Does Squarespace 7.1 Have Brine Family Templates: Understanding Template Options
By Akim Perminov
Founder & Lead Designer
In Squarespace 7.1, the approach to templates differs significantly from previous versions like Squarespace 7.0. It moves away from the concept of template families, of which Brine was a prominent member, offering robust customization and advanced styling options. If you're familiar with Squarespace's Brine family templates, it's important to understand that Squarespace 7.1 does not offer these templates, but instead provides a streamlined, singular template experience designed to be versatile and flexible.
Squarespace 7.1 aims to simplify the design process, enabling users to build unique sites without the need to choose from a specific family of templates. This updated platform provides a cohesive set of design and functionality features applicable to all websites built in 7.1. Despite the absence of the Brine family, Squarespace 7.1 encompasses a variety of customizable options and styles.
Transitioning to Squarespace 7.1 from older versions, such as those using Brine templates, can raise questions about features and design options. While you won't find a direct Brine equivalent in 7.1, the platform has included new tools and options to create a website that can exceed the standards previously set by templates like Brine. This adjustment has implications for users making the switch, potentially influencing the way you design and manage your Squarespace 7.1 website.
Key Takeaways
Squarespace 7.1 eliminates the need for template families and does not have Brine templates.
The platform offers comprehensive design flexibility with a unified set of customizable options.
For those transitioning, Squarespace 7.1 provides new tools and features to build advanced websites.
Overview of Squarespace 7.1
Squarespace 7.1 is the latest iteration of Squarespace's website builder platform. Designed to be flexible and user-friendly, this version introduces a unified template family. This means that unlike its predecessor, Squarespace 7.0, which had multiple template families including Brine, 7.1 offers a singular cohesive template approach.
With Squarespace 7.1, you can enjoy a range of new and enhanced features:
Modular design system: This allows you to customize the look and feel of your site through section-based editing, giving you more granular control over your page layouts.
Streamlined interface: For a smoother, more intuitive experience when designing and managing your website.
Customizable content areas: You have the ability to add various types of content blocks including text, images, and video, within any section of your site.
Squarespace 7.1 also includes improved marketing tools and ecommerce capabilities. These refinements provide you with a more robust toolkit to grow and engage your audience or customer base.
Here's a quick glance at what's new in 7.1:
Fonts and colors: Extended options for site-wide customization.
Mobile responsiveness: Enhanced to ensure your site looks good on all devices.
Loading speed: Optimizations for faster page loading times.
While the Brine family templates of Squarespace 7.0 are not a part of 7.1, the new unified system offers similar functionalities, ensuring that you can achieve almost any design you have in mind without a steep learning curve.
Comparison with Brine Family Templates
Squarespace 7.1 does not include templates from the Brine family directly. Instead, 7.1 is built on a new, unified platform that offers a streamlined experience. You get a cohesive set of features with more customization options, which may vary from the traditional Brine family offerings. Below is a comparison of specific features found in Brine templates versus the new 7.1 platform:
FeatureSquarespace 7.0 Brine TemplatesSquarespace 7.1Template VariantsWide variety of starting designsSingle starting point with multiple design optionsCustomizationIn-depth customization with Index PagesStreamlined customization without Index PagesHeader LayoutsMultiple header layout optionsFlexible header layout with new design optionsPage SectionsLacks this featureDifferent types of page sections for varied contentMobile StylingSeparate mobile styling controlsIntegrated mobile styles with desktop styling
In Squarespace 7.1, you benefit from section-based editing, which gives you flexibility in designing your webpages without relying on the Index Pages prevalent in Brine. Your content on 7.1 adjusts seamlessly between mobile and desktop views, simplifying your design process. Horizontal scrolling and parallax scrolling, which were a hallmark of Brine templates, are not native to 7.1; however, you have a variety of animation and image display options that can create dynamic visuals on your site.
It's essential to recognize that Squarespace 7.1's templates are not labeled by family names as they were in 7.0. You are afforded a more uniform approach where any design element can be applied site-wide, offering you a coherent visual language across your website. This simplifies the process, as you do not need to choose a specific template to begin designing your site - you start with a blank slate and customize it to fit your vision and brand.
Templates Available in Squarespace 7.1
In Squarespace 7.1, you have access to a range of templates designed to meet various aesthetic and functional needs. These templates are versatile and can be customized to create a unique look for your website.
Popular Squarespace 7.1 Templates
Paloma - A go-to choice for bloggers and storytellers.
Vance - Ideal for professional portfolios with a focus on imagery.
Alameda - Perfect for businesses looking to highlight their products or services.
Utica - A multi-purpose template suitable for a wide range of sites, from personal to small businesses.
Design Flexibility and Customization
Squarespace 7.1 templates are inherently flexible, allowing you to fine-tune your site's design through a suite of editing tools. Key customization features include:
Font Customization: Choose from a variety of font pairs to match your brand's personality.
Color Schemes: Implement color palettes that resonate with your brand identity.
Remember that these templates and customization options are developed to help you create a website that stands out while providing an intuitive and seamless user experience.
Transitioning from Brine to Squarespace 7.1
When you transition from a Brine template to Squarespace 7.1, you are moving to a platform with a more streamlined interface and new features. Here are the steps and considerations for a smooth transition:
Content Evaluation: Before transitioning, assess your existing content to determine what needs to be brought over to the new platform.
Template Setup:
Identify a 7.1 template that matches your site's needs. Squarespace 7.1 templates are all part of a single family, so you have consistent features across all options.
Select and apply your new template from the templates panel.
Design Customization:
Utilize the Site Styles panel to customize fonts, colors, and other basic design elements.
Explore new layout options available in 7.1 for pages and sections that may offer enhanced design flexibility.
Functionality Check:
Examine any custom CSS or third-party integrations from your Brine template for compatibility.
Test built-in features like portfolio pages and gallery sections to ensure they meet your requirements.
SEO Considerations:
Review and update SEO settings to maintain or improve your search engine rankings.
Final Review:
Preview your site to check the general layout and functionality.
Solicit feedback, if possible, to ensure all components are functioning as expected.
Remember, Squarespace Customer Support is available to assist during the transition process. Transitioning to Squarespace 7.1 can be a significant step towards modernizing your site with a fresh look and enhanced capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you'll find clear answers to common queries about Squarespace 7.1 and its templates, particularly regarding the Brine family.
How can I identify the template used by a Squarespace site?
To identify the template of a Squarespace site, you can right-click on the website, select "View Page Source," and search for the template ID within the source code. This ID corresponds to the template used.
What are the main differences between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1 versions?
Squarespace 7.0 offers a range of distinct templates grouped into families, while 7.1 provides a single cohesive template with greater layout flexibility, eliminating the concept of template families.
Are there index pages in Squarespace 7.1, similar to those in previous versions?
Squarespace 7.1 has replaced index pages with page sections, allowing you to add content sections within individual pages to achieve similar layered designs.
What Squarespace templates are considered the most versatile for website design?
Squarespace 7.1’s unified template is designed to be highly versatile, enabling you to create a wide range of designs and layouts without the limitations of the traditional template families.
Can I still use Bedford, Farro, or other Brine family templates in Squarespace 7.1?
No, the Brine family templates and other Squarespace 7.0 templates are not available in Squarespace 7.1. Instead, you use the new, single template framework that 7.1 provides.
What are the notable features that distinguish Squarespace 7.1 from earlier templates?
Squarespace 7.1 introduces a streamlined template approach with a focus on sections, extensive customization options, and design flexibility, setting it apart from the template families of earlier versions.
