Our Favorite Squarespace CSS Codes in 2025

Want complete control over your Squarespace website's look? These CSS codes are your secret weapon! What if you want a design change that Squarespace doesn't offer in its settings, and you can't find the perfect plugin? That's where the CSS Editor comes in. Squarespace gives you the power to add your own custom code. This functionality opens up endless possibilities for adding unique elements, scripts, appearance tweaks, and more!

Want to learn CSS?

If you want to learn CSS for Squarespace, check out these courses.

Want to skip CSS with an Animation plugin?

There are 2 extensions that allow you to customize and style your site without touching any of the snippets below. SquareKicker and Spark Plugin.

Disclaimer

Before we begin, I have to lay down a bit of groundwork. Using the CSS Editor is a powerful tool, but it does come with a drawback: malformed code or improperly handled code can be detrimental to your site.

While you can change many elements of your site with CSS, Squarespace says explicitly, "You should only use CSS to change fonts, colors, and backgrounds. Other CSS changes could potentially harm your site."

That said, nothing prevents you from making other changes to your site. As long as your CSS code is implemented correctly, it won't hurt your site. There are just a few caveats.

• If you're using a 7.0 Template and want to change templates, you'll need to reapply custom code; it doesn't transfer over. It does on 7.1.

• Squarespace will not offer support or troubleshooting for custom code. If your CSS breaks something, they won't help you fix it.

• Squarespace does not consider custom code when they update their platform. So, if they change a CSS class in their design and it breaks your code, well, you have to fix it yourself.

• Custom CSS has a 128,000-character limit. This should be way, way more than you'll need, but it's worth keeping in mind if you're doing a ton of CSS customizations.

Finally, keep in mind that the custom CSS editor isn't the only way to make custom code edits to your site. There are several options, which may be a better fit for your use case.

Code Block (Basic): This is a content block that can execute custom CSS, HTML, or Markdown, for a specific page. Suitable for content-level or page-level changes. Available on all plans.

Code Block (Advanced): This is the same block, but it's also capable of adding iframes (not recommended for SEO reasons) and JavaScript. It's only available on Business and Commerce plans.

Code Injection: This option injects site-wide code, like the Facebook Tracking Pixel or a live chat service. Only available on Business and Commerce.

CSS Editor: This is the primary tool we'll be using today. Available on all plans, it allows you to add custom CSS to your site on a page level. Squarespace says not to make layout changes with it, but it's okay if you do it right. For a sleeker-looking CSS editor try Resurface.

Embed Block: This is a unique code block that executes embed code, so you can embed content from sites like Facebook, Instagram, and anything else that uses oEmbed. Available on all plans.

Squarespace Developer Platform: This tool makes significant changes to a template in 7.0 only. Only available in Business and Commerce, think of it as an advanced dev tool.

You're also wholly barred from running server-side code outside of the code injection feature, which is limited. You can't do any SQL, Ruby, PHP, or anything of the like.  

Anyway, with all that said, let's dig into the cool things you can do with CSS! There's a lot, so stick around to explore.

Cool CSS Tweaks and Hacks

Sidebar Plugin

Starting with precisely what Squarespace says not to do, check out this sidebar option. It's formatted as a plugin, so you don't have to muck about with too much code directly. Instead, it changes the layout and formatting of your site to add a sidebar, which can display content like an author bio, a recent posts block, or a newsletter opt-in. It's very robust and super beneficial for marketing purposes, so check it out!

CTA Animations  

Now this one is cool. Did you know that CSS – pure CSS, no other scripting involved – can make animations? There are some awesome things you can do with this. Many websites with parallax backgrounds and slide-in elements as you scroll use CSS for it, but that's not quite what I have for you here.

On a website, you've probably seen cases where an element wiggles on a timer every 30 seconds or so. A button will occasionally wobble, a call to action will bounce a bit, or a box will lightly flash. Years ago, you had to use animation with a .gif or (shudder) a Flash animation to do that. Today, you can do that with CSS.

Check out https://animate.style/. This site is a massive resource for CSS snippets for tiny little animations, like bounce, flash, pulse, swing, and wobble. There are dozens of them (two scroll bars to the right, if you can't access most of them), complete with demos and installation guides.  

Now, this site is aimed at using CSS in any context, not specifically Squarespace. So you'll have to use the code injection feature to embed their core script and then use custom CSS elements to flag the elements you want animated. But it's pretty simple, so give it a try!

Simple Fade  

This CSS technique is a straightforward tweak, and you've probably seen something like it before. When you hover over an element, such as an image or a menu button, colors will fade in. For pictures, it can be used to highlight them, add color over them, or fade them out a bit. For menu items, it's excellent for highlighting a background color to show users which item their cursor is on. It's easy, very lightweight, and a perfect upgrade for usability.

This page has code snippets for three different use cases: fading text, highlighting images, and backgrounds for menu items. Pick your use case, copy and paste the code, and you're good to go.

Color Gradients  

If you're not aware, a gradient is when two colors fade into one another by passing through the shades in between. They're great for subtle color transitions and significant variances from one side of an element to another.  

In the past, if you wanted something to be a gradient, you had to do a bunch of tricky work with an image manipulator to get the colors just how you liked it. Even then, if users were browsing your site with a larger or smaller screen than you designed for, things would look off and weird.

With CSS, you can implement a gradient that works. You specify the element, you select the colors, and the code does the rest.  

"Doesn't it require a lot of tedium to pick and specify colors?" Not at all! It would - if you were doing it manually, but why would you ever need to do that?  This generator is an excellent tool for precisely this purpose. It lets you pick anchor colors on either end, transition colors in the middle, and specify how far along the bar you want the transition. You can even click to add more anchor points for additional colors and make a whole rainbow.  

You can do both linear and radial (circular) gradients, and you can specify exact hex color codes if you have colors as part of your branding. All of the code generates dynamically below the generator, so you can copy and paste it when you have it tweaked the way you want it.

Rounded Corners  

This technique is another one of those elements that are deceptively simple. You wouldn't think it would be challenging to make rounded corners around an image or text element, would you? Yet, if you've ever tried to do it without weird custom code, it's nonsense! Back in the day, you even had to do things with perfectly aligned background images, tables with lined-up elements for borders, and other nonsense.

All of that is in the past now. CSS allows you to make easy, rounded corners for anything. Want rounded corners on an image? Want a rounded box to highlight a call to action? Want your lightbox to have rounded corners? It's easy with a bit of CSS.  

This technique is just one of dozens of simple CSS tweaks you can do, provided by W3Schools. W3Schools is a web design organization that provides thousands of simple tutorials on everything from HTML to advanced CSS animation.  This page details the rounded corners element, and you can browse all of the other CSS tweaks through the sidebar.

Hidden Elements  

Now for one, that's a little more serious.  

One issue that many sites have, Squarespace included, is mobile rendering using responsive design. Specifically, the site parses all of the code on the page and loads every element, adjusting what displays based on the viewport's size (aka your browser).  

Hidden elements are usually fine. Except for one thing - what happens if you have, say, a sidebar with a couple of images in it? That sidebar isn't going to load on mobile because it would be way too cramped. But, since the site loads the content before determining what displays, you're still spending time loading the images in the sidebar. These resources delay the load speeds on your site.

If you check your Google PageSpeed Insights report and you see "defer offscreen images" as an error, this is what it's referencing.

The solution to this is usually lazy loading, but there's a new CSS element called content-visibility that helps with this. It's relatively new, and it's not supported by every browser just yet, but it's hugely valuable. Lazy loading is most likely going to get more support in the next few years.  This page details the element, how it works, and how to use it. Check it out!

Simple Appearance Tweaks  

There are a handful of tweaks on this page that do tiny little cosmetic things that, nevertheless, dramatically change the appearance of your site. What tweaks?

• Remove the underline from links, which Squarespace adds by default.

• Remove hyphens (-) from the text on the mobile display when text wraps.

• Remove excess space at the bottom of a Brine-based template.

• Narrow the column where your blog content displays.

• Limit mobile product page displays to one product per row.

These are all relatively simple, minor tweaks, but they can completely change the feel of your site to make it much more modern and sleeker. It might not seem like much, but give them a try, and you'll see how important they are.

Other Compilations of CSS Hacks 

I'm only scratching the surface of what you can do with CSS here. Already, several of the links up above are pages with dozens of CSS tweaks on them, but there are way more out there, including more advanced guides.

Here are a few you can check out.

• HUGE LIST OF SQUARESPACE HACKS AND TWEAKS (WITH LINKS AND EXAMPLES). This page has everything from creating a summary block to hiding tags in blog posts. They aren't all CSS, but they're all clever and valuable regardless.

• “50 Design Tweaks” from Five Design Co.  As it says on the tin, this page has 50 different tweaks you can add to your site. These include adding hover animations and dropping shadows to making images circular, using custom bullet point designs. Almost all of them are simple CSS, too.

• “35 Code Snippets” from Paige Brunton.  This article is another extensive list of CSS hacks, including adding header styles, customizing your "read more" link, and dividing your backgrounds into two segments. Many of them are niche, but if you like the design options they give you, they're great.

With all of these resources, you should be able to do pretty much anything you can envision for your site.

So what's your favorite CSS hack from this list? Do you have any that you'd like to share that aren't mentioned on this list? Are you stuck on implementing any of these on your site? Let me know!

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Looking for more Squarespace plugins?

Squarespace 7.1 vs. 7.0: Should You Upgrade?

So, you’ve been using Squarespace 7.0 for a while, and now you’re hearing about Squarespace 7.1 everywhere. Maybe you’re wondering:

• Is Squarespace 7.1 worth it?

• Will my site be faster if I switch?

• What’s different? And more importantly—should I upgrade?

You’re not alone! I get these questions all the time, so let’s break it down in plain English—no tech jargon, no fluff.

When Was Squarespace 7.1 Released?

Squarespace 7.1 launched in January 2020, replacing 7.0 as the default version for all new sites. Since then, Squarespace has focused all new updates, features, and improvements on 7.1.

What does that mean for you?
Squarespace still supports 7.0, but it’s not getting any major new features. If you want the latest and greatest, 7.1 is where it’s at.

Is Squarespace 7.1 Worth It?

Alright, let’s get to the big question: Should you switch to 7.1?

Here’s the good and the not-so-good to help you decide.

What’s Better in Squarespace 7.1?

✅ Easier Design & No More Template Lock-In

• In 7.0, choosing a template was a big decision—some had features others didn’t.

• In 7.1, all templates work the same way, meaning you can change layouts freely without limitations.

• It’s way more flexible and future-proof.

✅ Smoother & Faster Site Editing

• 7.1 introduced Fluid Engine (a more advanced drag-and-drop builder).

• Page layouts are easier to adjust without code.

✅ Faster & More Mobile-Friendly

• 7.1 is optimized for better speed and responsiveness—especially on mobile.

• Your site will likely load faster than on 7.0.

✅ New Features Keep Coming to 7.1

• Squarespace 7.1 gets all new updates (animations, layout tools, etc.), while 7.0 is mostly left behind.

• If you want access to future features, upgrading makes sense.

Reasons You Might Not Want to Upgrade

❌ You Can’t Switch Back

• Once you move to 7.1, there’s no “undo” button—it’s a one-way trip.

❌ Some Features Are Missing or Different

• No Blog Sidebars – If you rely on a sidebar for your blog, that’s not built into 7.1.

• Gallery Blocks Work Differently – 7.1 handles image galleries differently than 7.0 (some people prefer the old way).

❌ You’ll Have to Rebuild Some Parts of Your Site

• Upgrading isn’t a simple “click and done” process—you’ll need to reformat and tweak some things.

👉 Bottom line? If your 7.0 site is working great and you don’t need new features, you can stay put for now. But if you want more design freedom and long-term updates, moving to 7.1 is a smart move.

How Do I Switch to Squarespace 7.1?

There are two ways to upgrade your 7.0 site to 7.1:

Option 1: Use Squarespace’s Upgrade Tool (Best for Most People)

Squarespace recently introduced an upgrade tool to make the switch easier.

How it works:
1️⃣ Start the upgrade – In your site settings, choose to migrate your site to 7.1.
2️⃣ Preview & tweak – Squarespace will generate a 7.1 version of your site for you to adjust.
3️⃣ Go live – Once everything looks good, hit publish! Your old 7.0 site stays live until you’re ready.

✅ Pros: Saves time, moves most content automatically.
❌ Cons: You’ll still need to review and adjust layouts.

Option 2: Rebuild Your Site in 7.1 (Best if You Want a Fresh Start)

If your site is small or you were planning a redesign anyway, you can:

• Start a brand-new Squarespace 7.1 site.

• Manually copy content over.

• Use new design tools to build from scratch.

✅ Pros: Full creative control, clean rebuild.
❌ Cons: More work upfront.

👉 Best approach? Try Squarespace’s upgrade tool first—if you don’t love how it looks, you can always rebuild from scratch instead.

Does Squarespace 7.1 Use Templates?

Yes—but not the way 7.0 did.

In Squarespace 7.0:

• Different templates had different features, layouts, and quirks.

• If you picked the wrong one, you had to switch templates (which often meant rebuilding pages).

In Squarespace 7.1:

• All templates work the same—they’re just starting points for different looks.

• You can fully customize any template without restrictions.

👉 Translation: You don’t need to stress about choosing the “right” template anymore—just pick a design you like and tweak it however you want.

Is Squarespace 7.1 Faster?

Yes, 7.1 is generally faster than 7.0.

• The underlying code is more efficient, meaning pages load quicker.

• It’s optimized for mobile—your site will perform better on smartphones.

• However, your actual speed still depends on images, third-party scripts, and content—so keep those optimized.

Bottom line: If speed is a concern, 7.1 is the better long-term option.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

Here’s my take—if you’re happy with your 7.0 site and don’t feel limited, you can stay put for now.

BUT… if you want:
✅ More design flexibility
✅ Better performance
✅ Access to new features
✅ A future-proof site

👉 Then it’s time to switch to 7.1.

Since Squarespace 7.0 isn’t getting many updates anymore, you’ll likely have to switch at some point anyway—so why not get ahead of the curve?

If you do upgrade, use the built-in migration tool and give yourself time to adjust to the new setup.

Have any questions? Drop them in the comments—I’ve helped plenty of folks transition, and I’m happy to help you too! 🚀

That’s it! Hopefully, this helps you decide if Squarespace 7.1 is right for you. If you’re thinking about upgrading and need advice, drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🚀

Free download: Squarespace 7.0 vs 7.1

Is Squarespace good for Ecommerce in 2025? Pros and Cons

Quick Summary

Squarespace is a top choice for small-to-mid-sized online stores needing great design, ease of use, and built-in ecommerce tools.

Pros: Beautiful templates, intuitive editor, integrated SEO, reliable hosting.

Cons: Limited payment gateways, fewer advanced features for large stores.

Ideal For: Creatives, solopreneurs, and small businesses focused on aesthetics and simplicity.

Start Your 14-Day Free Trial with Squarespace

Table of Contents

1. Pros of Squarespace for Ecommerce

   1. Ease of Use and All-in-One Platform

   2. Beautiful Templates

   3. Built-In Ecommerce Features

   4. Integrated Analytics and SEO

   5. Reliable Hosting & Security

   6. Customer Support & Resources

   7. Pricing & Value for Small Stores

2. Cons of Squarespace for Ecommerce

   1. Limited Advanced Features

   2. Fewer Third-Party Integrations

   3. Customization Constraints

   4. Performance & Scalability Limits

   5. Data Portability & Migration

3. Squarespace vs. Shopify vs. Wix vs. WooCommerce

4. Squarespace Pricing Overview

5. FAQ

6. Final Thoughts & CTA

Pros of Squarespace for Ecommerce

1. Ease of Use and All-in-One Platform

• Intuitive Editor: Squarespace’s block-based interface is beginner-friendly. Drag-and-drop elements onto the page, tweak styles, and publish quickly.

• Managed Hosting & Updates: Everything (hosting, security, and software) is maintained by Squarespace, so you don’t need to worry about technical overhead.

Why It Matters: Small businesses or solopreneurs can focus on selling rather than wrestling with code or third-party hosting.

2. Beautiful Templates

• Professionally Designed: Squarespace is well-known for sleek, minimalist, and modern themes.

• Mobile-Responsive: Every template automatically adjusts to different screen sizes, helping your store look great on phones and tablets.

Why It Matters: A professional, visually appealing design instills trust in potential customers and improves user experience.

3. Built-In Ecommerce Features

• Essentials Included: Inventory management, product catalogs, checkout, and even coupon creation are all native to Squarespace Commerce.

• Multiple Product Types: Sell physical products, digital downloads, or services without extra plugins.

• Abandoned Cart Recovery: Higher-tier commerce plans include automated email reminders for customers who leave items in their cart.

Why It Matters: You can launch a store quickly without installing countless plugins, which reduces complexity and potential conflicts.

4. Integrated Analytics and SEO

• Analytics Dashboard: Track traffic sources, sales data, and visitor behavior from a built-in dashboard—no need for external tools unless you want them.

• Search Engine Optimization: Squarespace provides SEO-friendly URLs, meta descriptions, sitemaps, and more. While it’s not as customizable as WordPress, it covers the basics effectively.

Why It Matters: Solid SEO features help your store rank on Google, and built-in analytics let you make data-driven marketing decisions.

5. Reliable Hosting & Security

• Free SSL Certificate: Every Squarespace site automatically gets an SSL certificate, important for security and search rankings.

• Good Uptime: Squarespace has a strong track record of keeping sites online, crucial for ecommerce.

Why It Matters: Customers are more likely to trust (and buy from) a secure site. Consistent uptime ensures your store is always open.

6. Customer Support & Resources

• Comprehensive Help Center: Squarespace’s documentation covers nearly every topic with step-by-step guides.

• 24/7 Email Support & Live Chat: While there’s no phone support, responsive email and live chat provide timely solutions.

Why It Matters: If you’re new to building an online store, reliable support reduces frustration and helps you learn quickly.

7. Pricing & Value for Small Stores

• No Additional Transaction Fees on commerce plans.

• Competitive Monthly Rates: Plans range from about $26–$72/month, depending on features.

• Free Trial: A 14-day free trial lets you explore the platform risk-free.

Why It Matters: For small-to-mid-sized businesses, Squarespace can be a cost-effective way to get an attractive, functional store with minimal fuss.

Squarespace eCommerce Examples

Click here for more Squarespace inspiration and examples.

Cons of Squarespace for Ecommerce

1. Limited Advanced Features

• Less Extensible: While Squarespace handles basics well, it lacks some advanced inventory, multi-location shipping, or high-end marketing automation options.

• Scaling Concerns: Large, complex stores or enterprise-level needs may require moving to a more robust platform like Shopify.

Why It Matters: Growing brands may eventually outgrow Squarespace’s built-in functionality.

2. Fewer Third-Party Integrations

• Small Extension Marketplace: Squarespace has fewer official add-ons compared to Shopify or WordPress.

• Custom Integrations: If you need specialized tools, you might need workarounds or custom code.

Why It Matters: If you rely on specialized apps, this limited ecosystem could be a deal-breaker.

3. Customization Constraints

• Structured Editor: Squarespace’s design editor prevents you from placing elements anywhere you want (unlike Wix’s free-form approach).

• Checkout Limitations: The checkout flow isn’t highly customizable—what you see is mostly what you get.

Why It Matters: Businesses wanting full design freedom or custom checkout experiences may find Squarespace restrictive.

4. Performance & Scalability Limits

• Shared Hosting Environment: You can’t upgrade server resources on your own.

• High Traffic Considerations: If your site goes viral or you run massive sales, performance could be unpredictable.

Why It Matters: High-volume stores may need a platform with more robust hosting control or dedicated servers.

5. Data Portability & Migration

• Export Limitations: You can export basic products and pages, but not everything (like complex layouts or advanced ecommerce data).

• Closed Ecosystem: You may face manual work if you switch platforms later.

Why It Matters: This isn’t ideal if you foresee migrating in the future—be aware of potential headaches moving your data.

Squarespace vs. Shopify vs. Wix vs. WooCommerce

PlatformBest ForProsConsMonthly PricingSquarespaceSmall-to-mid-sized stores that value design & ease- Stylish templates
- All-in-one solution
- No extra transaction fees- Limited integrations
- Less advanced features~$26–$72/mo (no extra Sq. fees)ShopifyScaling businesses & advanced ecommerce needs- Massive app store
- Advanced ecommerce tools
- POS integration- Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
- Can be pricier with add-ons~$39–$399/mo+ (tiered features)WixUsers seeking creative freedom, flexible site layout- Drag-and-drop editor
- Large template library
- Extensive app market- Can get cluttered
- Add-on costs can add up~$27–$59/mo (business plans)WooCommerceHighly customizable, self-hosted WordPress sites- Ultimate flexibility
- Thousands of plugins
- You control hosting & data- Technical setup
- Must manage updates & securityVariable (Hosting + plugin costs)

Key Takeaway:

• Squarespace: Easiest for design-focused stores that don’t need super-advanced functionality.

• Shopify: Best for bigger operations or those planning to scale.

• Wix: Great creative flexibility but can get bloated.

• WooCommerce: Perfect for power users who want total control and don’t mind a self-hosted setup.

Squarespace Pricing Overview

• Business Plan (~$26/mo): Basic ecommerce with transaction fees (about 3%).

• Basic Commerce (~$30/mo): 0% Squarespace transaction fees, core commerce features, analytics.

• Advanced Commerce (~$46–$52/mo): All commerce features, including abandoned cart recovery, advanced shipping, subscriptions, and more.

Note: Exact pricing can vary depending on promotions, annual billing discounts, and currency. Check Squarespace’s official site for the latest rates.

FAQ

Q: Does Squarespace charge transaction fees on sales?
A: There’s no additional fee on Commerce plans, but the Business plan does include a small transaction fee (around 3%). You always pay standard payment processor fees (Stripe, PayPal) regardless.

Q: Is Squarespace good for large or fast-scaling stores?
A: It’s typically ideal for small-to-medium stores. If you expect rapid growth or need advanced features like multi-currency or robust inventory, you may find Shopify or WooCommerce more scalable.

Q: Do I need coding skills to build a Squarespace store?
A: No. Most customization is done via drag-and-drop blocks and style menus. You can add custom code if desired, but it’s optional.

Q: Can I use PayPal or other gateways on Squarespace?
A: Squarespace supports Stripe, PayPal, and Square for POS. Other gateways might require third-party workarounds.

Q: Can I export my Squarespace site if I switch platforms?
A: You can export some content (like basic pages and products), but advanced layouts, blog formatting, and order/customer data may require manual migration.

Final Thoughts & CTA

Is Squarespace good for ecommerce in 2025?
Absolutely—if you value modern design, streamlined setup, and built-in commerce features, Squarespace provides a polished, user-friendly platform. It excels at supporting small-to-mid-sized shops and creative professionals. However, larger or more specialized online retailers might find its feature set or integrations limiting over time.

If you’re on the fence, the best approach is to try it for free:

<div style="margin-top: 10px;"> <a href="https://www.squarespace.com" style="background-color: #0072F5; color: #fff; padding: 12px 25px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px; font-weight: bold;"> Start Your 14-Day Free Trial with Squarespace </a> </div>

Set up a test store, upload a few products, and see if it meets your needs. You’ll know fairly quickly if Squarespace is the right ecommerce home for your brand in 2025 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

1. Simplicity & Design – Squarespace offers gorgeous themes and an easy-to-use interface.

2. Core Ecommerce Features – Good for selling physical and digital goods; no advanced expansions needed for many small stores.

3. Potential Limitations – Limited gateways, fewer integrations, less flexibility for large-scale businesses.

4. Competitor Comparisons – Weigh Squarespace against Shopify, Wix, or WooCommerce based on your budget, customization needs, and growth trajectory.

5. Try Before You Commit – The free trial is the best way to see if it truly fits your store requirements.

With these pros and cons in mind, you can make an informed decision about whether Squarespace is the ideal ecommerce platform for your goals in 2025.