Squarespace 7.1 vs. 7.0: Should You Upgrade?
So, you’ve been using Squarespace 7.0 for a while, and now you’re hearing about Squarespace 7.1 everywhere. Maybe you’re wondering:
Is Squarespace 7.1 worth it?
Will my site be faster if I switch?
What’s different? And more importantly—should I upgrade?
You’re not alone! I get these questions all the time, so let’s break it down in plain English—no tech jargon, no fluff.
When Was Squarespace 7.1 Released?
Squarespace 7.1 launched in January 2020, replacing 7.0 as the default version for all new sites. Since then, Squarespace has focused all new updates, features, and improvements on 7.1.
What does that mean for you?
Squarespace still supports 7.0, but it’s not getting any major new features. If you want the latest and greatest, 7.1 is where it’s at.
Is Squarespace 7.1 Worth It?
Alright, let’s get to the big question: Should you switch to 7.1?
Here’s the good and the not-so-good to help you decide.
What’s Better in Squarespace 7.1?
✅ Easier Design & No More Template Lock-In
In 7.0, choosing a template was a big decision—some had features others didn’t.
In 7.1, all templates work the same way, meaning you can change layouts freely without limitations.
It’s way more flexible and future-proof.
✅ Smoother & Faster Site Editing
7.1 introduced Fluid Engine (a more advanced drag-and-drop builder).
Page layouts are easier to adjust without code.
✅ Faster & More Mobile-Friendly
7.1 is optimized for better speed and responsiveness—especially on mobile.
Your site will likely load faster than on 7.0.
✅ New Features Keep Coming to 7.1
Squarespace 7.1 gets all new updates (animations, layout tools, etc.), while 7.0 is mostly left behind.
If you want access to future features, upgrading makes sense.
Reasons You Might Not Want to Upgrade
❌ You Can’t Switch Back
Once you move to 7.1, there’s no “undo” button—it’s a one-way trip.
❌ Some Features Are Missing or Different
No Blog Sidebars – If you rely on a sidebar for your blog, that’s not built into 7.1.
Gallery Blocks Work Differently – 7.1 handles image galleries differently than 7.0 (some people prefer the old way).
❌ You’ll Have to Rebuild Some Parts of Your Site
Upgrading isn’t a simple “click and done” process—you’ll need to reformat and tweak some things.
👉 Bottom line? If your 7.0 site is working great and you don’t need new features, you can stay put for now. But if you want more design freedom and long-term updates, moving to 7.1 is a smart move.
How Do I Switch to Squarespace 7.1?
There are two ways to upgrade your 7.0 site to 7.1:
Option 1: Use Squarespace’s Upgrade Tool (Best for Most People)
Squarespace recently introduced an upgrade tool to make the switch easier.
How it works:
1️⃣ Start the upgrade – In your site settings, choose to migrate your site to 7.1.
2️⃣ Preview & tweak – Squarespace will generate a 7.1 version of your site for you to adjust.
3️⃣ Go live – Once everything looks good, hit publish! Your old 7.0 site stays live until you’re ready.
✅ Pros: Saves time, moves most content automatically.
❌ Cons: You’ll still need to review and adjust layouts.
Option 2: Rebuild Your Site in 7.1 (Best if You Want a Fresh Start)
If your site is small or you were planning a redesign anyway, you can:
Start a brand-new Squarespace 7.1 site.
Manually copy content over.
Use new design tools to build from scratch.
✅ Pros: Full creative control, clean rebuild.
❌ Cons: More work upfront.
👉 Best approach? Try Squarespace’s upgrade tool first—if you don’t love how it looks, you can always rebuild from scratch instead.
Does Squarespace 7.1 Use Templates?
Yes—but not the way 7.0 did.
In Squarespace 7.0:
Different templates had different features, layouts, and quirks.
If you picked the wrong one, you had to switch templates (which often meant rebuilding pages).
In Squarespace 7.1:
All templates work the same—they’re just starting points for different looks.
You can fully customize any template without restrictions.
👉 Translation: You don’t need to stress about choosing the “right” template anymore—just pick a design you like and tweak it however you want.
Is Squarespace 7.1 Faster?
Yes, 7.1 is generally faster than 7.0.
The underlying code is more efficient, meaning pages load quicker.
It’s optimized for mobile—your site will perform better on smartphones.
However, your actual speed still depends on images, third-party scripts, and content—so keep those optimized.
Bottom line: If speed is a concern, 7.1 is the better long-term option.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
Here’s my take—if you’re happy with your 7.0 site and don’t feel limited, you can stay put for now.
BUT… if you want:
✅ More design flexibility
✅ Better performance
✅ Access to new features
✅ A future-proof site
👉 Then it’s time to switch to 7.1.
Since Squarespace 7.0 isn’t getting many updates anymore, you’ll likely have to switch at some point anyway—so why not get ahead of the curve?
If you do upgrade, use the built-in migration tool and give yourself time to adjust to the new setup.
Have any questions? Drop them in the comments—I’ve helped plenty of folks transition, and I’m happy to help you too! 🚀
That’s it! Hopefully, this helps you decide if Squarespace 7.1 is right for you. If you’re thinking about upgrading and need advice, drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🚀
