization. Explore Ground Control
Introducing the Classic Gallery Block
The Classic Gallery block is a powerful workaround to reintroduce the flexibility of Gallery blocks in Squarespace 7.1. Whether you’re using Classic or Fluid sections, this tool ensures you can add Gallery blocks effortlessly in areas that Squarespace restricts by default, such as layout pages, footers, and collection landing pages.
What does it offer?
Full compatibility with various sections on 7.1 templates.
A solution for using existing galleries—just like in 7.0.
Pro Tip: Looking to customize your Gallery Blocks further? Explore all styling options and Squarespace plugins for Gallery block in this post.
Gallery Block Availability with Classic Gallery Block Enabled
When activated, the Classic Gallery block unlocks the ability to insert Gallery blocks in sections previously unsupported by Squarespace 7.1. Here's a comparison:
| Supported Areas | 7.1 Version | 7.0 Version | Classic Gallery Block |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog posts | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Individual events | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Product additional Info | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Layout pages | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Collection landing pages | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Portfolio sub-pages | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Footers | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Collection landing pages: (blog pages, events pages, portfolio pages, store pages)
Using the "Existing Gallery" Option on Squarespace 7.1
The Existing Gallery option was a standout feature in Squarespace 7.0, allowing users to link Gallery blocks to shared content from Gallery pages. Unfortunately, this feature is missing in 7.1, which means users can only create transient galleries—where images are uploaded directly to the block and cannot be reused across multiple pages.
With the Classic Gallery block, however, you can replicate this functionality by creating Gallery pages using transient galleries and organizing them under a designated dropdown folder for easy access.
Pro tip: For a modern, flexible solution, consider Synced Blocks. This approach lets you create reusable galleries that sync content and settings across pages, ensuring consistency and saving time.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Existing Galleries with Classic Gallery Block
Detailed step-by-step tutorial for the below has been updated in this post
Step 1: Copy Classic Gallery block to your Footer
Visit Classic Gallery block page and copy the snippet
Paste the snippet to the Footer Injection of your Squarespace site.
Incoming: Squarespace 7.1 has introduced a Section Anchor ID feature, which could prove useful for inserting multiple galleries on a single gallery page and displaying them in the Existing Gallery option using their anchor IDs. Once this feature is fully functional, I’ll update this post with detailed instructions—stay tuned!
Step 2: Create a Transient Gallery Block or Section on a Blank Page
Insert a Gallery block or Gallery section on a blank page.
Add up to 250 images or videos to the gallery.
Create a transient Gallery
Step 3: Organize Your Gallery Pages
To make galleries easier to locate, create a dropdown folder named "Classic Gallery Pages" in your site's navigation. Place all Gallery pages under this folder. This reserved name ensures the script focuses only on pages within the folder, avoiding the need to search your entire site.
Pro Tip: The dropdown name "Classic Gallery Pages" is reserved for this functionality. If you don’t use this exact name, the script will still work but will search through all pages across your site, which may slow down the process significantly.
Group pages to Classic Gallery Pages
Step 4: Use the "Existing Gallery" Option
Insert a new Gallery block where needed.
Switch to the Use Existing Gallery tab in the block settings.
Select your Gallery page from the dropdown list.
Select existing galleries
Conclusion
The Classic Gallery block restores functionality that Squarespace 7.1 missing, making it possible to create and reuse galleries across your website effortlessly. By using transient galleries and organizing them under a designated folder, you can replicate the "Existing Gallery" feature and maintain consistency across pages.
Pro Tip: This script relies on an undocumented Squarespace API, so use it responsibly. Ensure your site is on a Business plan or higher for script installation. Personal plan users, check out alternative solutions on this post.
Whether you're upgrading from 7.0 or seeking more control over your galleries, the Classic Gallery block is the perfect tool to bridge the gap and enhance your Squarespace site.
Effortless Access to Squarespace’s Most Used Panels with Admin Quick Access
This post is a collaboration with BeyondSpace.studio
Navigating the Squarespace admin interface can be cumbersome for frequent tasks like accessing Code Injection or Custom CSS. The Admin Quick Access is here to streamline your workflow, offering a compact, auto-hiding button tailored for both Dashboard Mode and Frontend Mode.
Admin Quick Access is now managed through Ground Control for easier navigation and customization. Explore Ground Control
What Is Admin Quick Access?
Beyondspace’s Admin Quick Access is a productivity-boosting freebie designed to minimize clicks and maximize efficiency within Squarespace. By adding a sleek, auto-hiding toolbar to your interface, it provides quick access to frequently used admin panels, collections, and even your favorite custom links. With a seamless user experience tailored for both logged-in dashboard use and live site editing, it’s the perfect tool for developers, designers, and site owners looking to save time.
Two modes for maximum flexibility
1. Dashboard Mode
Squarespace Admin quick access - Dashboard mode
Dashboard Mode integrates directly with the Squarespace admin panel, making navigation across key areas effortless.
Features:
Core Admin Panels: Access Home, Code Injection, Custom CSS, Orders, and Site Styles instantly.
Collection Shortcuts: Quickly jump to any collection on your pages, including Blogs, Events, or Stores.
Custom Shortcuts: Bookmark frequently visited links with the toolbar’s built-in functionality.
Order Shortcut: Quickly land on Finance > Orders screen
Preview URL: Open current pages in a new tab with the primary domain, avoiding auto-login redirection.
2. Frontend Mode
With the retirement of the Escape Key Login feature in January 2024, Squarespace eliminated a convenient way to quickly access the admin editor while viewing your website. While this change prevents visitor confusion, it also removed a time-saving tool for site owners. To fill the gap, the Admin Quick Access offers an upgraded experience with Frontend mode, It offers quick editing access directly from your live site while staying invisible to visitors.
How It Works:
When logged in, a toolbar appears in the top-right corner of your live site.
Click Edit Page to instantly open the Squarespace editor with the current page preloaded in the preview panel.
Logged-out users and site visitors will not see the toolbar.
Features:
Edit Page Button: Jump from live view to editing mode with one click.
Custom CSS & Code Injection: Landing on Custom CSS and Code Injection panel with the current live page in preview
Site Styles Preview: Adjust site styles while viewing the current page.
Home Button: Quickly return to the admin homepage.
Installation
Add the Code: Copy the Admin Quick Access snippet into the Footer Injection of your Squarespace admin panel.
Activate the Toolbar:
In Dashboard Mode, hover over the arrow at the top-right corner to reveal the toolbar.
In Frontend Mode, ensure you’re logged in to see the toolbar when viewing your live site.
Troubleshooting Primary domain access on Frontend Mode
If the toolbar doesn’t appear on your primary domain, it might be due to login information not being stored. Use the following URL parameters as a workaround:
Enable the toolbar:
your-website.com/?quickaccessDisable the toolbar:
your-website.com/?no-quickaccess
Admin Quick access frontend mode
Installation for Personal plan user
Follow this tutorial on how to install Beyondspace freebies on Personal plan Squarespace websites
Pro tip: If you are managing Squarespace websites on behalf of your clients and do not want them to see the Quick access toolbar, install it using the above method can make it available on your browser only, even the other logged-in users won’t see the toolbar.
Why Choose Admin Quick Access?
Beyondspace Admin Quick Access isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a smarter way to work. Whether you’re managing backend settings, adding custom styles, or editing your live site, this versatile tool adapts to your workflow. With its dual working modes and user-friendly features, it empowers you to focus on building your Squarespace site without getting bogged down in unnecessary clicks.
Ready to boost your Squarespace productivity? Install Admin Quick Access today and experience a faster, more efficient editing process.
Unveiling Our Most Searched Squarespace Templates
We analyzed 1034 Squarespace template searches to uncover the top categories and trends that are capturing users' attention. From captivating photography portfolios to robust e-commerce platforms, this deep dive reveals the preferences shaping the Squarespace landscape. Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or creative professional, these insights can guide you in selecting the perfect template for your website.
Methodology
We collected and categorized 1034 search queries from our template finder. Each query was assigned to one or more categories based on its content. The categories range from industry-specific needs like "Photography" and "E-commerce" to design preferences such as "Minimalist" and "Dark, Moody Templates."
Top Categories of Squarespace Template Searches
Below are the top categories based on the number of queries:
| Category | Number of Queries | Percentage of Total (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Miscellaneous | 101 | 12.2% |
| Art, Design & Creative Services | 75 | 9.0% |
| Photography | 68 | 8.2% |
| E-commerce & Online Stores | 64 | 7.7% |
| Coaching & Therapy | 61 | 7.4% |
| Business & Corporate | 56 | 6.8% |
| Health, Wellness & Fitness | 54 | 6.5% |
| Website Features & Design Styles | 53 | 6.4% |
| Food & Beverage | 49 | 5.9% |
| Travel & Vacation Rentals | 48 | 5.8% |
| Fashion & Beauty | 31 | 3.7% |
| Education & Tutoring | 29 | 3.5% |
| Entertainment & Media | 21 | 2.5% |
| Nature, Gardening & Foraging | 20 | 2.4% |
| Nonprofit & Charity | 18 | 2.2% |
| Real Estate | 17 | 2.0% |
| Personal & Portfolio | 17 | 2.0% |
| Religion & Spirituality | 15 | 1.8% |
| Technology | 14 | 1.7% |
| Sports | 12 | 1.4% |
Let's delve into each of these categories to understand what users are looking for.
1. Art, Design & Creative Services
With 75 queries, this category tops the list, highlighting a significant demand for templates that cater to creatives. Users searched for:
Interior design templates.
Artist portfolios with interactive galleries.
Modern minimalistic designs for showcasing creative work.
Templates with bold and clean lines.
Why This Matters: Creative professionals seek templates that not only display their work elegantly but also reflect their unique style. Squarespace's design-focused templates cater well to this need.
2. Photography
Close behind, 68 queries focused on photography templates. Searches included:
Unique websites for photographers.
Templates for landscape photography.
Portfolio sites with options to sell prints.
Minimalist dark templates to make images pop.
Why This Matters: Photographers require visually stunning templates that prioritize imagery. Features like high-resolution galleries and fullscreen sliders are highly valued.
3. E-commerce & Online Stores
With 64 queries, this category reflects the growing trend of online businesses. Users looked for:
Templates for online merch stores.
E-commerce photography options.
Handmade shop templates.
Clean and inviting layouts with newsletter signups.
Why This Matters: E-commerce templates need to be user-friendly and conversion-focused. Features like product galleries, shopping carts, and easy navigation are essential.
4. Coaching & Therapy
This category saw 61 queries, indicating a strong interest in personal development services. Searches included:
Templates for therapists and psychotherapists.
Modern therapy websites with a warm feel.
Life and business coach templates.
Designs that are feminine, sparkly, and poised.
Why This Matters: Professionals in this field look for templates that convey trust, empathy, and professionalism. An inviting design can make potential clients feel comfortable reaching out.
5. Business & Corporate
With 56 queries, users sought templates suitable for various corporate needs:
Technology and IT consulting templates.
Financial advisor websites with clear calls to action.
Templates for marketing consultants and accountants.
Modern minimal designs for service providers.
Why This Matters: Business templates need to be professional and informative. Clear layouts, straightforward navigation, and strategic placement of contact information are key.
6. Health, Wellness & Fitness
This category shows a growing focus on personal well-being:
Nutrition Coach Templates: Seeking designs that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Beauty Provider Websites: Emphasizing visual appeal and elegance.
Mental Health Services: Requiring comforting and reassuring layouts.
Fitness Instructor Templates: Focusing on energy and motivation.
Why This Matters: Health and wellness professionals need templates that inspire trust and encourage action. Features like class schedules, appointment bookings, and testimonials are valuable.
7. Website Features & Design Styles
Users are specifically interested in certain functionalities:
Sidebar Navigation and Sticky Headers: Improving user experience.
Dark, Moody Templates: Seeking a specific aesthetic.
Parallax Scrolling and Countdown Timers: Adding modern interactive elements.
Lightbox Galleries and Video Integration: Enhancing content presentation.
Why This Matters: The right features can significantly impact user engagement and satisfaction. Templates offering these functionalities can meet diverse user needs.
8. Food & Beverage
Culinary businesses are looking for templates that whet the appetite:
Restaurant and Bakery Templates: Showcasing menus and ambiance.
Coffee Shop Websites: Creating cozy and inviting atmospheres.
Food Order Systems: Integrating online ordering and reservations.
Bright Templates for Restaurants: Using color to stimulate interest.
Why This Matters: In the food industry, visuals are key. High-quality images, easy-to-read menus, and straightforward contact information can attract more customers.
9. Travel & Vacation Rentals
The travel sector seeks templates that inspire wanderlust:
Vacation Rental Booking Sites: Needing calendars and availability features.
Hotel Websites with Booking Plugins: Simplifying reservations.
Travel Blogs and Planners: Sharing experiences and itineraries.
Luxury Templates for Airbnb Rentals: Enhancing property appeal.
Why This Matters: Travel templates must combine aesthetics with functionality. Interactive maps, image galleries, and booking integrations are essential.
10. Fashion & Beauty
This category focuses on style and aesthetics:
Hair Salon Sites: Showcasing services and styles.
Fashion Blogs for Teens: Requiring trendy and dynamic designs.
Makeup Artist Portfolios: Highlighting visual work.
Skincare E-commerce Sites: Combining product sales with informative content.
Why This Matters: In fashion and beauty, the website must reflect the brand's style. High-quality visuals and modern layouts are crucial for engaging visitors.
Analysis and Insights
Key Observations:
Creative Industries Dominate: The high number of searches in Art, Design & Creative Services and Photography suggests that creatives prefer Squarespace for its visually appealing templates.
Rise of E-commerce: The significant interest in E-commerce & Online Stores aligns with the global shift towards online shopping, especially in the wake of recent events pushing businesses online.
Focus on Personal Branding: The popularity of Coaching & Therapy templates indicates professionals are investing in personal branding and online presence.
Professionalism Matters: The consistent interest in Business & Corporate templates underscores the need for polished and professional websites in these sectors.
Key Features Users Value
Based on the queries, users are specifically looking for:
Visual Appeal: High-quality images, galleries, and portfolio layouts.
User-Friendly Navigation: Sidebar navigation, sticky headers, and minimal menus.
E-commerce Functionality: Shopping carts, product galleries, and secure payment options.
Responsive Design: Mobile optimization is a must-have feature.
Customization Options: Ability to adjust templates to fit personal or brand aesthetics.
Implications for Template Designers
Template designers can glean valuable insights:
Prioritize Visual Elements: Enhance templates with customizable galleries and image sliders.
Offer Niche Templates: Create templates tailored to specific industries like therapy, coaching, or niche e-commerce sectors.
Include Modern Features: Integrate functionalities like parallax scrolling, countdown timers, and lightboxes.
Ensure Flexibility: Design templates that are easily customizable to accommodate different content types and styles.