How to Tell What Template a Squarespace Site Is Using
If you have ever browsed a beautiful Squarespace website and wondered which template it uses, you are not alone. Many business owners, creatives, and designers look for inspiration online before creating their own website. Knowing how to tell what template a Squarespace site is using can help you understand the design style, layout structure, and functionality behind a website you admire.
The good news is that identifying a Squarespace template is often easier than you might think. While some websites are heavily customised, there are still several ways to uncover the original template or framework behind the design.
In this guide, we will walk you through the most effective methods to identify a Squarespace template and explain what to keep in mind when researching website inspiration.
Why People Want to Identify Squarespace Templates
Understanding how to tell what template a Squarespace site is using is useful for several reasons. It can help you:
Find inspiration for your own website design
Compare template layouts before building a site
Learn what functionality certain templates support
Understand how customisations can transform a design
Save time during the website planning process
Squarespace templates provide the foundation of a website’s structure, but experienced designers often customise them significantly with branding, CSS, and strategic layouts. At Visuable, for example, we design every Squarespace website from scratch to create a unique experience tailored to each client’s goals.
That means even if two websites start with the same template, they can look entirely different once customised professionally.
Check the Page Source Code
One of the simplest ways to learn how to tell what template a Squarespace site is using is by checking the website’s source code.
Here is how you can do it:
Visit the Squarespace website you want to inspect
Right-click anywhere on the page
Select “View Page Source”
Use the search function and type “template.”
In older Squarespace versions, the template name often appeared directly in the code. You might see references such as “Brine,” “Bedford,” or “Paloma.”
However, newer Squarespace 7.1 websites use a unified system, which means identifying the exact design family is no longer as straightforward. Instead of separate templates, Squarespace 7.1 operates with one core framework and multiple style presets.
Even so, source code inspection can still reveal useful clues about the website structure and custom functionality.
Use Browser Inspection Tools
Another useful technique for discovering which template a Squarespace site is using is through browser developer tools.
Most modern browsers allow you to inspect page elements directly. This can reveal:
Squarespace version information
CSS class names
Built-in styling references
Custom code additions
To access this:
Right-click the page
Click “Inspect”
Browse through the HTML and CSS elements
If the site uses minimal customisation, you may find identifiable template references hidden within the code structure.
This method is especially useful for designers or developers who want deeper insights into how a Squarespace website has been built.
Try Online Template Detection Tools
There are also several online tools designed to identify website technologies and templates. These platforms can help simplify the process if you are unsure where to begin.
Popular options include:
BuiltWith
Wappalyzer
WhatCMS
These tools often identify whether a site runs on Squarespace and may provide additional information about plugins, integrations, or frameworks being used.
While they do not always reveal the exact template, they can confirm the platform and help narrow down possibilities when researching how to tell what template a Squarespace site is using.
Understand the Difference Between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1
One important thing to know when learning how to tell what template a Squarespace site is using is the difference between Squarespace 7.0 and Squarespace 7.1.
Squarespace 7.0
Squarespace 7.0 included multiple template families, each with unique features and layout options. Popular examples included:
Brine
Bedford
Five
Pacific
These templates had distinct functionality, which made them easier to identify visually and technically.
Squarespace 7.1
Squarespace 7.1 introduced a single unified framework. Instead of separate templates, users now customise layouts using design settings, sections, and style variations.
This means modern Squarespace websites are often much harder to identify because the same framework can produce completely different visual outcomes.
Many professional studios also use custom CSS and advanced plugins to create a more bespoke experience.
Look for Visual Clues
If you cannot identify the template through code, visual analysis can still help.
Certain Squarespace templates or style presets have recognisable design patterns, including:
Navigation placement
Blog layouts
Header styles
Gallery formats
Animation styles
Mobile menu behaviour
For example, some older Brine family templates featured side-by-side headers and bold banner images, while newer 7.1 sites often use clean scrolling sections with layered animations.
The more Squarespace websites you explore, the easier it becomes to recognise these patterns.
Why Template Choice Matters Less Than Strategy
While learning how to tell what template a Squarespace site is using can be helpful, it is important to remember that a successful website relies on far more than its template.
A strong website combines:
Strategic branding
Clear messaging
SEO optimisation
User-friendly layouts
High-quality visuals
Conversion-focused structure
At Visuable, we create fully customised Squarespace websites designed around each client’s goals, audience, and brand personality. Our process focuses on combining strategy with creativity so websites not only look beautiful but also support long-term business growth.
That is why two websites using the same Squarespace framework can deliver completely different results.
Can You Copy a Squarespace Template Exactly?
Technically, you can recreate certain design elements, but copying another website entirely is never recommended.
Instead, use inspiration strategically. Study layouts, user experience, and content structure as you build a website that reflects your unique brand identity.
The most successful websites stand out because they communicate a clear story and connect authentically with their audience.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to identify which template a Squarespace site uses can give you valuable inspiration and insight during your website planning process. Whether you use source code, browser tools, online detectors, or visual analysis, there are several ways to uncover the structure behind a Squarespace website.
However, the real power of a successful website comes from thoughtful strategy, strong branding, and intentional design decisions. Templates are simply the starting point.
If you are planning a Squarespace website and want something unique, strategic, and built around your goals, investing in a customised design approach can make all the difference.
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