Learn SQUARESPACE-DEVELOPER with Real Code Examples

Squarespace Developer mode unlocks the underlying code of templates for advanced customization.

Developers can modify template files, CSS, JavaScript, and JSON data structures.

It integrates with Squarespace CMS for dynamic content management.

Websites can be previewed and deployed on Squarespace hosting.

Enables professional designers and agencies to create highly customized, branded web experiences.

Template files (JSON, HTML, CSS, JS)

Data bindings to CMS collections

Custom blocks and components

Custom style sheets

Developer preview mode for testing

Templates - HTML/CSS/JSON structure

Blocks - pre-built content modules

Collections - CMS data sources

JSON-T - template language for dynamic rendering

Developer Mode - unlocks full code editing

Template folder - contains all site files

CSS folder - styling files

JS folder - custom scripts

JSON files - template data

Collection files - dynamic content definitions

Select a template or start from scratch

Enable Developer Mode

Edit template files locally (HTML/CSS/JS)

Bind CMS collections to pages and blocks

Deploy changes and test live site

Beginner: small CSS tweaks

Intermediate: custom blocks and scripts

Advanced: dynamic templates with CMS bindings

Expert: large-scale agency websites

Architect: fully customized client deployments with e-commerce

Squarespace Developer vs Wix Code - more structured template system

Squarespace Developer vs Webflow - less visual design freedom, more CMS control

Squarespace Developer vs WordPress - easier hosting but less plugin ecosystem

Squarespace Developer vs Shopify - limited e-commerce customization

Squarespace Developer vs Ghost - better for general websites, not purely blogging-focused

2003 - Squarespace founded

2004 - Public launch

2015 - Developer Mode introduced for advanced customizations

2017–2019 - Enhanced template control and Git integration

2024–2025 - Improved API and CMS features for developers

Template - base HTML/CSS structure

Block - pre-built content module

Collection - dynamic content source

JSON-T - Squarespace template language

Developer Mode - unlocks editable template code