How to Migrate a Squarespace Website from 7.0 to 7.1
As of late 2023, Squarespace is offering a new, easy way to migrate from the old version of the platform (7.0) to the new version (7.1)! Before this option, users would need to rebuild their site on a new site ID - FROM SCRATCH! Such a headache. Now, you’re able to simply click a button and shift to the new fluid engine. FINALLY!! Today I want to share how to migrate a Squarespace website from 7.0 to 7.1 in easy-to-understand terms. This article has everything you’ll need to know in order to make the switch seamlessly!
How to Migrate a Squarespace Website from 7.0 to 7.1
There are so many perks and reasons behind migrating to the newest, greatest platform version including a true drag-and-drop interface, separate mobile view editor that allows you to customize the mobile experience like never before, color and background edits on unique pieces of font (as opposed to only site-wide design rules), new animations and movement design opportunities, and so much more!
When you’re ready to migrate, you need to take these first steps:
Determine which 7.0 template you are currently using
This is key. Squarespace explains in their tutorial article that you MUST be using a template from the Brine or Bedford template families. If you aren’t, you’ll unfortunately need to switch to one of these templates and in doing so, you will erase all visual branding elements (colors, fonts, etc.). This was the case for me and it took a good few hours to get everything sorted back to normal. In that time, I set my site to private so I could work without feeling rushed. I’d advise to set aside an entire day on a weekend to give yourself time to edit all the nuances.
Assess album and cover pages
Sadly, album and cover pages aren’t a thing in 7.1 and will disappear once you make the shift. If you want to keep images and/or audio files from these pages, make sure you’ve saved a copy to your computer before migrating. You’ll later be able to re-add them to the site. If you’re utilizing an album or cover page as your homepage, select a different homepage prior to the migration process.
Disable developer mode
I don’t anticipate that many of the business owners who follow me would be utilizing fancy features such as Developer Mode, but I would be super sad if I didn’t mention this fact and it somehow messed up your migration experience. Be sure you are toggling OFF developer mode prior to migrating. It is recommended by Squarespace that you save a copy of your site files and your Developer Platform code to your computer.
Save a copy of your CSS
Another important thing to save a copy of on your computer is your CSS code that you injected into your site (say you created a special text design or added a custom “pin it” Pinterest sharing button). Sometimes migration can erase these settings and you will need to manually add them back into the new site’s CSS.
Optional: Duplicate your design
If you want to match your new design to a T with your old design, you can always duplicate your current site into a second draft version on your account so that you can reference it post-migration. I personally didn’t and think that it would’ve been helpful in my case where I had to completely switch templates prior to migration, but a user that doesn’t need to shift template families shouldn’t have any issues, in my opinion.
Now you’re ready to do the dang thing! :)
Start the migration process from 7.0 to 7.1
When you’ve completed the steps above and you’re ready to migrate, navigate to your Home menu, then hit “Website” > “Design” > “Update to Version 7.1”. Select “Preview Site in 7.1” to trigger the preview screen that will allow you to view how your site will look once the migration process is complete. You can choose to exit out if you’d rather go back and make a duplicate copy of your existing site if you see that too much has changed for your comfort level, or you can proceed and select “Publish Update” to migrate the site immediately. The migration takes no more than several seconds and you’ll be off to the races in no time!
Tweak and improve the new site
Now that you’ve migrated, you’ll likely want to make quite a few design tweaks and upgrades, especially with the mobile version of the site. Take your time and edit any colors, fonts, blocks, images, etc. that you desire. Play around and see if there’s any new features that you’d like to take advantage of that could improve your existing design. Once you are done, switch from Desktop View to Mobile View (upper righthand corner) and ensure that the mobile view is how you desire it to look. This is one of my hands-down favorite features of 7.1 and makes my life SO. MUCH. EASIER as a designer.
Still feeling stuck?
It may be time to reach out to a professional Squarespace web designer (like myself) who can guide you through the process to ensure a stress-free, seamless migration experience. We’re here to help and provide our two cents! Please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us any questions you’ve got. Happy migrating! :)
