Squarespace themes are one of the popular website-building platforms, which provides very sleek designs and a user-friendly interface. Although the platform works predominantly with its block-based editor, some users still use the classic editor since it works more traditionally when creating content. If you want to learn how to use the classic editor in Squarespace, this guide will take you from getting access to fully optimizing it for your website.

What is the Classic Editor in Squarespace?

How to use classic editor, squarespace users who may not be as accustomed to the block editor approach, to enjoy a text-based content editor and have a more traditional word processing interface. Using inline text formatting, HTML, and other superb features, thus, users have complete control over the display of their content on the site.

Why Use Classic Editor?

• Simply put, a true text editing program would give you a wonderful experience.
• Format more accurately.
• Have better control over custom HTML and inline styling.
• Former users of the older website builder platforms might love this one.

Accessing the Classic Editor in Squarespace

Step 1: Login into Your Squarespace Account

• Visit Squarespace.com and log in to your account.
• Select the site you would like to be editing.

Step 2: Navigate to the Page Editor

• In the left sidebar, click on Pages.
• Choose page to edit, or click on + Add Page to create a new one.

Step 3: Open the Classic Editor

• Click on a Text Block, or add a new one.
• The rich text editor will open, which is how to use classic editor squarespace.

Features of the Classic Editor

Once you are inside the How to use classic editor squarespace, you have quite a few features available to you.

1. Basic Text Formatting

• Bold, Italic, Underline: Use the toolbar to add and apply these.
• Headings: Apply headings (H1, H2, H3) to help structure your content.
• Lists: Ordered (numbered) or unordered (bulleted) lists may be created here.
• Blockquotes: Highlight the major text you want.

2. Hyperlinks

• Mark the text to which you want to add a link.
• Click the link icon and key in its URL.
• Choose to open it in a new tab or not.

3. Adding Images and Media

• Click on the picture icon from the toolbar.
• Upload an image or give it an image URL.
• Change it as needed.

4. Embed Video

• Get the embed code from YouTube, Vimeo, or any other video hosting service you use.
• Click on the Embed option and paste your code in there.
• Resize and align with the rest.

5. Custom HTML and Code Blocks

• For advanced customization purposes, you could also insert inline HTML.
• Click on the </> Code button in the toolbar.
• Insert your HTML or JavaScript.
• Save the changes.

6. Tables and Layout Control

• Alternatively, create tables with Google Sheets or other tools and insert them in an iframe.

Advanced Editing Options

1. Custom CSS Styling

For the kind of experience that you have with CSS, you can take your content further than what it is currently showing:

• Go through Design > Custom CSS.

2. Mobile Optimization

Make sure that content looks good in mobile views:

• Responsive font and images.
• Custom HTML should not be too much, as large parts may not display on the mobile.
• In different screen sizes, test out things before you publish them.

3. SEO Optimization in the Classic Editor

Increased search engines’ visibility for your content:

• Use the keywords relevantly inside the content.
• Add alt text for images.
• Structure your content as headings within H1-H2-H3 levels.
• Insert internal and external links.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Text Formatting Not Applying

• Make sure selected text is correct before formatting.
• Refresh the page and try again.

2. Images Not Displaying Properly

• For pictures coming from an external source, make sure to check the image URL.
• Should work with resizing and image optimization.

3. Embedded Content Not Showing

• Ensure perfect embed code.
• Make sure the platform you are embedding from does allow third-party embeds.

What browser is best for Squarespace?

In selecting the top browsers for Squarespace, one must observe their speed, compatibility, and security. Websites developed from Squarespace themes are all technologies extensively dependent on the present-day web; hence, using a somewhat recent web browser guarantees a smooth experience in terms of good working efficiency.

Best Browsers for Squarespace

These are the best picks for Squarespace themes:

1. Google Chrome (Best Overall)

Why? Chrome dominates as a popular browser that is fine-tuned to host modern web applications like Squarespace.

Performance: Fast rendering of very complicated designs and page loads.

Extensions: Huge library of extensions for extra functionality.

Automatic Updates: For seamless compatibility with the latest web technologies.

Best For: Users seeking perhaps the most trustworthy experience integration.

2. Mozilla Firefox (Best for Privacy & Customization)

Why? Firefox focuses more on privacy plus security, and is extremely fast for smooth browsing. 

Performance: Close to Chrome but consumes less RAM.

Privacy Features: Enhanced tracking protection and privacy-based browsing.

Best For: Users conscious of data privacy while not sacrificing performance.

3. Microsoft Edge (Best for Windows Users)

Why? Edge is Chromium-based like Chrome, but Edge’s integration with Windows is much better. 

Performance: Highly efficient and optimized for Windows, with better battery utilization on laptops.

Security: Incorporates Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for protection against phishing and other online threats.

Best For: Windows users after a Chrome alternative that comes with built-in security features.

4. Apple Safari (Best for Mac Users)

Why? Safari is optimized for macOS and iOS and works majestically on Apple devices.

Performance: Fast rendering, low-energy consumption, and good integration within the macOS environment.

Security: First-class Intelligent Tracking Prevention for extra privacy.

Best For: Mac users who want an Apple-native experience.

Browsers to Avoid

Even if Squarespace themes are such that they can run in modern browsers, some apps may behave rather unfavourably:

Internet Explorer (IE) – Obsolete and not supported by either Microsoft or Squarespace.

If Older Versions of Browsers, always make sure to be using the latest version for a good experience.

Why is it so hard to edit on Squarespace?

Squarespace themes are a popular website builder that is both sleek in design and all-inclusive in functionality, yet many users find editing their site a hassle. While drag-and-drop functionality and a façade of ease are offered, more and more reasons come to the surface that these apps are maddeningly difficult even for the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed beginner wannabe who has just transitioned from other builders with more flexibility.

Limited Customization Options:

The prettily named website builders, like WordPress or Wix, which offer a lot of customization, put Squarespace themes in the other line of fire, where it has put restrictions to comply. While the templates look clean and are professionally designed, they can be very rigid and allow users little discretion concerning the layouts, font styles, and design elements without getting involved with custom CSS.

Challenges:

• Many elements are locked in place within predefined sections.
• Limited ability to move items freely outside the given structure.
• Requires coding (CSS, JavaScript) for advanced customization.

Complicated Interface & Hidden Settings

The editor may initially seem intuitive, but so many necessary settings and features hide within menus and submenus. Many users may be searching for specific options, so editing often becomes an arduous process.

Challenges:

• Frequently used settings (such as font styles or padding) are buried in multiple layers.
• Some editing options are only available in specific site versions (e.g., Squarespace 7.0 vs. 7.1).
• The backend interface differs significantly from the live view, making it difficult to preview real-time changes.

Block-Based Editing Can Be Restrictive

Blocks in Squarespace templates designate content (text, images, buttons) to those blocks, meaning the content can go anywhere in a sense. This grants structure while also limiting flexibility.

Challenges:

• Blocks are not always freely positionable, unlike Wix’s drag-and-drop method.
• Some blocks require an arrangement that restricts creativity from the designer.
• Certain inline editing features (for example, header and footer) are not functional, thus forcing users to go to independent sections for implementation of changes.

Slow Editing and Performance Issues

Compared to its editor, Squarespace templates are slower than usual, especially when it comes to fixing glitches in websites that have a large number of pages and images to display. 

Challenges:

• Lag between changes appearing on the website and those on the live preview.
• Heavy image use for slow uploads.
• Random glitches that trigger refreshing a page for updates.

Mobile Editing Is Not User-Friendly

The mobile editing offers less easy navigation than desktop editing, although it is available. The mobile interface offers very limited controls for conveniently adjusting the position of items.

Challenges:

• Limited mobile customization without custom CSS.
• Some design features that work well on desktop may not translate seamlessly to mobile.
• Mobile editor lacks flexibility, making real-time changes frustrating.

Complex Blogging & E-Commerce Management

Squarespace’s blogging and e-commerce features are not as straightforward as platforms designed specifically for those purposes, such as WordPress (for blogging) or Shopify (for e-commerce).

Challenges:

• Blog post formatting is limited and lacks advanced text editing features.
• Managing e-commerce products, variants, and inventory is less intuitive compared to Shopify.
• Payment and checkout customizations require additional coding.

Learning Curve for New Users

Despite its reputation as an easy-to-use website builder, Squarespace templates has a learning curve, particularly for users who are unfamiliar with its structure and settings.

Challenges:

• New users may struggle to understand how sections and blocks interact.
• Finding advanced settings (like SEO options, page indexing, or metadata) takes time.
• Some template-specific restrictions require workarounds.

How to Overcome These Challenges

• Use Custom CSS & Code Snippets: Learning basic CSS can help customize elements that Squarespace templates do not allow you to modify directly.
• Explore Squarespace Help Center & Community Forums: Many common issues have solutions shared by other users.
• Opt for Third-Party Integrations: Some limitations (e.g., e-commerce features) can be improved using third-party apps.
• Stick to Templates That Fit Your Needs: Choosing a template closer to your vision minimizes editing struggles.

“Minimalist Blogger” – A Classic Content-Focused Template

Description: 

The Minimalist Blogger template is for any writer, blogger, or content creator who wants to revisit the simpler times of Classic Editor in Squarespace. With a clean layout and no distractions, this allows one’s words and pictures to be the real star of the show.

Features:

• Old but classic look – blog layout divided by an easy-to-navigate sidebar. This is the perfect fit for the how to use classic editor squarespace users to keep their storytelling up-to-date and continuous.
• Very much an adaptive design and therefore an impressive reading experience both on desktop and mobile.
• Typography and color range being 100% customizable
• Simple call-to-action sections should be set up for newsletters, or for highlighting suggestions, which make easy reading.

Use:

• Open Pages, and then design a blog page.
• The text may be entered and the paragraphs may be formatted while using Classic Editor, besides the uploading of images.
• Label and categorization are central to organizing posts and deciding which tag should be at the end-breadcrumb, making that organization easy for users.
• However, the Design > Site styles will help you match the colors and fonts of your choice.
• Optimizing your content, you can track its performance with the help of the in-built analytics.

“Timeless Portfolio” – A Portfolio Template That Loves Classic Editor

Description:

The Timeless Portfolio template is a dream gift for photographers, designers, and artists fond of clean and uncomplicated websites that how use classic editor squarespace. Timeless Portfolio furnishes a grid-based portfolio layout with quite an easy browsing system.

Features:

• Users get a flexible gallery layout with adjustable sections
• Text and image adjustments are easy to do as it also uses the Classic Editor
• Smooth scrolling and minimal animations for a more professional look
• Has a Contact Form for easy client contact
• Has Far-reaching SEO measures to increase visibility from search engines

How to Use:

• Visit the Pages section and you can create a new portfolio page if you haven’t made one yet.
• Add pictures and descriptions using the Classic Editor.
• Label your portfolio in sections using the category tags.
• Customize your menu for easy browsing of your portfolio.
• Now may be the time to share with clients, on social engagement, some of your work.

Final Thoughts

How to use classic editor squarespace is an excellent mechanism to create and manage content. Writing posts for the blog, attaching source files, or embedding custom elements, there will be nothing this guide cannot help you with about ensuring you take full advantage of what the editor has to offer. While Squarespace templates continue to advocate a block-based system, the classic editor is worth its weight in gold for those who prefer the more modern way of writing text.

With this guide, you are now all set to use the classic editor with proficiency. If at some point in your life you ever need to make custom changes to advanced features, then you can combine this with custom CSS and JavaScript, setting you on the road to having a unique and professional-looking website.

FAQs

Can I use custom fonts in the Classic editor? 

Yes. Your template must support it, though. If it does not support it, you can change the fonts under Design > Site Styles.

How do I add links to text in the Classic Editor? 

To link text, select it, click on the link icon in the toolbar, type in the URL, and hit Apply.

How do I insert video using the Classic Editor? 

Clip the video URL (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) in a “Video Block” and adjust the display settings.

How do I add buttons with the Classic Editor? 

Create a button under “Button Block,” add and change the text and link, and style it under “Design.”

Can I make tables in the Classic Editor? 

There is no built-in feature for tables, but you can insert HTML tables using a “Code Block”.

How do I reverse changes in the Classic Editor? 

Press “Ctrl + Z” to undo (Windows) or “Cmd + Z” (Mac), “Ctrl + Shift + Z” is redo.

How do I clear formatting to text content? 

Select text and click on clear formatting button (eraser icon) or “Ctrl + Shift + V” while pasting text.

Can I use custom CSS in the Classic Editor? 

Yes, add Custom CSS under Design to modify any Classic Editor element.

How do I create columns in Classic Editor? 

Use “Spacer Block” to make columns or drag-and-drop blocks to easily place them side by side.