Looking to update the default monospace font on your Squarespace website? This guide walks you through different ways to replace it with a cleaner, more modern typeface—boosting your site's design and readability.
Understanding the Default Monospace Font
Squarespace often applies a monospace font to specific blocks like code, preformatted text, or certain templates. This font style resembles typewriter text and, while useful for technical content, may clash with your website's overall aesthetic if left unchanged.
Adjusting Fonts via Design Settings
If the monospace font appears in body text, headings, or buttons, it's likely set within your theme's default typography. Here's how to modify it:
Navigate the menu
- Log in to your Squarespace dashboard.
- Go to Design > Site Styles.
Choose font categories
- Click on text elements like “Body Text” or “Headings.”
- Select a modern font (like sans-serif or serif) from the dropdown.
- Preview and save your changes.
Using Custom CSS to Override Monospace Fonts
For elements not covered in Site Styles, such as blocks or plugins using monospace by default, you’ll need to use custom CSS.
Add CSS manually
- Navigate to Design > Custom CSS.
- Paste the following snippet:
pre, code {
font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif !important;
font-size: 16px;
line-height: 1.6;
}
Changing Monospace Font in Specific Blocks
Some block types, like the Code Block or Markdown Block, use monospace fonts regardless of theme. While these are meant to showcase raw code, you can still adjust them if needed.
- Code Block: Add a wrapper div in the code, then apply custom CSS.
- Markdown Block: Adjust via the same CSS selectors used for
pre
andcode
.
Recommended Font Replacements for Monospace
Here are some visually appealing options to replace your default monospace font:
Monospace Font | Recommended Replacement | Font Category |
---|---|---|
Courier New | Roboto | Sans-serif |
Consolas | Lora | Serif |
Menlo | Open Sans | Sans-serif |
These replacements improve readability and create a more modern look on your Squarespace website.
Advanced Font Override Techniques
If you've installed third-party widgets or custom HTML sections, monospace fonts may sneak in through embedded code or inline styles. Here’s how to fix that:
Inspect the element
- Right-click the section and select Inspect.
- Identify the class or ID applying the monospace style.
Add targeted CSS
.custom-widget pre, .custom-widget code {
font-family: 'Lato', sans-serif !important;
}
Troubleshooting Font Changes Not Applying
Sometimes, changes may not reflect immediately. Consider these fixes:
- Clear your browser cache.
- Use
!important
in your CSS if other styles override yours. - Ensure the font you selected is available in Squarespace’s font library.
Useful Links
Style Changes FAQ – Learn how to adjust fonts, colors, and other design elements in Squarespace to customize your site's appearance.
Using Custom CSS – This guide explains how to apply custom CSS to your Squarespace site, allowing for advanced styling options beyond the built-in settings.
Code Blocks – Understand how to add and style code blocks within your Squarespace site, useful for displaying code snippets or custom HTML.
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Conclusion
Changing the monospace font in Squarespace can be as simple as tweaking Site Styles or as advanced as using targeted CSS. Whether you want to improve readability or align typography with your brand, these methods give you full control over your website’s design. Always preview changes across devices and maintain consistency for the best results.