How to Use CSS in Squarespace: A Complete Guide

Squarespace is a powerful website builder known for its elegant templates and user-friendly design tools. But if you want even more control over your website's appearance, custom CSS is the solution. This guide will walk you through how to use CSS in Squarespace, from accessing the editor to advanced styling techniques.

Understanding Squarespace and CSS

Squarespace provides a streamlined interface for website creation, but for deeper customization, you’ll need to use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). CSS allows you to modify colors, fonts, layouts, and even animations beyond the built-in design settings.

Learning how to add custom CSS to Squarespace unlocks a wide range of design possibilities. Whether you’re adjusting button styles, changing font sizes, or customizing layouts, CSS helps you achieve a truly unique design.

Accessing the Custom CSS Editor

Before adding CSS, you need to know where to enter it. Squarespace provides a dedicated Custom CSS Editor within the Design section.

Steps to access the custom CSS editor

1. Log into your Squarespace account.
2. Go to Website > Design.
3. Select Custom CSS from the menu.
4. A text editor will appear where you can enter CSS code.
5. Squarespace provides a live preview, so you can instantly see your changes.

How to Add Custom CSS to Squarespace

Once you’ve accessed the editor, you can start adding CSS. Simply type or paste your CSS code into the editor, and the changes will apply in real-time.

Example: Changing the heading color

To change all heading colors to blue, use this code:

h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {
    color: #0073e6;
}

Basic CSS Customization in Squarespace

Here are some common CSS adjustments you can make:

• Change paragraph font size: p { font-size: 18px; }
• Modify button styles: .sqs-block-button-element { background-color: #ff6600; }
• Adjust element spacing: Control layout with margin and padding

How to Modify Squarespace Templates with CSS

Squarespace templates come with predefined styles, but CSS lets you override them for a fully customized look. For example, you can change header sizes, adjust section padding, or modify navigation styles.

Example: Adjusting header size

.header-title {
    font-size: 28px;
    font-weight: bold;
}

Advanced CSS Styling in Squarespace

Once you’re comfortable with basic edits, you can explore advanced styling options such as animations, hover effects, and custom layouts.

• Hover effects: Change button colors when users hover.
• Animations: Use transitions for smoother effects.
• Custom layouts: Apply flexbox or grid for better control.

Example: Adding a hover effect

.sqs-block-button-element:hover {
    background-color: #222;
    color: white;
}

Best Practices for Custom CSS in Squarespace

• Use organized, well-commented CSS code.
• Apply !important sparingly to avoid overriding essential styles.
• Test CSS changes on different screen sizes to ensure mobile-friendliness.
• Keep a backup of major CSS edits in case you need to revert.

Troubleshooting CSS Issues in Squarespace

Not seeing your CSS changes take effect? Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Common problems & solutions

• Changes not applying: Another CSS rule might be overriding yours. Try adding !important.
• Element selection issues: Use Inspect Element to find the correct class or ID.
• Spacing problems: Check margin and padding values.
• Mobile layout issues: Use media queries like:

  
  @media (max-width: 768px) {
      .header-title { font-size: 20px; }
  }
  

Useful Links

Using the CSS Editor – This guide explains how to access and utilize Squarespace's Custom CSS Editor to apply custom styles to your website.

Using the Developer Tools – An overview of Squarespace's Developer Tools, which allow for advanced customization, including the use of custom CSS and HTML.

Injecting Code – This article covers how to add custom code to your Squarespace website, including CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, using code injection.

Using Site Styles – Discover how to use Squarespace's Site Styles panel to make design changes without code, and learn when custom CSS might be necessary.

Enhance Your Squarespace with Powerful Plugins!

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!

Conclusion

Customizing Squarespace with CSS allows for endless design possibilities. Whether you’re tweaking small elements or making major layout adjustments, understanding how to use CSS effectively will help you build a unique and visually appealing website.