Squarespace Fluid Engine: What you need to know

Published almost 3 years ago • 3 min read

Hello Reader,

Note: You're receiving this email because you've worked with us in some capacity in the last few years. We've done a bunch of quality control of this segment of our list, but it's not a perfect system. If you received this email and are not a Squarespace user, click here, and you won't get this sort of info in the future.

There's a famous quote from John Maxwell that says "Change is inevitable but growth is optional." If you're anything like me, you can look back throughout either your life or even just your career and see where change was forced upon you. In the moment, it feels daunting and sometimes overwhelming. However, in most cases, those same changes tend to become the moments that pushed us toward new growth and new opportunities that we might not have otherwise experienced.

You may have heard by now that Squarespace is launching a new content editing experience on version 7.1 sites called Fluid Engine. In the words of Squarespace, "With Fluid Engine, you'll have more flexibility and options with block placement, resizing, and overlap, opening up new possibilities for creative layouts never possible before in Squarespace."

For now, we're going to set aside how we FEEL about this new development as Squarespace insiders (remember we've been using this platform since 2012) and focus on how this new experience impacts you, the Squarespace user.

Side note: If you're not sure if you're using Squarespace 7.0 or 7.1, here's how to tell: Log in to your website, click on Help in your main Menu, and then look at the bottom of that column. You’ll see either Squarespace 7.0 with a template name or Squarespace 7.1. If you discover you're on Squarespace 7.0, you can disregard this email :)

Let's begin with timing:

  • Fluid Engine will launch to all users on version 7.1 on July 7, 2022. This means that any NEW pages or sections you add to your website after this date will use the Fluid Engine editor.
  • However, if you duplicate an existing section or page of your website that was built using the Classic Editor (current version), you can continue using that version at least until the end of 2022. Be sure to watch the video linked below to see how you can duplicate sections or pages to retain the classic editor even with website changes -- for now.

How we're planning to support you:

  • Our team is already hard at work preparing for this launch, learning the new layout and features, and creating resources. If you are a website design client of SM&Co, you already have access to our very comprehensive Squarespace Resource Library. Very soon this library will also include brand-new tutorials around Fluid Engine. (If you are a website design client and lost your access, reach out to Andrea and she'll take care of you: andrea@sarahmoon.net)
  • We've been around a while, so we know that new technology like this is likely to change. So, while we are planning a broader conversation around the topic and our own take on best practices for using the new tool, we'll be holding off on that until later this summer. We want to bring you the best content once things are stabilized and a little more predictable!

So what's the immediate impact on you?

  • On or around July 7, when you log into your Squarespace website, you'll see a button on your page sections that says you can convert that section to the new Fluid Engine editor. We do NOT recommend you use that. We want to provide you with adequate resources first, and ensure you're fully up to speed on the implications of the new editor.
  • If you need to create new page sections or pages on your existing website, we recommend you do so by using the Duplicate feature. Need a refresher on that? Use the button below to watch our quick video on how to duplicate a page section or an entire page. By using the duplication feature, you can avoid switching to Fluid Engine for a while.
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As anyone in the tech space will tell you, these types of shifts are inevitable and typically for the best in the long-term despite some short-term inconveniences and painful learning curves. The good news is that you've got the SM&Co team on your side!

Is there anything you've heard about Fluid Engine that worries you or something you need to know about your specific website? Hit reply and let me know, so we can continue to support you and your business.

Warmly,

Sarah & Team SM&Co

P.S. If you’re an “email skimmer,” here’s the summary — Squarespace is launching a new editor interface that will require a learning curve and some patience. We're planning to offer you an abundance of resources to help you navigate the change. If you see the “Convert to Fluid Engine” button after July 7, skip it for now until we've had a chance to talk it through or you’ve gone through some training. It will save you a lot of headaches, I promise!

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