Bringing Gallery Blocks Back to Squarespace 7.1 Sections
This post is a collaboration with BeyondSpace.studio
The Gallery block has always been a versatile tool for Squarespace users, allowing the addition of visually appealing image and video galleries across various sections. On Squarespace 7.0, these blocks were highly flexible, supporting multiple layouts and areas. Squarespace 7.1 limits the availability of Gallery blocks to blog posts, events, and product descriptions, leaving users unable to add them to other sections as they could in version 7.0.
Fortunately, with the Classic Gallery block, you can bring back the full functionality of Gallery blocks, making it possible to insert them across sections of your Squarespace 7.1 site!
Inserting Gallery blocks
Classic Gallery Block is now managed through Ground Control for easier navigation and customization. Explore Ground Control
Introducing the Classic Gallery Block
The Classic Gallery block is a powerful workaround to reintroduce the flexibility of Gallery blocks in Squarespace 7.1. Whether you’re using Classic or Fluid sections, this tool ensures you can add Gallery blocks effortlessly in areas that Squarespace restricts by default, such as layout pages, footers, and collection landing pages.
What does it offer?
Full compatibility with various sections on 7.1 templates.
A solution for using existing galleries—just like in 7.0.
Pro Tip: Looking to customize your Gallery Blocks further? Explore all styling options and Squarespace plugins for Gallery block in this post.
Gallery Block Availability with Classic Gallery Block Enabled
When activated, the Classic Gallery block unlocks the ability to insert Gallery blocks in sections previously unsupported by Squarespace 7.1. Here's a comparison:
| Supported Areas | 7.1 Version | 7.0 Version | Classic Gallery Block |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blog posts | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Individual events | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Product additional Info | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Layout pages | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Collection landing pages | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Portfolio sub-pages | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Footers | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Collection landing pages: (blog pages, events pages, portfolio pages, store pages)
Using the "Existing Gallery" Option on Squarespace 7.1
The Existing Gallery option was a standout feature in Squarespace 7.0, allowing users to link Gallery blocks to shared content from Gallery pages. Unfortunately, this feature is missing in 7.1, which means users can only create transient galleries—where images are uploaded directly to the block and cannot be reused across multiple pages.
With the Classic Gallery block, however, you can replicate this functionality by creating Gallery pages using transient galleries and organizing them under a designated dropdown folder for easy access.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Existing Galleries with Classic Gallery Block
Detailed step-by-step tutorial for the below has been updated in this post
Step 1: Copy Classic Gallery block to your Footer
Visit Classic Gallery block page and copy the snippet
Paste the snippet to the Footer Injection of your Squarespace site.
Incoming: Squarespace 7.1 has introduced a Section Anchor ID feature, which could prove useful for inserting multiple galleries on a single gallery page and displaying them in the Existing Gallery option using their anchor IDs. Once this feature is fully functional, I’ll update this post with detailed instructions—stay tuned!
Step 2: Create a Transient Gallery Block or Section on a Blank Page
Insert a Gallery block or Gallery section on a blank page.
Add up to 250 images or videos to the gallery.
Create a transient Gallery
Step 3: Organize Your Gallery Pages
To make galleries easier to locate, create a dropdown folder named "Classic Gallery Pages" in your site's navigation. Place all Gallery pages under this folder. This reserved name ensures the script focuses only on pages within the folder, avoiding the need to search your entire site.
Pro Tip: The dropdown name "Classic Gallery Pages" is reserved for this functionality. If you don’t use this exact name, the script will still work but will search through all pages across your site, which may slow down the process significantly.
Group pages to Classic Gallery Pages
Step 4: Use the "Existing Gallery" Option
Insert a new Gallery block where needed.
Switch to the Use Existing Gallery tab in the block settings.
Select your Gallery page from the dropdown list.
Select existing galleries
Conclusion
The Classic Gallery block restores functionality that Squarespace 7.1 missing, making it possible to create and reuse galleries across your website effortlessly. By using transient galleries and organizing them under a designated folder, you can replicate the "Existing Gallery" feature and maintain consistency across pages.
Pro Tip: This script relies on an undocumented Squarespace API, so use it responsibly. Ensure your site is on a Business plan or higher for script installation. Personal plan users, check out alternative solutions on this post.
Whether you're upgrading from 7.0 or seeking more control over your galleries, the Classic Gallery block is the perfect tool to bridge the gap and enhance your Squarespace site.
