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!

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.

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:

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.

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.

Step 4: Use the "Existing Gallery" Option

1. Insert a new Gallery block where needed.

2. Switch to the Use Existing Gallery tab in the block settings.

3. Select your Gallery page from the dropdown list.

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.