How Do I Go to a Previous Version of Squarespace?

Reverting to a previous version of a Squarespace site isn't a straightforward process, and it's essential to note that Squarespace does not offer a direct “rollback” or “restore” feature like some other platforms. However, there are several strategies you can employ to manage and mitigate this limitation:

1. Restoring from a Backup (if available)

While Squarespace does not provide an in-built feature to revert to previous site versions, it does allow for exporting certain content, mainly for safeguarding purposes. If you have previously exported your site content (e.g., blog posts or products), you can re-import this data. Here's how:

Steps to Export Content:

1. Login to your Squarespace account.
2. Navigate to Settings → Advanced → Import/Export.
3. Select Export and choose the content type (e.g., WordPress format for blogs).

Steps to Import Content:

1. Login to your Squarespace account.
2. Navigate to Settings → Advanced → Import/Export.
3. Select Import and follow the prompts to import the data you previously exported.

2. Utilizing Page or Block Duplication

If you accidentally changed or deleted a specific page or block content, you can use Squarespace's duplication feature to create a backup copy before making edits.

To Duplicate a Page:

1. Go to the Pages menu.
2. Hover over the page you want to duplicate.
3. Click the gear icon, then select Duplicate Page.

By doing this regularly, you ensure that you have earlier versions of your work to revert to manually if needed.

3. Manual Restoration Using Saved Code and Content

If you've manually saved copies of your website's custom CSS, JavaScript, or other custom code, you can revert to these saved versions in case of accidental changes. Regularly backing up your custom code in a text file or a version control system like Git is highly recommended.

To Update or Re-apply Custom Code:

1. Go to Design → Custom CSS to input your CSS.
2. Go to Settings → Advanced → Code Injection for site-wide code.

4. Contacting Squarespace Support

In certain scenarios, if your site faced a significant issue, contacting Squarespace Support might provide a solution. While they typically do not offer direct restoration services, they may assist or guide you through specific recovery steps depending on the situation.

To Contact Support:

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Navigate to Help → Contact Us.
3. Describe your issue and request guidance on restoration options.

5. Regularly Saving and Archiving Content Externally

Developing a habit of copying and saving your text content, images, and other media files externally can save you substantial time and effort if you need to revert to a previous state. This method is more of a preventative measure.

Limitations & Considerations

• No Full Site Backup Feature: Squarespace does not provide a one-click full site backup and restore option.
• Manual Effort Required: Reverting changes often involves manual steps, making it crucial to maintain regular manual backups of your content.
• Export Limitations: Not all content types are exportable. For instance, the design and style settings typically need to be manually reconfigured.

By incorporating these strategies, you can mitigate potential losses and manage your Squarespace site more effectively despite the lack of a direct versioning system. Regular backups and a proactive approach to content management are your best tools.