How to Upgrade Squarespace to 7.1

If you're looking to modernize your website with the latest tools and templates, upgrading Squarespace to version 7.1 is a major step forward. This guide will walk you through the key differences, upgrade options, and best practices to ensure a smooth switch from version 7.0 to 7.1.

Key Differences Between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1

Before switching Squarespace versions, it's important to understand the differences. Version 7.1 is not a minor Squarespace update - it’s a fundamentally different system.

Feature	Squarespace 7.0	Squarespace 7.1
Template System	Template families (Brine, Five, etc.)	Single unified template with full flexibility
Design Tools	Limited customizations per template	Global styles and modern layout options
Navigation	Manual page arrangement	Automated nested navigation
Site Speed & Mobile	Depends on template	Optimized for mobile and speed

These differences mean you cannot directly update your Squarespace website to 7.1 from 7.0 - you'll need to rebuild it.

How to Upgrade from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1

Switching from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1 involves creating a new website and transferring your content. Here's how to get Squarespace 7.1 properly:

1. Log into your Squarespace account.
2. Create a new trial website using version 7.1.
3. Rebuild your pages using the new design tools.
4. Transfer your content (images, text, files) manually.
5. Set up design styles, SEO settings, and navigation.
6. Connect your domain and cancel the old subscription.

Tips for Transferring Content to Squarespace 7.1

Transferring content manually is the core of rebuilding a website on Squarespace 7.1. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Text and images: Copy-paste and reupload high-res versions.
• Blog posts: Use the built-in export/import feature (if available).
• Product pages: Manually recreate store listings or use CSV import.
• Forms and buttons: Use 7.1’s updated block system for better layouts.

New Features and Benefits of Squarespace 7.1

Upgrading opens the door to more flexibility and speed in managing your design. Here’s what you gain:

• Full-width page layouts and section-based design
• More advanced style editing and control
• Built-in animation and spacing tools
• Improved mobile responsiveness and load speed
• Unified updates across all pages and elements

What You Can't Do When Upgrading

Understanding the limitations of upgrading is critical when planning how to get Squarespace 7.1 and move your website safely. Unlike traditional software updates, Squarespace 7.1 is a completely different version of the platform—with important technical and structural changes.

You can't convert your existing 7.0 website to 7.1 directly

Squarespace does not offer an automatic migration tool or upgrade path to switch from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1. That means there is no “one-click” way to convert your live website. Instead, you’ll need to manually recreate your website from scratch in a new 7.1 trial website. This includes pages, settings, design, and all content.

Templates from 7.0 do not work in 7.1

Version 7.0 relies on template “families” (e.g., Brine, Bedford, Five), each with its own rules and design options. Squarespace 7.1 abandons this system and uses a single universal template framework with flexible section-based layouts. You cannot carry over your 7.0 template into 7.1 or expect its structure to behave the same. As a result, if you loved certain design elements from a 7.0 template, you’ll need to replicate them manually in 7.1 using its global style and block editor tools.

Custom code, CSS, and integrations may need adjustments

If your existing 7.0 website relies on:

• Custom CSS tweaks applied via Design → Custom CSS
• Third-party scripts in Code Blocks, header/footer injection, or embed areas
• Custom plugins or code-based integrations (e.g., for calendars, sliders, or popups)

These may not work the same way in 7.1. Many code areas have been streamlined or restructured, and some previously available customization hooks are no longer supported.

Built-in features have changed

Some internal Squarespace features have been revised or deprecated in 7.1, such as:

• Gallery pages: Now handled through gallery blocks within standard pages
• Sidebar support: Removed in favor of modern section layouts
• Page-level style settings: Replaced by global design controls

This means you may need to rethink how certain content types or layouts are structured during your rebuild.

No rollback to 7.0 once launched

Once you've connected a domain and launched a 7.1 site, you can’t revert to your 7.0 build unless you manually rebuild it again. There’s no dual-version support or undo switch. Ultimately, knowing how to get Squarespace 7.1 is just the beginning—the key is preparing for a thoughtful rebuild that embraces 7.1's strengths while accounting for what you may need to change or recreate.

Best Practices for Switching Squarespace Versions

Follow these best practices to make switching to Squarespace 7.1 smooth, efficient, and low-risk. Upgrading involves rebuilding your website from scratch, so thoughtful preparation is essential.

#1 Plan your structure first

1. Create a full sitemap: List all existing pages (main, subpages, blog posts, products, etc.). Include URL paths, so you can match or redirect them later.
2. Audit content types: Identify what needs to be rebuilt—standard pages, forms, galleries, blog entries, and custom code blocks.
3. Define navigation flow: Plan how menus, footer links, and sidebars will be restructured in the unified layout system of 7.1.
4. Identify reusable blocks: Group repeating elements like testimonials or banners into reusable sections to save time.

#2 Use demo content to preview layout ideas

Squarespace 7.1 comes with flexible, section-based page editing. Start with demo blocks to experiment with:

• Hero banners with CTA buttons
• Gallery sections with lightbox or carousel display
• Text-image pairs for product or service highlights
• Form blocks for lead generation

This helps you quickly draft your new layout and discover what works best visually and functionally.

#3 Upgrade during low-traffic periods

Choose a time when your visitors or customers are least active:

• Late evening or early morning in your primary time zone
• Seasonal downtime or non-launch months
• Weekends for business-focused websites

Doing this reduces the risk of user confusion and minimizes disruptions during testing and DNS propagation.

#4 Redirect your domain carefully

1. Do a final pre-launch test: Preview all key pages in 7.1, including forms, navigation, and mobile views.
2. Point your custom domain: Update your DNS or domain settings to connect the new version.
3. Set up 301 redirects: Ensure old URLs (especially blog posts and products) redirect correctly to the new structure.
4. Verify Google Search Console: Re-verify your domain if needed and request indexing of key new pages.

This step ensures continuity in traffic, search engine rankings, and link integrity.

#5 Communicate with your audience

Let your visitors know about the upgrade:

• Post a brief notice on your homepage or blog
• Email your subscribers about the refreshed experience
• Update your social media links if any URLs have changed

Being transparent helps manage expectations and can boost engagement with the new design.

#6 Retain backups and analytics

Before closing your 7.0 website:

• Take screenshots or export HTML backups of key pages
• Export content where possible (e.g., blog posts via XML)
• Ensure tracking tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel are properly reinstalled in 7.1

This preserves historical data and ensures smooth performance monitoring after the switch.

Useful Links

Moving from Squarespace version 7.0 to version 7.1 – Official guide detailing the process of how to upgrade Squarespace to 7.1, including key differences and steps involved. Editing your site with Fluid Engine – Learn about the new Fluid Engine editor in Squarespace 7.1 and how it improves layout flexibility and design control.

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Conclusion

While you can't technically "update" to Squarespace 7.1 with one click, the process of switching from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1 can be streamlined with the right preparation. With a focus on modern design and easier customization, 7.1 offers powerful benefits worth the transition. Use this upgrade guide to plan and execute a successful rebuild and unlock the full potential of your online presence.