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Running a small business or creative studio is hard enough – hunting for the right free Squarespace template shouldn’t slow you down.
The good news is that all of Squarespace’s templates are polished, mobile-responsive, and can be easily customized to create a compelling online presence. But with 180+ free templates to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one has the features, style, and functionality that best fit your brand and goals.
I’ve done a deep dive into the Squarespace template library and will share 30 of my hand-picked favorites, along with their key features and the type of website they’re best for. I’ll also share customization tips on how you can use Squarespace AI tools to design your site or get your own bespoke template for free.
Quinn is a bold minimalist template for showcasing creative work. Hover over to see more
If you’re looking for a statement-making template for your photography portfolio, I’m a big fan of Quinn. It marries high-impact typography, vibrant color, and large visuals with a clutter-free layout and clear calls to action (CTAs) on every page. Slide-in and fade transitions enhance this photography template’s appeal as your site loads and visitors scroll.
Quinn presents each project with large visuals and succinct descriptions. It’s suited for photographers who blur the line between fine art and professional genres, working in multiple fields. An emphasis on visual storytelling also makes Quinn a good option for graphic designers, illustrators, magazines, and editorial sites.
Note: All the listed free Squarespace templates are available with a premium Squarespace plan. That said, you can still access them for testing without paying if you sign up for the 14-day trial.
A lightbox provides visitors with a close-up view of your work. Mouse over to see moreKeo is one of my favorite Squarespace templates for artists, with an expansive homepage gallery, project categories, and a clickable Lightbox slideshow. Keo also includes an About page for sharing your artistic vision, exhibition history, press coverage, representation, and contact information.
The Scrolling Text Block adds visual flair to the homepage and is useful for drawing visitors’ eyes to important information. That might be your upcoming exhibit, site-specific installation, or where you’ll be photographing. You can adjust the scroll speed, text size, or wave height in your Squarespace dashboard.
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Smooth navigation and a polished layout engage and convert visitorsSpotted is a full-featured template that includes a shop for selling your artwork online. Built-in e-commerce tools allow collectors to add mounting and framing services to their shopping carts, review detailed shipping and return policies, and view your client or exhibition history to boost credibility.
Inviting visuals and well-placed CTAs prompt visitors to explore your body of work and learn about soon-to-be-released pieces. The simple Newsletter Block is one of the best ways to gather leads and build a base of followers. Be sure to add a watermark to each image you put online – another useful Squarespace feature that can prevent unauthorized copying.
A distraction-free template for sharing your art through image and wordNevins is designed for photographers, artists, and illustrators who want to share their artistic process, inspirations, and insights into their work. Clicking any image in the homepage grid gallery – one of six customizable Squarespace layouts – opens a full-screen slideshow for a more immersive viewing experience.
But what really sets Nevins apart is the built-in blog. Full-screen images and subtle fade-in animations on individual blog posts create an engaging experience. On Nevins, each post becomes a standalone piece of art, which is ideal if you want to create an interactive, editorial-style portfolio.
Cimen favors video reels, short films, and big visuals
In contrast to most Squarespace free photography templates, Cimen opens with a homepage video, making it a good choice for videographers, cinematographers, and multimedia designers. While you can replace images with video in any template, it’s easier to start with one designed for multimedia, like Cimen or Mycelium – especially if video is central to your work.
Unlike other templates in this review, this slideshow has no arrows for a cleaner look. Another feature I like is that the Inquiry or contact page includes detailed descriptions of the services you provide – helpful in building trust and highlighting the value you deliver. These features can encourage users to reach out or book your services.
Clove is calming and informative, ideal for mental health professionals
If you’re a therapist, psychiatrist, or physician, you’ll appreciate Clove’s reassuring design and ample functionality. Valuable features include a comprehensive Services page to share your available therapies, treatments, and pricing. The Team page introduces your staff, their qualifications, and areas of specialization, fostering trust and a personal connection.
Since Squarespace Acuity Scheduling complies with HIPAA, clients can securely book appointments online. They can also submit a pre-configured form to verify if you accept their insurance. You can use the Blog page to share insights and mental health resources, enhancing engagement and SEO.
Oranssi puts your services, pricing, team info, and testimonials on a single page
Whatever type of service you provide, you’ll find Oranssi has the features you need to grow your business, increase brand awareness, and connect with clients. What’s more, Oranssi puts all the relevant information about your business on a single page, so potential clients can quickly grasp what you can do for them.
A scrolling slideshow serves as a visual teaser for your project to greet visitors when they land on your page. Just below, a gallery-style section with four content blocks describes your services, followed by your mission statement, team headshots, and a testimonial slideshow. Call-to-action buttons that link to your email are scattered throughout.
Almar comes with a blog, newsletter block, and integrated booking tools
Unlike Clove, Almar is all about expressing your personality and building rapport with visitors. Its style makes it a great template for wellness practices, life coaches, business mentors, and motivational speakers who want to create an effective online presence.
The homepage opens with a bold introductory section, strategically placed CTAs, and a Chat with me link. Further down the page, you’ll find service highlights, testimonials, and an invitation to schedule a free consultation to help drive conversions. These are winning features for brands seeking to market their expertise.
A gallery of client stories speaks volumes for the quality of your services
Laurie is designed for professionals who need portfolio features to showcase their work and tools to attract clients, like event planners, wedding photographers, or florists. Full-width visuals, image galleries, and fade-in animations enliven the homepage. It also includes key sections for your bio, service packages, client testimonials, and recent blog posts.
Prospective clients can submit inquiries by filling out the invitation-style form on the Contact page. They can also book a time to meet by clicking on the Free consultation link or the red button at the top of every page. A Scheduling Block integrates your site with Acuity Scheduling, improving the customer experience.
An all-in-one template for promoting professional photography servicesReseda is my top pick for professional photographers and other creatives who want to market their services. Stylistically, Reseda shares many similarities with Quinn – big header, asymmetric layout, and large visuals. But while both are built to capture the eye, there’s a key difference between the two.
Unlike Quinn, Reseda comes with comprehensive online scheduling tools. On the “Schedule a Shoot” page, clients can review your plans and pricing, check your availability, and book online. You can use the integrated Squarespace scheduling software to manage appointments, sync your calendar, and automate notifications and reminders.
Kusa’s large images and bold typography grab attentionKusa’s strong visual design makes it ideal for promoting online classes, webinars, or ticketed events. Built-in sections for class details, instructor bios, and pricing make it easy for students to understand your offerings and sign up.
The Contact page and Newsletter Block are built-in features designed to capture leads, facilitate communication, and build a dedicated community. Squarespace’s social media integration tools extend your reach. A testimonial section, client gallery, and demo course page help build trust and encourage visitors to enroll.
Rivoli’s layout and features are well-suited to travel, food, and lifestyle bloggers
Rivoli makes the most of Squarespace’s flexible blog layouts with a visually engaging split screen. Scrolling down, two grid galleries highlight recent blog posts from different categories, making Rivoli ideal for multi-topic bloggers. Another homepage feature I like is the section where you can introduce yourself and invite users to start a conversation.
Blogging tools let you tag, schedule, and organize posts by topic for easy searching, and users can leave comments through Squarespace or Disqus. You can use Squarespace photo editing tools to optimize images and add Audio or Video Blocks to posts. Rivoli is ideal for bloggers looking to monetize their content by offering premium services.
A Squarespace Collection statement-making template with plenty of personality
The aptly named Sketchbook has a freehand, quirky feel. Asymmetric layouts, collaged elements, experimental colors, and hand-drawn details are favored by content creators who want to differentiate their site from the competition. I’d recommend Sketchbook for cultural, fashion, music, and art writers and publications.
Sketchbook makes the most of Squarespace’s text highlighting tools to underline, circle, scribble, and add freehand icons, drawing attention to what’s important. The template also supports multiple contributors, making it great for collaborative blogs. The only downside is that you’ll need to use mobile optimization tools to ensure your site looks good on mobile devices.
Sundew has a straightforward grid layout for a smooth user experience
Of all the Squarespace templates I reviewed, Sundew takes first place for news-oriented podcasts that offer panel discussions and guest interviews. A dedicated podcast archive on the homepage highlights key interviews and offers previews of upcoming shows. Giving your visitors a taste of what you have to offer could entice them to subscribe.
With Squarespace, you can add up to 300 episodes to your podcast feed, ensuring your entire catalog is accessible. When you upload your Squarespace RSS feed to Apple Podcasts and Spotify, new episodes will automatically sync, keeping listeners up to date.
A magazine-style template with big headers and visuals that spark curiosityThe chic Merida immediately draws visitors in with thumbnail images and snappy descriptions that encourage browsing. Further down, a masonry gallery of your latest posts alternates with banner sections for featured content, further piquing interest.
Merida doesn’t have a header image or image pair like Rivoli, but if you like its edgy style, you can swap the gallery for a full-screen slideshow or video. What Merida does have is a visually rich layout best for blogs or digital publications covering the latest fashion, beauty, or design trends. It’s ideal for sites where high-quality media is as important as words.
Loam has it all – menu, reservations, blog, and e-commerce features
A tempting layout that displays your fresh ingredients, signature breads, pastries, and coffee creations makes Loam my favorite template for bakeries, cafes, and coffee shops. Loam also features a gallery-style menu and Squarespace e-commerce tools, allowing patrons to place online orders.
This template leaves nothing to chance when it comes to building your brand. There’s a Classes page with course descriptions, pricing, and instructor bios, as well as a separate booking page for scheduling. Offering online or in-person cooking classes is a savvy marketing tool that can attract new customers and help you build a loyal following.
Atlantic has a simple design that puts almost everything on the homepage
Atlantic is perfect for burger spots, food trucks, or casual eateries. With big imagery, playful typography, and a straightforward menu layout, this free Squarespace restaurant template appeals to food lovers.
Built-in online ordering allows customers to browse your menu, place takeout or delivery orders, and pay online via Squarespace Commerce, or Chow Now/Toast integration. While all Squarespace free templates are responsive, Atlantic’s layout is mobile-first – ideal for busy people placing last-minute orders or reservations on the go.
A full-screen image of a photogenic dish sets a classy tone for your restaurant
There’s much I like about Auburn. Let’s start with the tasteful full-screen banner image, chef introductions, and menu highlights all on the homepage. You’ll find other pages a restaurant website needs: menu, locations, and reservations (powered by Tock). Links to your social accounts in the upper right corner allow diners to access your latest reviews on sites like Facebook and Yelp.
The News page is where you can share your latest dishes, stories about your restaurant, and upcoming special events. I also appreciate the footer at the bottom of every page, which includes your location, hours, and contact information, allowing diners to easily find you or get in touch.
Chotto puts the focus on a chef’s unique story
If you want a Squarespace restaurant template designed to showcase your culinary expertise, Chotto is my go-to recommendation. There’s plenty of space for tantalizing visuals, starting with the sleek homepage that puts your food front and center. What sets Chotto apart is captivating storytelling.
At the core of the design is the Chef page, where a full-width slideshow immerses visitors in your dishes while sharing the story behind them. A disappearing navigation bar keeps the focus on your content, and built-in pages for the menu, reservations, and location make the browsing experience seamless.
Palmer serves up an expansive menu of high-quality visuals
Palmer shares some of the same elements and features as Auburn. It features a full-screen banner image, a built-in reservation system with Tock, and a social media bar in the top navigation menu. But Palmer is styled for a more boutique dining destination, with a sample of signature menu items further down the homepage.
The masonry grid homepage gallery is ideal for sharing photos of your signature dishes, chef’s highlights, and décor. Palmer also has a dedicated Press page where you can highlight positive reviews to build your reputation and create a buzz. Another smart feature is the integrated Google Map, allowing both locals and tourists to find you easily.
Reflect takes a bold approach to establishing a strong brand identity
High-energy brands that want to create a portfolio to match their style need look no further than Reflect. This template leverages the Fluid Engine editor’s advanced design capabilities – overlapping elements, animations, and scrolling effects draw the viewer’s attention. At the same time, gridded text sections and accordion galleries keep your work center stage.
Reflect is also big on functionality, with a Recognition page for awards, press, and a client list, as well as a Shop for selling your services or artwork. Designed in partnership with contemporary artist Jeff Koons, Reflect shares the playful aesthetics of his sculptures. To adapt Reflect to your portfolio, you can fine-tune the layout and galleries, add pages for case studies, and more.
Radian puts your work and creative process upfrontRadian ticks all the boxes for a visually stunning portfolio template, adept at showcasing your work and communicating what’s unique about your design approach. I love everything about this uncluttered template, starting with its homepage banner image, prominent message, and gallery slideshows that visitors can scroll through by dragging.
Nothing distracts from your work, not even a navigation menu. Instead, Radian moves visitors through clearly defined sections that link to detailed project case studies, each with a full-screen slideshow. Even the deep footer is a standout with a snapshot of top clients, your awards, locations, and links to your social accounts.
A sticky Book Consultation button helps drive conversion
From the moment visitors land on the homepage, Adri draws them in with a warm introduction, your headshot, and an inviting Work with Me CTA. The appealing layout balances text and images, allowing your personality to shine through. Stylized visuals with rounded corners give your site a warm, approachable feel and enhance the user-friendly experience.
Other built-in features that make Adri stand out are the homepage FAQ section (with a free consultation offer) and project blocks that guide visitors deeper into your work. A unique design element is how each project page closes with a client testimonial, underscoring the quality of your work.
A classic portfolio template that highlights what matters – your work
From the oversized images on the homepage portfolio to the corresponding category pages, Novo embraces a minimalist aesthetic that proves less is more. Straightforward navigation, a clean layout, and ample white space ensure prospective clients’ focus remains firmly fixed on your creative work.
As visitors scroll over images on Novo’s grid-overlay gallery, project titles pop up. Clicking on an image displays the corresponding project page, additional full-screen images, and explanatory text. Integrated links to your Dribble and Vimeo accounts encourage clients to view more examples of your work.
Note that Novo is a rare Squarespace 7.1 template that uses the Classic editor, but you can upgrade individual sections to Fluid Engine.
Agaro is a content-rich portfolio template with plenty of visual appeal
Agaro puts your value proposition upfront, so visitors immediately understand the benefit you offer. The unconventional layout, with its fluid image frames, scrolling banners, and clever text sections, is ideal for creative agencies looking to communicate a confident, trend-setting brand identity.
Like all Fluid Engine templates, customizing Agaro is dynamic, with precise control over every element. You can resize images, text, and shapes to create unique designs, layer elements for visual effects, and change the style of image frames. While the extensive text sections might seem challenging, Design Intelligence will pre-fill Agaro with copy tailored to your needs.
The elegant Anise’s subtle animations won’t overwhelm your products
Anise is ideal for high-end fashion, jewelry, and other luxury goods. Sleek product galleries, a neutral color palette, and ample white space treat your products like works of art while subtle animations enhance your pages as visitors scroll. Using the Animation Panel, you can adjust the speed or type of animation for individual content blocks or the entire site.
Squarespace e-commerce tools let you enrich your product descriptions with multiple views and video, giving shoppers a more in-person experience that encourages them to buy. Other useful brand-promoting features include a blog where you can highlight your craftsmanship and philosophy, a sizing chart, and shipping and return policies.
Mariana highlights your featured collection in bold, stylish galleries
For people who primarily shop on mobile devices, a one-page website has significant appeal. If that’s your target buyer, one of my favorite templates is Mariana, as it puts everything your online store needs on a single page: product galleries, an About section to share your brand’s story, newsletter sign-up, and social media integration.
You can further fine-tune the responsive Mariana template for mobile. Plus, you can use Squarespace’s email marketing and analytics tools to drive traffic to your website and provide insights that can help you improve your store’s performance.
Wesley personalizes the shopping experience with size and color options
The clean design and appealing product display make Wesley ideal for small businesses offering limited or niche products. The homepage greets shoppers with a message-focused header and a large image for your signature product. Below, a Gallery Block slideshow engages visitors and encourages them to explore your full catalog.
While I’m a fan of the Wesley store pages, another feature I like is how Wesley lets you share shoppers’ real-life experience with your product through testimonials and social media. Using customer-generated content is a cost-effective marketing tool that can boost sales and encourage visitors to make a purchase.
Lexington has a bold style and dedicated video page, ideal for new product launches
Lexington shares all the Squarespace features popular with online store owners: user-friendly navigation, attractive product pages, and impressive marketing tools. Here’s what makes this template special: Lexington features a video gallery on the homepage and a dedicated video page that illustrates how to use your products, a feature I’ve not seen before.
This is a personality-packed e-commerce template, with a maximalist style that presents your merchandise with flair. High-contrast typography, a scrolling wave-shaped banner, an integrated GIF, and fun hover-over effects demonstrate that Squarespace can do big and bold as well as minimalist designs. These features keep your site interesting and keep shoppers on your page.
Corrigan is a purpose-driven template that puts potential clients at ease
The well-organized Corrigan is clean, modern, and easy to navigate, precisely what people seeking legal or financial advice are looking for. Visitors can quickly find all the essential information about your business (practice areas, credentials, and contact information) by scrolling down the homepage.
Sticking to a minimal color palette can enhance your website’s corporate appeal. You can also add privacy and cookie policies to build trust. Plus, if you’re looking to hire new talent, simply create a “Careers” page in your dashboard and add a link in the menu.
Didn’t Find What You Were Looking For? Check Out These Templates from Our Favorite Site Builders
If you’re still looking for the best free template for your website, check out these stunning examples from Wix, SITE123, and IONOS. Like Squarespace, each of these builders gives you the design freedom and tools you need to build your website without ever having to touch a line of code.
Showcase a diverse body of creative work using the Wix Video app and Player
The Wix Videographer template is a standout choice for promoting work in film, photography, design, or any creative field. Its strength lies in Wix Video, which lets you organize video content into multiple channels and display it in six layouts, including grid, compact, and slider. You can also add extra media storage to any plan for a small fee.
Videographer opens with a full-screen video banner that doubles as a gallery. Each channel is featured in a homepage strip, providing visitors with a quick glimpse of your portfolio. A built-in bio page, downloadable CV, and Wix Form help you grow your audience and mailing list.
Garden Gurus puts essential information about your business within easy reach
Garden Gurus packs what a small business needs on one fast-loading page. A focal image and bold header highlight your message, while an expansive portfolio gallery offers visual proof of the benefits you offer. This template doesn’t overload visitors with effects, relying instead on subtle microanimations and dynamic scrolling to enhance the user experience.
If you want to promote a limited-time offer or seasonal service special, SITE123’s marketing features include a free landing page builder with built-in tools for optimizing conversions. You can even start with an on-brand landing page template for Garden Gurus – a feature I love.
Potential clients can easily explore services, learn about your team, and get in touch
The IONOS MyWebsite Carpentry template is designed for smaller businesses offering specialty services, such as woodworking, custom paint finishes, or leatherworking. Strong imagery and simple navigation help showcase your expertise. Mobile optimization, SEO tools, and clear calls-to-action help you turn your site visitors into customers.
A built-in contact form, masonry grid project gallery, and testimonial section promote your skills and experience. Thanks to IONOS’ drag-and-drop editing, pre-designed layouts, and AI tools, getting your site online is fast and easy. Carpentry comes with other helpful tools, such as competitor tracking, so you can see how your business stacks up against rivals.
How To Choose the Best Free Squarespace Template
The right Squarespace template can make designing your website a painless process. To find that perfect match, start by focusing on your goals and style preferences. Then choose a template that supports them. You’ll want to consider layout, features, functionality, and how easily you can make it your own. It’s best to start simple, test, and build from there.
The good news is you’re not entirely on your own. Squarespace AI is always at your fingertips, ready to suggest design elements, draft website content, and generate images appropriate for your brand.
FAQ
Are all Squarespace templates free?
Yes, every Squarespace template is free to use during your free trial period. You can try out multiple templates and build a free website before you commit to a paid plan. With 180+ free website templates, it’s easy to find one with the design, features, and style that fits your needs. Design Intelligence AI tools and the Blueprint AI builder are also included.
Which free Squarespace templates are best for photographers and portfolios?
This depends on the style, features, and functionality you’re looking for. Nevins has a clean gallery layout, perfect for showcasing photographs, while the Radian portfolio template’s large, borderless images put your work front and center. Quinn and Reseda share a bold style and multiple project pages, great for photographers who work in multiple creative niches.
Can you create a custom Squarespace template for free?
Yes, you can create your own free custom Squarespace template with Blueprint, the Squarespace AI builder. You start by answering questions about your goals, industry, and brand personality. Then Blueprint accesses billions of possible options to recommend the sections, pages, and styling that match your vision and purpose.
What is the difference between Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1 templates?
All the templates in this review are from Squarespace 7.1 – the current default engine, which features updated tools like the Fluid Engine editor. Unlike 7.0 templates, which were grouped into “families” with varying features, all 7.1 templates share the same core functionality. If you built a site using 7.0, you can upgrade to 7.1 to take advantage of the latest platform updates.
Is Squarespace the best website builder?
Squarespace is one of the best website builders for design and ease of use, especially when visuals matter. While Squarespace is known for photography and portfolio websites, its striking templates and premium tools can help you craft a memorable site for any industry or goal – restaurant, local businesses, e-commerce, podcast/blog, and more.
How do you customize a free Squarespace template?
You use Squarespace’s Fluid Engine drag-and-drop editor to change fonts, colors, spacing, and section structures without coding. Enhanced flexibility and precise control allow you to resize elements, add or move them on your pages, overlap text and visual elements, and customize animations. Fluid Engine even makes design recommendations based on your changes.
Our step-by-step guide to building a Squarespace website can help you bring your vision to life.
Dawn specializes in writing about a range of software products, including website builders, backup services, credit card processing solutions, and project management platforms. She has 10+ year’s experience as a technical writer and has written a number of articles for CEOs and senior executives at client companies that have appeared under their bylines. When she’s not researching and testing digital services, she brainstorms with educators to ensure all students have access to enriching learning opportunities.
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