Squarespace’s default settings may crop images in order to fit different layouts and frames seamlessly. If you want to prevent Squarespace from cropping your photos, there are several steps and considerations to help you achieve the desired outcome.

1. Use the Image Block Settings

When adding an image block, you can adjust the settings to prevent cropping:

• Add an Image Block: In your Squarespace editor, click on "Add Block" and select “Image.”
• Select Inline or Poster: Choose the display type. Inline and Poster block types provide more control over image dimensions.
• Manual Size Adjustment: Adjust the size settings to match your image's aspect ratio. This can be done under the “Design” tab by using the slider to scale the image accordingly.

2. Modify Layout to Fit Image Dimensions

Ensure that your layout and grid/column settings align well with your image dimensions:

• Use a Section Background: Add your image as a section background rather than an image block. This allows you more control over the placement and scaling:
  • Go to the section settings.
  • Select “Background,” and then “Image.”
  • Use the focal point picker to ensure the most important part of your image is always visible.

3. Custom CSS

For more precise control, you can use Custom CSS to prevent cropping. This option requires some familiarity with CSS:

• Navigate to Custom CSS: In the Squarespace editor, go to “Design” > “Custom CSS.”
• Add CSS Code: Insert CSS code to control the image dimensions and prevent cropping. For example: css .sqs-block-image img { object-fit: contain !important; width: 100% !important; height: auto !important; }

4. Adjust Image Orientation and Dimensions Before Uploading

Sometimes, the solution lies in preparing the images before uploading them:

• Edit Images Outside Squarespace: Use photo editing software to resize or reorient your image to fit the layout. Ensure the aspect ratio aligns with the layout where the image will be used.
• Consistent Aspect Ratios: Maintain consistent aspect ratios throughout your website to ensure a uniform appearance and reduce unintended cropping.

Practical Considerations

• Template Limitations: Understand that some templates inherently crop images to maintain a specific design consistency. You may need to adjust to a different template if the current one does not suit your needs.
• Image Quality: Be cautious with resizing images, as over-resizing can degrade image quality and affect your website’s visual appeal.
• Testing: Preview your changes across multiple devices to ensure that images are displayed correctly on mobile, tablet, and desktop browsers.

By using these strategies, you should be able to control how your images are displayed on Squarespace, minimizing or entirely preventing unwanted cropping.