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Which Squarespace version do you have?
If you’re new to Squarespace, you may have read conflicting information about certain aspects of the platform. Don’t worry, it’s not you! You may be getting information about a previous version of Squarespace.
The first thing I’ll do in this blog post is tell you how to quickly find which Squarespace version you have.
After that, we’ll look at the key differences between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1. You might not think there’s a huge difference between the two, but there are some new features you should know about.
According to Squarespace.com, Version 5 was released in 2008.
In 2012, they introduced Squarespace 6. In 2014, the platform was upgraded to Squarespace 7.0. In late 2019, Squarespace released version 7.1.
How to Find Out If You’re Using Squarespace Version 7.1
It’s a little odd, but Squarespace doesn’t display the version number directly in the user interface. However, there are some things you can do to find out what version of Squarespace you have.
Login to Your Dashboard
The first thing you’ll need to do is login to Squarespace.com. Enter your email address and password to login, or sign in with Google, Apple, or Facebook.
Click on your profile picture to access your dashboard. From there, click on your template.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You may not have access to this option if you’re in Squarespace 7.0. If that’s the case, look at the template family name, such as “Brine” or “Bedford,” as a way to identify 7.0.
If your template has expired, you might not be able to find your version this way. Also, this may work differently if you have version 7.0.
Once your template opens, you should see a sidebar on the left side of the page.
Click on the word “website” at the top of the sidebar. That should open a menu called “Pages.” From there, just scroll down the page with your mouse or use the sliding bar to navigate.
At the bottom of the sidebar, you should see Utilities, System Pages, Website Tools, and Trash. Just beneath that, you’ll see the version of Squarespace that you are currently using.
If the version isn’t visible, you could be in Squarespace 7.0. The absence of this version detail is normal for 7.0 users.
If you started using Squarespace after 2019, it should say Version 7.1. However, keep in mind that if you inherited a site built prior to 2019, it may still be running on 7.0.
Key Differences Between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1
SQUARESPACE 7.0
Layout and Design
Squarespace 7.0 employs a more rigid grid-based layout system. Design customization is based on a collection of templates, and flexibility can be somewhat limited.
Template Switching
In 7.0, you can switch templates without rebuilding your site. This is an amazing feature if you want to try different templates without starting from scratch. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible in version 7.1.
Content Editing
Content is primarily edited in the page editor, with blocks representing different types of content. However, some customization might require adjustments in the Style Editor.
Style Editor
The Style Editor in Squarespace 7.0 allows for customization of design elements, such as colors, fonts, and spacing, but it may not be as comprehensive as in 7.1.
Header and Footer
Header and footer customization is available, but the degree of customization might vary based on the selected template.
Squarespace 7.1
Squarespace 7.1 uses a “universal layout system,” meaning all sites start with the same baseline template. From there you can customize sections, making it a much more flexible option from version 7.0.
Layout and Design
Squarespace 7.1 introduces a more flexible layout system with a drag-and-drop interface, making it an excellent choice for creating a new site. This allows for greater customization of page structures.
Fluid Engine
Fluid Engine, in the context of web design, refers to a website’s ability to adapt and respond smoothly to different screen sizes and devices. In other words, the 7.1 version of Squarespace allows for a mobile-responsive design.
Fluid Engine is Squarespace’s latest drag-and-drop editor, which replaces the previous grid system for even greater layout control.
Header and Footer
Squarespace 7.1 allows for more extensive customization of the header and footer, giving users greater control over the appearance and functionality of their new site.
Blogging Features
Squarespace 7.1 provides enhancements with improved layouts and customization options for blog pages, benefiting those desiring a dynamic main template page.
Migration
Unlike traditional upgrades, you cannot directly migrate from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1. Users will need to rebuild their site from scratch.
Template Lock-In
In Squarespace 7.1, you cannot switch templates once the site has been built. Unfortunately, this is a major limitation.
Need More Information on Squarespace Features and Templates?
I’ve written a few blog posts that you might be interested in. Read these for more details:
How to Optimize Your Squarespace Website
How to Sell Squarespace Website Templates
Simplified Comparison Table – Which Squarespace Version Do You Have?
| Feature | Squarespace 7.0 | Squarespace 7.1 |
| Template Switching | Can switch templates | Templates are “locked-in” once chosen |
| Layout System | Rigid grid-based layout | Flexible drag-and-drop with Fluid Engine |
| Style Editor | Basic design tools | Advanced design panel with more options |
| Blogging Features | Standard blogging layouts | Improved customization and dynamic pages |
| Mobile Editing | Basic mobile view | Live mobile preview and editing |
| Template Migration | Not needed | Manual rebuild required |
Summary – Which Squarespace Version Do You Have
When deciding between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1, consider your specific needs, design preferences, and the level of customization you require for your website.
Choose Squarespace 7.0 if you:
- Prefer the ability to switch templates easily.
- Are comfortable with a grid-based layout system.
- Inherited an older site and want to maintain it.
Choose Squarespace 7.1 if you:
- Want modern, drag-and-drop design capabilities with Fluid Engine.
- Need advanced mobile editing tools and improved responsive design.
- Don’t need to switch templates after building your site.
Final Notes
Make sure to check Squarespace’s latest documentation or updates, as the platform is constantly evolving.
If you’re rebuilding or starting fresh, Squarespace 7.1 is typically the best choice for its flexibility and advanced features.