Squarespace 7.1 vs 7.0 - Which version is the best?
If you’ve wondered about Squarespace 7.0 vs. 7.1, we’re here for it.
Squarespace introduced the 7.1 version in mid-2019, but they’re essentially operating both versions, meaning people have a lot of questions!
For example:
What’s the difference?
How do I know what version of Squarespace my site is?
Is Squarespace 7.1 really better than the 7.0?
Should I move my old site to Squarespace 7.1?
How to switch from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1
Can I still build on Squarespace 7.0?
Here’s the rundown. (Download our 7.0 vs 7.1 feature comparison here)
What’s the difference between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1?
Squarespace 7.0 came out in 2014
Squarespace 7.1 came out - according to Squarespace the focus is on usability and design. The workflows for creating a consistent brand are a lot better.
There are a few key differences between the two versions. First, not all features available under 7.0 are currently available in 7.1 (which we’ll get into more later). However, there are a few changes in 7.1 for which the aim was to improve upon 7.0:
Templates
One of the hardest choices people have to make upfront in version 7.0 is to choose a template. This is important because if you were to start work, then decide that you needed to change the template, you might have to start over from scratch. Different templates might not be compatible with one another or offer the same features.
In 7.1, all templates offer the exact same features. This means that choosing your template doesn’t have to be the biggest obstacle to getting started on your website. If you decided halfway through creating your website that you’d like to make changes, you can. (You can’t switch templates in this version). Underlying functionality is exactly the same, no matter what you chose to start with, so making changes is as simple as rearranging your content and sections, and making any needed changes in the style editor. (For example, you could choose to replicate a different template this way).
Under 7.0, you can switch between templates in the same family, but you can’t if they’re different. For example, Brine is popular because it has a lot of extra features that some other templates don’t. Due to this, an FAQ of 7.0 is, “how do I switch to Brine?” So in essence, 7.1 makes this simple (FYI: Brine isn’t a 7.1 template).
Design interface
7.1 brings changes to the design interface of Squarespace. If you’re already used to 7.0, they might take some getting used to, but overall they make improvements:
You can now set up color themes to use on your website. You can make these unique to different sections if that makes sense to do so, meaning you have some flexibility to create different contrasts and backgrounds. Currently, you can set up to 8 color themes which helps to make different sections stand out.
H4 header settings are now built-in. This is great news for SEO improvements because Google looks at your headers when it scans your site and ranks information by how you use headers (so H1 - H3 delineate more important information).
The design settings are a bit more intuitive than version 7.0. Fonts, buttons, colors and other features are grouped together so that you no longer have to go page by page on your site to access different design settings.
There are no more index pages. This is good news for anyone who had to go through the more complex process to create long, scrolling pages in 7.0! Instead, 7.1 can easily stack to create those longer pages.
They’ve added portfolio pages in 7.1 to make it easier to show off your work.
What can’t you do?
As we mentioned, there are a few things that you may have been used to with your 7.0 site that aren’t available at the moment on 7.1. (Bear in mind that many of these features are template-specific on 7.0, too). Here are some examples:
You can’t select different fonts for each heading style
There are fewer options for customizing mobile design right now
Parallax (creating a 3D illusion) is currently no available
Developer mode is not available
You can’t edit your blog post in the “live” editor (as it will actually appear). This means you have to edit in the pop-up window.
No sidebar
No gallery blocks
No anchor links (which allow people to jump to a linked section)
No cover pages (a sort of landing page that visitors see before being directed to your main site)
No share buttons (e.g. for social media)
No content exporting
Not compatible with the Squarespace app
As you can see, many of these examples are probably things they are working on over time. Many early releases are imperfect, but releasing early allows those who want to get started now to get on with it. Also, while these features aren’t native to 7.0, they can be added with things like custom coding or plugins, so if you have the skills or inclination, it might suit you just fine.
Is Squarespace 7.1 really better than the 7.0?
The editor
The animations
How do I know what version of Squarespace my site is?
If you want to know what template your site is on, or if it’s on 7.0 or 7.1 check out the video below.
When you log into your site, click Help in the left panel and scroll down. If you’re on version 7.0, you’ll see the version name, as well as your site’s template name. Version 7.1 users will only see their platform listed, because all version 7.1 templates support the same features and functionality.
Can I still build on Squarespace 7.0?
Yes, you can. I currently have 2 sites (including this one) still on 7.0. It still works for my needs and the stuff I do need, doesn’t exist in 7.1 yet. If you’re looking for the Squarespace 7.0 templates, you can find them here.
Should I build on 7.0 or 7.1?
This is one of those questions we can’t give you a straight answer for, except to say that just because 7.1 now exists, doesn’t mean you have to upgrade current sites. Squarespace continues to provide support for all its versions, including some old sites on 5.0! You can also continue to build new sites on 7.0 if you wish, as there’s no end date on support.
So, the answer as to whether you should build on 7.0 or 7.1 very much depends on your goals and experience with Squarespace. Let’s say you’re a total Squarespace (or web builder) noob and want to be able to build a site relatively quickly and easily - we’d say 7.1 will be the version you find easiest. It has streamlined several learning curves without compromising Squarespace’s reputation for premium site design.
What if you already have a 7.0 website? There is currently no option to migrate your website across to 7.1 and as discussed, there are a number of features that aren’t automatically available. So unless you’re already planning a major site overhaul, you might want to consider sticking with your 7.0 site. If you already have a lot of site content, it could potentially be a huge job to migrate it all over…
What about your clients? Many of our SQSP Themes followers are Squarespace website designers working with clients. If this is you, the field is wide open. Whether you choose 7.0 or 7.1 should be a function of the design features your client needs and whether or not they’re going to need to manage the back end themselves afterward (for which 7.1 is easier).
Free download: Squarespace 7.0 vs 7.1
Conclusion - Is one better than the other?
Ha, you probably guessed it - the answer to this question is once again “it depends.” 7.1 is designed to iron out some of the user learning curves of 7.0, so for some people, this may be “better.”
On the other hand, 7.1 means you can just go for it without being bogged down over template decisions. You won’t have to worry about changing your mind part-way through because the features are standard.
What do you think? Do you have a preference for 7.0 or 7.1? Why?
