How to Upload an Ads.txt file to Root Directory of Squarespace

This post is a collaboration with BeyondSpace.studio

Uploading files to the root directory is essential for services like Google ads.txt verification,Squarespace doesn’t offer direct access to a traditional root directory, but with the use of URL redirects, you can mimic this functionality. This guide will show you how to upload an ads.txt file and make it accessible for ad verification.

Uploading Files on Squarespace

Squarespace doesn't support a traditional root directory; instead, uploaded files are stored on its dedicated CDNs. To achieve the effect of a root directory upload, you’ll need to use 301 redirects.

When ads.txt is uploaded to the root directory, it is accessible at top-level domain as such your-domain.com/ads.txt

Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Ads.txt

Step 1: Download Your Ads.txt File

Get the ads.txt file from the verification service (e.g., Google AdSense).

Step 2: Upload the File via Link Manager

1. Go to your Pages in Squarespace.

2. Add a Link in the Main Navigation.

3. Choose File as the Link Type and upload your ads.txt file.

4. Exit the Squarespace Link Editor without saving since we’re only using it for uploading the file.

This will store the file in your Squarespace CDN and it will be accessible at /s/ads.txt, eg: your-domain.com/s/ads.txt

Upload ads.txt file

Pro tip: explore all the gateway to Squarespace Link Editor to upload and manage file in this post.

Step 3: Trace the File URL

Use a URL tracing tool like WhereGoes or Beyondspace Redirection tracer to get the real URL of the file. Paste your your-domain.com/s/ads.txt URL into the tool and trace it to its CDN source URL.

Trace ads.txt file

Step 4: Set Up a Redirect in URL Mappings

1. Go to Settings > Developer Tools > URL Mappings in your Squarespace dashboard.

2. Add the following redirect:
   /ads.txt -> {real-file-path} 301
   Replace {real-file-path} with the traced CDN URL.

Pro tip: If you used Beyondspace Redirection tracer to trace the redirection, simply copy the redirection in Root Directory Redirection after the trace completed.

Set redirect ads.txt

Step 5: Verify the File

Complete the verification process for your external service by providing the redirected URL (e.g., https://your-domain.com/ads.txt).

How This Works

Using a 301 redirect makes the file accessible at the root directory, even though it is hosted on Squarespace’s CDN. Google supports such single redirect to external domain (this case, redirection from your domain to Squarespace static CDN) for ads.txt verification, making this method effective for those using Squarespace.

Supported Services

• Google ads.txt verification

• IndexNow.org

• Bing Webmaster Tools

• Creating an alternate Squarespace sitemap

Conclusion

Squarespace doesn’t have a traditional root directory, but by using URL redirects, you can effectively upload verification files like ads.txt and meet the requirements of external services. This method works for all Squarespace plans, including the Personal plan.

Bringing Gallery Blocks Back to Squarespace 7.1 Sections

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

Update notice
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

1. Insert a new Gallery block where needed.

2. Switch to the Use Existing Gallery tab in the block settings.

3. 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.

Update notice
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

1. Add the Code: Copy the Admin Quick Access snippet into the Footer Injection of your Squarespace admin panel.

2. 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/?quickaccess

• Disable 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.