How to create a media library in Squarespace

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If you've migrated to Squarespace from WordPress or another website building platform, yous may notice that Squarespace doesn't seem to have a media library or a way to manage uploaded images.

At start glance, information technology seems like there is no designated storage area for you to upload images or files in the backend of your site.

This is partly true. Merely Squarespace has recently come up out with some crawly new features to help manage your images and files. Though they might not be the easiest to find, one time you know where they are, you'll be able to upload and manage your files and images to your heart's content.


Where do I manage my uploaded images in Squarespace?

Because Squarespace is an all-in-ane platform, they encourage the average user to use tools like prototype blocks and galleries to upload images.

Until recently, if y'all uploaded an image to one of these image-based blocks, that's the only identify you could see it.

But at present, Squarespace has the Paradigm Library feature!

Anywhere you lot can add an paradigm, you can admission a library of all of the images you lot've uploaded around your site.

To access the Squarespace Epitome Library, add an epitome-based block and click the + to add an image, and so choose "SELECT FROM LIBRARY"

This will open up a library of all images you lot've ever uploaded to Squarespace

Why this is bang-up:

  • You can add an image that you've already uploaded in the by, without having to upload it once more.

  • You tin also utilise the search bar at the top to search for particular images.

  • You can select images and delete them if you don't need them anymore.

  • You lot can even find Free and Premium stock images also, which is a fun extra feature!

This is a swell start from Squarespace, simply withal missing some features that could make this a really comprehensive image manager similar:

  • The ability to alter the file names.

  • Folders to organize images.

Squarespace has said they are planning to put a lot more into this soon, it'south a small-scale part of a bigger paradigm management picture, and then hopefully, we'll get more features soon!

How to upload and manage files in Squarespace

What if you lot desire to upload something like a PDF file then people can download it? At this point, the Epitome Library is just for that, images simply.

Just that's OK! Squarespace actually has an area where you can upload and manage all sorts of files, including PDFs and docs. And then, you lot tin add a link for visitors to directly download those files from your website, if you desire to.

If yous plan on using custom code on your website, you will probable also want to be able to upload images and files into the backend of your site.

1. Log into your Squarespace website and so go to whatsoever page.

2. Add a text block anywhere on that page (literally anywhere, as we will delete this at the end)

iii. Type annihilation in the text box (eg "jdskljf" 😂)

4. Highlight this text and add a link by clicking on the link icon in the text formatting toolbar

5. When you lot click the link button, a small window volition appear. Click the COG/Bike icon on this window

6. This will open another window. Click the FILE tab in this window.

And there information technology is, your media library!

You lot can see a list of existing files y'all take uploaded (you lot probably have none, we have lots!)

Use the UPLOAD FILE button (gyre to the bottom of your files) to add a new file.

Accessing this expanse might seem a little bit confusing. But basically, the only way y'all can admission this File Library is when you're creating any link. There should be a designated area in your sidebar where you tin can upload files, but there isn't — this is the all-time option for now. So anytime you are adding a link around your site, yous volition see that COG/WHEEL Icon and y'all will be able to access this Files Library.

The only reason we added that text link was to become admission to this file expanse. But the file and the link aren't connected in whatsoever way. Y'all tin can remove or add whatsoever files to this file surface area. Every file y'all upload here will exist stored here until y'all delete information technology. If y'all remove the link nosotros added, the file will still remain in your files area.

Once yous have uploaded your file, you lot can click CLOSE in the top left corner, and remove the link + text block. Yous don't need to hit "save" on the link or the page, or anything! The file will be uploaded and saved into your Files Library.

So, someday yous need to access your Files Library, just add together or edit a link somewhere, and all of your existing files will remain safely in there.

How practice I upload a file for someone to download in Squarespace?

  • Add a text link, or you could add together a link to anything link-able (eg an epitome or a button)

  • Click on the cog

  • Click on file

  • Make sure your file is uploaded into your File Library

  • Click on the file you want to utilize as your download, and then click save in the top left corner of the panel

  • This volition add your file to your link

  • Click save/apply on your link

  • Click save on your website page

  • Then when people click this link on your website, the file volition download for them instantly

If you want to accept a file every bit a download opt-in freebie, read this post most how to create an automatic download behind a name + e-mail address opt-in here

If yous are using the files in a lawmaking and want the URL, you can use:

  • world wide web.yourdomainnamehere.com/s/yourfilenamehere.jpg or

  • /s/yourfilenamehere.jpg

  • Make certain y'all apply the consummate, correct file name showing in your File Library

So, it's a bit weird, but it works! If you want to main Squarespace, you've gotta master all of the strange workarounds (I think information technology'southward 100% worth it!)

Basically, Squarespace tries to brand the website building procedure as simple and as DIY-friendly as possible. This sometimes means making the more advanced features well-subconscious, or at least non so obvious, so that the average user doesn't but get confused by it.

But, like a lot of other things in Squarespace, one time y'all know how to upload images and files, information technology's really easy. I utilize this feature all of the time! I practise a lot of custom coding so I upload a lot of images, and lots of my downloadable freebies are stored here too. Once you become the hang of it, it'southward easy!

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