Squarespace Fluid Engine: 7 Tips for Advanced Layouts
When Squarespace launched Fluid Engine, it felt a bit like being handed a box of Lego after years of playing with wooden blocks. Suddenly, we had the freedom to put things wherever we wanted. But as anyone who has accidentally overlapped a text box over a face knows, with great power comes the very real possibility of making a mess of your websites.
At Jungl Studio, we’ve spent a lot of time "breaking" the grid to see what this editor can actually do. If you’re just dragging and dropping without a plan, you’re missing out on the features that make a site feel truly custom. Here are a few pro-level moves we use to elevate our projects.
1. Master the "G" Key
If you aren't hitting 'G' on your keyboard while you design, you’re flying blind. This toggle shows the actual grid overlay. In 2026, precision is everything. Use the grid to ensure your margins are consistent across sections, otherwise, your "organic" look will just look like an accident.
2. Layering is the Secret Sauce
Fluid Engine allows for true layering. You can place a text block over a shape, or a transparent PNG over a background image. This creates a sense of depth that was nearly impossible in the old 7.0 days. It’s a foundational part of our branding philosophy: layers add layers of interest.
3. Don't Ignore the Mobile Grid
This is where most DIY-ers fail. Squarespace allows you to edit the mobile layout independently of the desktop one. You can completely rearrange the order of blocks so the experience feels native to a phone. If you haven't checked your mobile view in the last ten minutes, go do it now—your SEO depends on it.
4. Use Shape Blocks as Dividers
Forget the standard horizontal line. We love using shape blocks to create "blobs" that peak out from behind sections. It breaks up the "stacking" feel of a website and makes the whole page feel like one continuous, fluid experience. This is a core part of our high-end services.
5. Full-Bleed Everything (Almost)
Fluid Engine makes it easy to stretch images to the very edge of the browser. Use this for your hero shots or high-impact photography. It removes the "boxed-in" feel and makes the screen feel much larger than it actually is.
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Yes, because it offers a drag-and-drop grid system that allows for overlapping elements and independent mobile styling, which wasn't possible before.
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In Fluid Engine, you must click the mobile icon and manually rearrange your blocks. Changes to the position on mobile won't affect your desktop layout.
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You can, but it’s like using a flip phone in 2026. Fluid Engine is the future of Squarespace SEO and design flexibility.