Learn SQUARESPACE-DEVELOPER with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 26, 2025
Explain
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.
Core Features
Template files (JSON, HTML, CSS, JS)
Data bindings to CMS collections
Custom blocks and components
Custom style sheets
Developer preview mode for testing
Basic Concepts Overview
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
Project Structure
Template folder - contains all site files
CSS folder - styling files
JS folder - custom scripts
JSON files - template data
Collection files - dynamic content definitions
Building Workflow
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
Difficulty Use Cases
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
Comparisons
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
Versioning Timeline
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
Glossary
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