The Squarespace Developer Platform is an advanced tool for developers to customize their sites beyond standard built-in customization options. This guide explains key aspects of the platform and what to expect when using it.

Platform Requirements and Intended Users

The Developer Platform requires advanced coding knowledge, including:

• HTML
• LESS CSS
• JSON-T
• Github

Most users don't need the Developer Platform, as Squarespace's built-in custom code tools are sufficient for typical customization needs.

Capabilities and Limitations

What You Can Do:

• Create custom 7.0 site templates from scratch
• Modify existing 7.0 templates
• Access template markup, style sheets, scripts, and design assets

What You Can't Do:

• Create or modify 7.1 sites
• Access CMS content
• Add server-side custom code
• Modify default scripts and styles
• Customize blocks or cover pages

Effects of Developer Mode

When Enabled:

• Demo content disappears
• Template switching becomes unavailable
• Template updates from Squarespace stop
• Platform-wide updates continue

When Disabled:

• All developer customizations disappear
• Style editor changes revert
• Site returns to default settings
• Custom layouts and integrations stop working
• Navigation reverts to original structure
• Custom blog post types return to defaults
• Sidebar, header, and footer content disappears

Trial and Plan Considerations

• Developer Platform requires Business plan or higher
• Trial sites with developer mode don't expire
• Downgrading to Personal plan after activation:
  • Existing customizations remain
  • No new changes possible
  • Template updates stop

Support and Resources

Developer support is limited to platform access issues. For coding help, use:

• Squarespace Forum (peer-to-peer developer forum)
• Developer documentation

Authentication note: Users with two-factor authentication or social login must create an app password to access the platform.

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