Squarespace is a powerful platform for building websites, but what if you need to download your website for backup, migration, or offline storage? While Squarespace doesn’t offer a full one-click download, you can still export your website content and manually save important files. This guide walks you through how to download a Squarespace website, what content you can export, and how to store your website safely.
Why Download Your Squarespace Website?
There are several reasons you may want to download or export your Squarespace website:
- Website Migration: Moving to another platform like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify.
- Backup and Security: Keeping a local copy in case of accidental data loss.
- Content Repurposing: Using blog posts, images, or text for another project.
- Offline Access: Storing your website for documentation or legal purposes.
Understanding what you can and cannot download is essential before starting the process.
Squarespace Export Options: What You Can and Cannot Download
Squarespace does not allow a direct website download as a fully functional package. Instead, it provides an export tool to download specific content like blog posts and products.
What You Can Export
| Exportable Content | Non-Exportable Content |
|---|---|
| Blog posts (with images) | Website design and layout |
| Product details (if using Squarespace Commerce) | Templates and custom CSS |
| Basic text content | Interactive elements (forms, galleries, etc.) |
| Manually saved images and files | Third-party integrations and scripts |
How to Export a Squarespace Website
Follow these steps to download your website’s content:
- Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to Settings > Advanced > Import/Export.
- Click Export and select the XML format (commonly used for blog content).
- Download the exported file to your computer.
- If migrating to WordPress, use the WordPress import tool to upload the XML file.
Creating a Backup of Your Squarespace Website
Since Squarespace does not allow a full backup, use these strategies:
- Regularly export your blog posts if you update frequently.
- Manually save images by right-clicking and selecting "Save Image As."
- Copy key website text into a document.
- Use website archiving tools like HTTrack or Wayback Machine (though not always perfect with Squarespace).
How to Download and Move a Squarespace Website to Another Platform
Moving your website from Squarespace to another platform like WordPress or Wix requires a manual rebuild.
Steps for Migration
- Export your blog content and product data.
- Choose a new hosting provider and website platform.
- Recreate your website’s layout and design.
- Import your exported blog posts (if applicable).
- Manually upload images, text, and other files.
Keeping a Local Copy of Your Website
To save a copy of your website for reference or storage:
- Right-click on images and save them manually.
- Copy and paste important text into a document.
- Use a tool like HTTrack to create an offline version (though it won’t fully replicate Squarespace functionality).
Can You Download a Squarespace Website’s HTML and CSS?
Squarespace does not provide direct access to your website’s full HTML and CSS for external use. While you can inspect elements in your browser, copying this code won’t recreate a functional website.
Rebuilding Your Website on Another Platform
Since you cannot directly transfer your design, you’ll need to rebuild it manually:
- Choose a new platform (WordPress, Shopify, Wix, etc.).
- Export and import blog content where possible.
- Recreate your website layout using a similar theme.
- Upload saved images and manually add missing content.
Downloading Website Content and Images Manually
If you only need specific website elements, downloading them manually is your best option:
- Save images by right-clicking and selecting "Save Image As."
- Copy and store text in a document.
- Take screenshots for layout references.
Storing Your Website Content Securely
Once downloaded, make sure your website content is stored safely:
- Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
- Keep backups on an external hard drive.
- Secure sensitive data with password-protected archives.
Useful Links
Exporting Your Site – Official Squarespace guide on exporting your website content, including limitations and supported content types.
Importing and Exporting Content – Detailed instructions on how to import content into Squarespace and export it to other platforms.
Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Your Squarespace Site – Instructions for linking a domain purchased elsewhere to your Squarespace website.
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Conclusion
Downloading a Squarespace website requires exporting available content and manually saving key elements. While you can’t download your full website as a complete package, you can back up blog posts, images, and text for migration or storage. If you’re moving to a new platform, be prepared to rebuild your design. Always keep your website content backed up to avoid data loss.