What’s New With Squarespace 7.1
Many web designers who use Squarespace are wondering if it is time to make the leap from 7.0 to 7.1. While the new version’s naming convention seems to indicate that it’s an in-place system update, it’s a separate and distinct system from the current version. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the new stand-out features on version 7.1, and some of the options from 7.0 that were omitted.
what’s new: pros
One Master Template
Switching between templates is a thing of the past since 7.1 sites share all of the same features and options under a “Master Template.” For someone who is new to Squarespace, this is a plus because you don’t have to worry about learning multiple template families and their features. It’s also a benefit for current Squarespace users because now you have access to every design feature without having to start over on a new template.
Using 7.1, you can start by picking a “Design” (as opposed to “Template” in 7.0), or start from scratch.
The Design Panel
Rather than one central area where all design elements, like colors, fonts and structural measurements are configured (Site Styles in 7.0), you now have editable styling groups, such as colors, fonts, buttons, spacing, image blocks, etc. For example, if you want to make a dramatic change to your site's fonts, you no longer have to look in Site Styles for every font option on your site. Also, 7.1 features curated font packs and color options (similar to what you find in 7.0 Squarespace email campaigns) which may make designing a site for a novice easier. For experienced designers, you still have the option to customize your font and color choices.
Another bonus we’ve uncovered: it is easier to style pages without having to switch between the Pages tab and the Design tab. When you are working on a page in 7.1, you can easily edit style settings directly from that page. In addition, you have more design freedom, as you can make individual edits to each block style, rather than having to use the same block style settings throughout the website.
Portfolio Pages and Content
Index Pages are out, and Portfolio Pages are in. Instead of an Index Page, 7.1 offers the option of creating a Portfolio Page with a similar grid look. The “Portfolio Page” is described as a stylized landing page that links visitors to sub-pages. Squarespace recommends using this option to organize and showcase galleries, projects, portfolio highlights, and other content all in one place.
Editing page content is also streamlined in 7.1. You have the ability to edit all page content at once, including headers and footers, directly from the page on which you are working. In version 7.0, footers and headers are edited separately from page content.
what is missing: cons
There are many exciting new additions to 7.1. However, there are a few features and options that we are missing in the new version.
Limited Migration Options
One major difference is that you cannot migrate your 7.0 website with all its content to the 7.1 version. You have to build a brand new 7.1 site from scratch. It is not possible to import content, like pages, blog posts, or blocks. However, if you have an e-commerce business with products on your 7.0 site, there is an option to export your products to a csv and then import them to a 7.1 site.
Cover pages are no longer an option while using 7.1
Bye, Bye Cover Pages
At Hive, we often utilize cover pages for clients to make announcements and to serve as landing pages for newsletter sign ups, events, and Google Ads. In 7.1, Squarespace has eliminated this feature. The only way to create something similar to a 7.0 cover page is to customize the normal page options. And, you still may need to apply some CSS to create the full screen effect that 7.0 cover pages provide.
No More Parallax Scrolling
Some people love the parallax feature; some people are over it. Squarespace 7.1 seems to be team no-parallax because this feature has been removed from the new version. A quick Google search reveals that there may be some work arounds for this, but you need to be comfortable working with CSS.
Removal of Secondary Navigation
If you are used to using Brine templates in 7.0 (like we do!), then you know about the secondary navigation feature. This flexible option is great for sites with multiple pages, or just as a way to make one page stand out, such as a contact page. Unfortunately, is no longer available in 7.1.
final thoughts
While 7.1 is still in development, Squarespace is continuing to add and improve its new features. Squarespace has noted that if there is a feature that isn’t available in 7.1 (or doesn’t have a comparable alternative), it may become available in the future. At Hive, we are currently keeping an eye on the new updates to 7.1 while continuing to design in 7.0 since there are still some significant limitations in 7.1 from a web design and development perspective. We’re encouraging our clients to stay put with their current versions for now, but if you’re thinking about a website redesign, we’d love to talk to you about whether a Squarespace 7.0 or 7.1 option is right for you. If you are looking for more info on 7.1, you can check out Squarespace’s support page on version 7.1 vs. 7.0 for more feature comparisons and updates.
