How to Add Custom Fonts to Squarespace

Want to make your Squarespace website truly unique? Learning how to add a custom font to Squarespace can enhance your branding and create a memorable online presence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about uploading and applying custom fonts to your Squarespace website.

Understanding Font Options in Squarespace

Squarespace offers a variety of built-in fonts, including Google Fonts and premium typefaces from Adobe Fonts. You can easily access and customize these through the Style Editor in the Design panel.

However, if you want a truly distinctive look, you may need to upload a custom font that is not included in Squarespace’s default selection. This allows for a unique visual identity that aligns with your brand.

Adding Custom Fonts: The Basics

Typography customization is an essential aspect of web design, allowing you to create a unique and professional look for your website. If you want to add a font to Squarespace, the process involves two main steps:

• Uploading the font files to Squarespace.
• Applying the font to your website’s text using the Style Editor or CSS.

This process gives you full control over typography, ensuring your website design is both stylish and functional.

Uploading Your Font Files

Before adding a custom font, make sure you have the right font files. The most commonly supported formats are:

• .woff / .woff2 (recommended for web use)
• .ttf / .otf (may require conversion for optimal performance)

Choosing the right format is essential because different browsers support different formats. Using .woff2 ensures faster loading times, while .ttf and .otf are more commonly used in design applications but may require conversion for optimal web performance.

Steps to Upload a Custom Font

Uploading a font to Squarespace is a straightforward process. Once uploaded, you will be able to apply it to your website’s text using CSS.

1. Go to your Squarespace dashboard.
2. Navigate to Design > Custom CSS.
3. Scroll down and click Manage Custom Files.
4. Click Upload File and select your font file.

After the upload is complete, Squarespace will host the font file, allowing you to reference it in CSS and apply it to various text elements.

Applying Your Custom Font

Once your custom font is uploaded, you need to apply it to different elements of your website. There are two primary ways to do this—through the Style Editor and through CSS.

Option 1: Using the Style Editor

The easiest way to apply a custom font is through the Style Editor. This method allows you to select uploaded fonts directly within Squarespace’s design settings.

1. Go to Design > Site Styles.
2. Locate the Typography section.
3. Select the text area you want to edit (Headings, Body, Buttons, etc.).
4. Scroll down to Custom Fonts and choose your uploaded font.

If your font does not appear as an option, you may need to apply it using CSS for more advanced customization.

Option 2: Using CSS (For Advanced Users)

For those who want more control over how their fonts are applied, CSS allows you to specify exactly where your custom font should be used.

@font-face {
  font-family: 'MyCustomFont';
  src: url('Your-Font-File-URL.woff2') format('woff2');
}

h1, h2, h3 {
  font-family: 'MyCustomFont', sans-serif;
}

Replace 'MyCustomFont' with your font’s name and update the URL accordingly. Applying CSS manually allows for precise font styling and ensures it is used consistently across your website.

Optimizing Website Typography

Typography optimization is key to a professional website. A great font choice enhances the design while ensuring readability. Consider these best practices:

• Readability: Choose fonts that are easy to read on all devices.
• Size & Spacing: Keep body text at 16px or larger for accessibility.
• Contrast: Dark text on a light background improves legibility.

By implementing these principles, you create a smoother reading experience and ensure your content is easily digestible for visitors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, custom fonts may not display correctly or load as expected. Here are some common issues and solutions:

Font Not Displaying?

If your custom font is not appearing, try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Double-check your CSS font path.
• Ensure the font file is uploaded in the correct format (.woff2 recommended).
• Clear browser cache and refresh your website.

Font Loading Too Slowly?

Slow font loading can impact website performance. Here are some tips to improve font loading speed:

• Use optimized font formats like .woff2.
• Keep font files under 100KB if possible.
• Limit the number of custom fonts used.

By addressing these common issues, you ensure a seamless experience for visitors while maintaining a well-branded website.

Useful Links

Changing Fonts in Squarespace – Learn how to customize your website’s typography using built-in font settings and the Style Editor.

Using the CSS Editor in Squarespace – A guide on adding and managing custom CSS, including how to reference uploaded font files.

90+ Top Plugins to Achieve Your Goals with Squarespace!

Elfsight created dozens of useful plugins to make your website more attractive and boost its performance in so many ways. Try these no-code solutions for free on Squarespace!

Final Thoughts

Adding custom fonts to Squarespace is a powerful way to enhance your website’s design and branding. Whether you choose to upload your own font or use Google Fonts, the right typography can make a significant impact on readability and visual appeal. By following this guide, you can easily personalize your website’s typography and ensure it aligns with your brand identity.

Remember to test your custom fonts across different devices and browsers to ensure they display correctly. With the right font choices, proper optimization, and a smooth application process, you can create a cohesive and professional-looking website that stands out from the crowd.