Latest Squarespace Updates (New Layout, File Uploads for Form, and More) In 2024.
I love using Squarespace to build websites because it's always being updated with new features. Even though it's only a few months into 2024, there are already lots of new things to try!
Just remember, that some of these new features are in beta and only for Squarespace Circle members. Others are only available for Squarespace 7.1, so if you're still on Squarespace 7.0, you might not see them.
Now I would Like To Describe Some Recent Features Released For Squarespace Circle Members as a Beta Version.
1. Layout Switcher:
An exciting new feature Layout Switcher, is now available in Fluid Engine to all Circle members with 7.1 websites.
What Is Layout Switcher?
Our user research shows that people really appreciate having one-click design options to help them quickly create a beautiful website.
That's why we’re introducing the Layout Switcher, which offers these one-click design options starting with Fluid Engine sections.
How does it work?
All Fluid Engine sections now feature a "New Layout" button in the section toolbar. This button becomes active when there's a design suggestion available for that section, based on the blocks within it.
When you click "New Layout," you'll see a list of section previews showing your content in different arrangements. Simply click on one to apply the new layout to your section, which will update both your desktop and mobile views.
Will Layout Switch impact custom code?
Using Layout Switcher will generally feel like directly modifying section blocks. However, in certain cases, like when a text block has both header text and body paragraphs, the text block will split into multiple blocks to offer more layout options. This change will impact any code targeting the original text block.
What kind of feedback is needed in this beta?
We understand there are many possible section variations, and we want to see how our behind-the-scenes logic performs on your actual sites. Please let us know:
Do you find design options as often as you expect?
Are the options we provide useful for you or your clients’ editing workflow?
We look forward to any feedback you have.
2. Subscribe and Save:
Squarespace beginning the rollout for Subscribe and Save, a new feature that helps you sell products and subscription options all from the same product details page. This has been a highly requested feature over the years, so we’re excited to announce it’s finally here!
How to access this feature?
To access this feature, go to the Product Composer for the Product you want to add subscriptions to, then scroll down to Checkout and click Subscriptions. From there, choose either a “One-time purchase and subscription” or “Subscription only” product. If offering “One-time purchase and subscription,” you can add up to 10 subscription frequencies with varying discount amounts.
How can we use it ?
We can style the look and feel of your subscription options using the Color Theme Editor, under Product Details Page: Subscriptions. Subscriptions will automatically update if the product price changes, even during sales.
As of May 6, these features are available to all Circle members on 7.1 for physical and service products. We plan to roll this out to all customers in the coming weeks.
3.Cookie Banner Updates:
Squarespace updating our website cookie banner to improve some of the experience around design, third-party cookies, and cookie categories.
What’s changing?
This beta includes changes in five areas:
Cookie Settings Panel
Location: Moved from Website Tools to Settings, with new options.
Functionality: Choose which consent options to display on your banner, including Accept, Decline, and/or Manage Cookies buttons.
Banner Style
Customization: Choose a theme for your cookie banner from the Styles > Accessories panel.
Editing: Customize banner colors, button styles, fonts, and toggles through the Styles panel.
Manage Cookies / Cookie Categories
Manage Button: If you add a Manage button to your cookie banner, visitors can click it to open a "Manage Cookies" window for detailed preferences.
First-Party Cookies: Categorized by purpose.
Third-Party Cookies: Sends appropriate consent signals if a provider offers "Consent Mode." Still working on categorizing those without a consent mode.
Change or Revoke Consent
Consent Management: Visitors can change or revoke their consent via the Manage Cookies link at the footer if Decline or Manage buttons are present on the banner.
Third-Party Cookies - Major Providers
Consent Integration: Working to prevent third-party cookies from loading unless accepted by the visitor. No universal solution yet, but focusing on major providers:
Google Analytics: Consent mode integrated via API keys panel.
Meta Pixel: Consent mode integrated via API keys panel.
YouTube Videos: Privacy Enhanced Mode integrated when added through the Video Block.
Usage: Enable the new cookie banner and display either a Manage or Decline button for visitors to decline cookies.
What’s Expected Next?
Embed Blocks: Exploring behavior for content that may drop cookies. Options to allow or block content with a message to accept cookies.
Third-Party Cookies - Additional Providers: Expanding coverage for providers without a consent mode. Seeking feedback on user experience and integration.
Custom Code: Considering options for integrating code injection or blocks with the banner. This would require coding knowledge.
User Experience Improvements: Working on settings, UI, and editing experience enhancements. Feedback is welcome if anything is confusing.
How to Test and Share Feedback
Go to Settings > Circle Labs and enable the Cookie Banner flag on any site.
Then go to Settings > Cookies and Data Privacy to switch the banner on.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on these updates!
4. File Uploads for Form Blocks!
Squarespace has been working on something for several months that we’re finally ready to introduce, starting with Circle members: file uploads for form blocks!
Whats Update?
With this new feature, you can add file upload fields to your forms, and received files can be downloaded from the form submission, a submission notification email, or third-party extensions. Submitters can use standard system file selectors or drag and drop files into the field to add files to a form.
To make file uploads easier, we've added the capability for multiple file uploads. Each field can accept multiple files, and you can specify file types or leave them open, depending on your needs.
Key Points:
File Protection: All files are protected by default. They can't be downloaded without appropriate login credentials, ensuring unauthorized access is prevented.
Virus Scanning: Every file is scanned for viruses before the submission is sent, so you can trust the files you receive from clients and customers.
We know users have been excited about this, and we're happy to see this feature come to light.