Squarespace 5 launched in 2008. In 2012 we introduced a separate platform, Squarespace 7, designed to make building and managing your site more intuitive. The latest version of this platform is Squarespace 7.1. Squarespace 5 users can move to Squarespace 7 at any time.
Right now we're focusing development resources on Squarespace 7, so we aren’t actively developing new features for Squarespace 5. However, we do currently support the Squarespace 5 platform.
Getting started
It’s no longer possible to create a new Squarespace 5 site. Instead, visit www.squarespace.com to create a new site on the Squarespace 7 platform.
If you’re taking over a Squarespace 5 site for the first time, consider moving to our newest version before you get started. Squarespace 7 has a simplified interface and many features not available on Squarespace 5, such as mobile-friendly responsive design, sophisticated layout options, and integration of SEO best practices.
To learn how to switch, visit Moving from Squarespace 5 to Squarespace 7 For a list of differences between the two platforms, visit Squarespace 5 vs newer versions.
Logging in
To log into your Squarespace 5 site:
- Navigate to your webpage in a browser using your site’s URL (web address).
- Add /display/Login to the end of your URL, so that it looks like https://username.squarespace.com/display/Login.
- Press Enter. A login field will appear on your site.
- Use your Squarespace account name and password to log in.
Your account name is the unique identifier from your URL, which you chose when you signed up. If your URL is https://username.squarespace.com, your account name is username.
Note: If you’re having issues logging in, ensure you’re using your account name to log in, rather than an email address.
For more help, visit Logging in. If you're having issues logging in, visit Login troubleshooting.
Platform overview
Watch this video for a walkthrough of the Squarespace 5 platform.
Editing modes
Once you’ve logged into your website, four editing mode icons appear in a black banner in the top-right. You’ll use these editing modes to adjust and preview your site.
Structure and content
Build the structure of your site in Structure mode with pages and sidebar widgets. Rearrange elements by dragging and dropping them.
Use the Content mode to add or edit content on your pages and sidebar widgets.
In both modes, small edit buttons appear over areas with editable content. Click these buttons to add and configure your content.
To learn more, visit Adding and editing content.
Style
When you click this icon, the Appearance Editor appears at the bottom of the page. Use the options in the Appearance Editor to customize your site’s look and feel.
To learn more, visit Styling your site.
Preview
Use this mode to preview what your site will look like to visitors. The editing options and any disabled widgets will disappear.
Note: Disabled pages in your navigation still display in preview mode but won’t be seen by the public. To learn more, visit Hiding a page in the navigation.
WYSIWYG editors
Much of the content editing in Squarespace 5 is done in pop-up windows called WYSIWYG editors. WYSIWYG (pronounced wi-zee-wig) is an acronym for What You See Is What You Get. These windows allow you to modify text and other content without using HTML code and to see the style changes as you make them.
WYSIWYG editors typically contain a content field and formatting options, similar to what you would see in Microsoft Word and other word processing programs.
Use the Squarespace 5 WYSIWYG controls to insert images and videos, format your text, create bullet point or numbered lists, perform spell check, undo or redo changes, and more.
Website Management
Click Website Management in the top-left to access the Website Management bar. This is where you access your website’s settings, including:
- Organize your site in the Architecture window.
- Add a custom domain.
- Manage comments.
- Create and manage member accounts and audiences.
- Access file storage.
- View your billing information.
- Explore your site’s metrics.
To learn more, visit Adjusting your site’s settings.
Account information
Click your display name in the top-left and select Member Profile to access your Member Account Management window.
Here you can:
- Change your display name and basic information.
- Change your password.
- Connect your site with social media platforms.
- Update your email preferences.
Tip: You can also access this window in the Member & Access section of your Website Management bar, by clicking Member Accounts and then clicking on your name in the Login column.
More help with Squarespace 5
Use the left navigation of the Squarespace 5 help site to browse the guides. Popular Squarespace 5 guides include: