Squarespace is a popular website building and hosting service that has undergone various updates and versions over the years. Version 7.0 and Version 7.1 are two distinct iterations, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Below, I will outline the key differences between Squarespace Version 7.0 and Version 7.1 to help you understand their distinctions and make an informed decision:

1. Template Structure

• Version 7.0: Uses fixed-template families, which define the design and structure of a website. Once you select a template, changing it can require significant effort because each template family has unique design options, page layouts, and customizations.

• Version 7.1: Employs a universal template structure where all design and page layout options are available across any site built in this version. You can make sweeping design changes more easily without the need to switch templates, offering greater flexibility and consistency.

2. Design Flexibility and Customization

• Version 7.0: Each template family comes with its own customization options, and not all design features are universally available. Specific templates might have unique capabilities not present in others, making some design elements limited or challenging to apply to all site types.

• Version 7.1: Allows for more universal customization. All design features and page layouts are accessible across any template, making it easier to apply a cohesive design and modify the site's appearance more broadly.

3. Page Sections and Layouts

• Version 7.0: Page sections and layouts are somewhat rigid, with less flexibility in terms of moving or changing content sections. The grid for placing and arranging content blocks can feel limited.

• Version 7.1: Introduces more flexible page sections and layouts, allowing users to stack, move, and customize sections with ease. This version offers pre-built content sections (e.g., for galleries, contact forms, etc.) that simplify the design process.

4. Site-Wide Design Settings

• Version 7.0: Lacks certain global styling options, meaning users often have to apply design changes (like fonts or color schemes) to individual elements or pages.

• Version 7.1: Offers advanced site-wide design settings, allowing users to set universal properties like fonts, colors, and spacing. This consistency simplifies site management and ensures a uniform look and feel.

5. Commerce Features

• Version 7.0: Supports robust e-commerce features, but they might be more template-dependent, making it harder to find certain functionalities or design elements within particular templates.

• Version 7.1: Enhanced e-commerce tools are more streamlined and integrated across the universal template. This version provides improved features like product image zoom, quick view, and better checkout options.

6. User Experience

• Version 7.0: Can offer a steep learning curve due to the varied template-specific features and the unique methods that each template might require for customization.

• Version 7.1: Generally regarded as more user-friendly, offering a more intuitive and cohesive experience. The universal design approach reduces the learning curve, making it easier for users to maintain and update their sites.

7. Upgrade and Migration

• Migrating from 7.0 to 7.1: This process is not straightforward and typically requires redesigning the website in 7.1, as direct migration tools are limited. It’s a significant consideration for existing Squarespace users contemplating an upgrade.

8. Support and Documentation

• Version 7.0: While support is robust, information and help guides are often template-specific, making it sometimes difficult to find universally applicable advice.

• Version 7.1: Offers improved support and documentation that is more straightforward and applicable across all templates, reflecting the universal nature of this version.

In Summary:

Choosing between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1 involves considering the design and functionality needs of your website. Version 7.1 offers greater flexibility, cohesive design options, and ease of use, making it favorable for most new users. However, Version 7.0 might still be suitable for those who have very specific template needs or who are already deeply invested in that version and do not wish to redesign their site for migration.

Understanding these differences can help you better navigate the platform and leverage the tools most effectively for your website's goals. If you're starting fresh, Version 7.1 is generally recommended. For existing users, careful planning and consideration are required to determine whether moving to 7.1 is worth the effort and potential disruption.