Squarespace Fluid Engine: Two Years On, Has It Truly Modernized the Platform?

6 Oct

Elwyn reflects on the transformative impact of Squarespace Fluid Engine after two years and why he almost left the platform before its introduction.

Two years ago, Squarespace introduced the Fluid Engine, an update that helped me fall back in love with the platform.

When Squarespace released its Fluid Engine editor in mid-2022, it seemed that the platform was finally meeting the needs of modern web designers.

Blue Box Hell

Before this, the rigid limitations of the Classic Editor left me frustrated. While serviceable, the "drag-and-drop" function lacked the flexibility that platforms like Wix Studio (EditorX) offered. There were moments in 2022 when I genuinely contemplated leaving Squarespace in favour of more progressive, customizable builders.

One of the most frustrating aspects before Fluid Engine was the constant pointing, clicking and moving elements on the page - trapped in a blue box hell with spacer blocks everywhere!

There was also the need for constant workarounds; using custom CSS or hacks to achieve what should have been simple design solutions was incredibly tedious for clients who needed more creative control without diving into code complexities.

That’s when Fluid Engine's concept of controlled flexibility piqued my interest. It offered more freedom while retaining the ease of use that Squarespace had been known for.

How Fluid Engine Modernized Squarespace

The most notable upgrade of Fluid Engine was its new 24-column grid system, which brought Squarespace into a new design era. The Classic Editor allowed elements to be arranged in 12 rigid columns, but Fluid Engine allowed users to place content almost anywhere on the page. You could finally overlap elements, create full-bleed sections, and design more visually engaging layouts without custom code. The platform attempted to blend structure and creative freedom, hence the paradox of controlled flexibility.

This fundamental change allowed for new innovations, including the ability to save sections as favourites (my favourite!), duplicate blocks and move multiple blocks simultaneously. The interface has moved towards one of my other preferred platforms - Canva.

Another significant leap was the ability to handle mobile and desktop layouts independently. Before Fluid Engine, mobile design was an afterthought, with Squarespace handling all the heavy lifting. Now, I could (almost) craft mobile-first designs without sacrificing the desktop experience.

I still recommend designing on desktop first with Squarespace, but the independent design approach to mobile instantly made Squarespace more versatile, reducing the need for external coding or custom solutions.

The Pain Points: Why I Almost Jumped Ship

Before Fluid Engine, my frustration with Squarespace was starting to show. While it offered a solid, all-in-one platform, I felt boxed in by its limited customization. Advanced design elements like layering, custom spacing, or responsive adjustments were cumbersome. As a designer who wanted to give clients more creative options, I often thought Squarespace was falling behind its competitors regarding functionality and design flexibility.

Even the rollout of Fluid Engine wasn’t without its challenges. The transition from the Classic Editor to Fluid Engine initially raised some concerns.

Many web designers, myself included, were worried about the stability of existing custom code when upgrading old websites to Fluid Engine (there is now a very good Squarespace upgrade option that handles this process seamlessly). It wasn’t just about adopting new features but ensuring that previous work wasn’t undone.

Many of us were also frustrated by the bugs and learning curve during the first few months. All of that can be forgiven now.

Controlled Flexibility: The Squarespace Paradox

At its core, Fluid Engine embraces controlled flexibility. While its grid system allows for a great deal of creative freedom, the layout maintains enough structure to avoid overwhelming the user.

This balance is crucial.

Total flexibility can often lead to chaos, especially for users unfamiliar with design principles. Squarespace’s decision to keep the design process somewhat anchored through grids and guides ensures that even beginners can create professional, clean layouts.

However, this controlled flexibility comes at a cost.

It has increased the time spent on mobile layout adjustments, requiring designers to optimize layouts for both desktop and mobile, a process that can be tedious even for the most experienced Squarespace Designer.

Additionally, the fluidity of the layout system means more time is spent fine-tuning the small details, which might not be necessary with more rigid platforms. As a trade-off, I’ll take this.

The Impact on SEO and Accessibility

This point is splitting hairs and not relevant for most of us, but it is worth noting if you are in a competitive online space.

Despite the flexibility, there were some unexpected challenges with SEO and accessibility. The order in which elements are placed in the Fluid Engine editor directly impacts how search engines and screen readers interpret the content. If you add images before text, for example, those images will appear first in the HTML code, potentially damaging your SEO efforts.

This requires careful planning, especially for non-technical users.

For those looking for the perfect Squarespace design assistant and template factory, why not explore our growing library of 300+ free section templates at Square Forge?

Head over to Squareforge.net to start designing with inspiration.

The Future of Fluid Engine and Squarespace

Two years in, Fluid Engine has solidified Squarespace’s place as a serious contender in the web design space. It’s no longer just a platform for simple, cookie-cutter sites. While not perfect, Fluid Engine offers a level of creativity that brings Squarespace up to par with more complex platforms.

Despite the learning curve and occasional headaches, the balance of control and flexibility suits both professional designers and DIY users. I’m glad I stuck with it, even when I considered leaving for platforms like Webflow or Wix.

Now, Squarespace offers the versatility I need, and I can confidently recommend it to clients who want a balance of customization and ease.

Takeaway Notes:

Fluid Engine's grid system offers more flexibility than the Classic Editor, allowing overlapping elements and full-bleed sections.
Mobile and desktop layouts can now be designed independently, a critical upgrade for responsive design.
The impact of Fluid Engine on SEO and accessibility requires careful planning when ordering elements in the editor.
Despite early frustrations, Fluid Engine has modernized Squarespace, providing a level of controlled flexibility well suited for creative professionals.

Wrap-up

Squarespace’s Fluid Engine may not be perfect, but it has significantly modernized the platform by blending creative freedom with structural controls.

It provides a solution for users who want the flexibility of platforms like Wix without sacrificing the simplicity and design appeal that makes Squarespace so popular.

For me, the platform's ongoing improvements have reaffirmed my decision to stay with Squarespace after the Fluid Engine was launched.

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