Squarespace 7.1 vs. Classic: Which Version Are You On and Why It Matters
If you've ever Googled a Squarespace tutorial and noticed the instructions don't quite match what you're seeing on your screen, there's a good chance this is why: you and the tutorial are on different versions of Squarespace.
There are two main versions currently in use — Squarespace 7.1 (the newer platform) and Squarespace Classic (sometimes called 7.0). They look similar on the surface, but they work quite differently under the hood. Knowing which one you're on directly affects what you can design, what you can customize, and what kind of help actually applies to your site.
Let's break it down.
🔎 How to Check Which Version You're On
Before anything else, let's figure out where you stand.
Log into your Squarespace account and open your site editor. In the left-hand panel, look for the Pages section. If you see a section called "Not Linked" in your pages menu, you're on 7.1. If you see "Unlinked Pages" instead — or if you can't find that label at all and things look a bit different from screenshots you've seen online — you're likely on Classic (7.0).
Another way to check: go to Settings → Advanced → Developer Tools. If you see a "Developer Mode" toggle, you're on Classic. Squarespace 7.1 doesn't have a developer mode option in the same way.
Still not sure? You can reach out to Squarespace support and they'll confirm it quickly.
💻What Is Squarespace 7.1?
Squarespace 7.1 launched in 2020 and is the current standard for all new Squarespace accounts. It introduced a more unified design system, which means more consistency across templates and more flexibility when it comes to fonts, colours, and spacing — all controlled from one central Design panel.
One of the biggest changes in 7.1 is the introduction of Fluid Engine, Squarespace's drag-and-drop layout system. It replaced the older section-based editor and gives you a lot more freedom to position elements exactly where you want them on the page — something that was much harder to do in previous versions.
Key features of Squarespace 7.1:
All templates share the same design system (easier to switch later)
Fluid Engine for more flexible layouts
Global fonts and colours managed in one place
Better mobile editing controls
No developer mode (but still supports Custom CSS)
💻 What Is Squarespace Classic (7.0)?
Classic, or 7.0, is the older version of the platform. If you built your site before 2020, or if you started with a legacy template, this is likely where you are. Classic has a different template structure — each template has its own unique style and settings, which means customization options vary depending on which template you chose.
Classic also includes a Developer Mode, which gives technically-minded users access to the site's underlying code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). This was powerful for developers, but it also meant the experience was less consistent for everyday users.
Key features of Squarespace Classic (7.0):
Template-specific design settings (each template behaves differently)
Developer Mode available for code-level access
Older section-based page editor
Some templates offer features not available in 7.1 (like certain sidebar layouts)
↔️Can You Switch from Classic to 7.1?
This is one of the most common questions — and the honest answer is: not directly. Squarespace doesn't offer a one-click migration from Classic to 7.1. If you want to move to the newer platform, you'd need to create a new 7.1 site and rebuild your pages there.
That said, it's worth weighing whether the switch makes sense for you. If your Classic site is working well and you're comfortable with it, there's no urgent reason to move. But if you're finding it limiting — especially around layout flexibility or mobile design — rebuilding on 7.1 might be a worthwhile investment.
💻Which Version Is Better?
It depends on what you need. Here's a quick way to think about it:
You might prefer 7.1 if you want more layout control, a more modern editing experience, or you're just getting started and want to work with the platform's most up-to-date features.
You might prefer to stay on Classic if you're using a template with features that 7.1 doesn't replicate well (like certain multi-column or sidebar layouts), or if your site is already built and working great.
Neither version is going away anytime soon. Squarespace still actively supports Classic sites, but all of their new features and updates are being built for 7.1.
💻 Bottom Line
Knowing your version is the foundation of getting good help online. The next time a tutorial seems off, check first — there's a good chance it was written for the other version. And if you're ever unsure whether a piece of advice applies to your site, the comments section here is always open.
In a future post, we'll go deeper into Squarespace's Fluid Engine — what it is, how it works, and how to actually use it to build more interesting layouts. Stay tuned.
❓FAQ
What is the difference between Squarespace 7.1 and 7.0? Squarespace 7.1 is the newer platform with a unified design system, Fluid Engine for drag-and-drop layouts, and centralized font/colour controls. Squarespace 7.0 (Classic) uses template-specific settings, a section-based editor, and includes a Developer Mode for code-level access.
How do I know which version of Squarespace I'm using? Log into your site editor and check your Pages menu. If you see "Not Linked," you're on 7.1. If you see "Unlinked Pages" or have access to Developer Mode under Settings → Advanced, you're on Classic (7.0).
Can I switch from Squarespace Classic to 7.1? There is no direct migration tool between versions. To move from Classic to 7.1, you would need to create a new 7.1 site and rebuild your content there. Whether that's worth it depends on your current setup and goals.
Is Squarespace Classic being discontinued? As of now, Squarespace continues to support Classic sites. However, new features and platform development are focused on 7.1, so newer tools and updates will be exclusive to that version going forward.
Which Squarespace version is better for small business owners? For most small business owners starting fresh, Squarespace 7.1 is the better choice — it offers more design flexibility, a more consistent editing experience, and access to all current and future platform features.
