How to Add Effects and Animations to Text on Squarespace
About this Squarespace video tutorial
If your Squarespace website feels plain and you want to add some dynamic elements, text effects can help your design stand out.
In this tutorial, I’ll cover:
How to change text colors for emphasis
Using text highlights and background effects
Scaling text sizes without changing global styles
Adding animations to text
Best practices to keep your design professional
Timestamps
0:34 - Intro to text styling
1:59 - Highlight feature
3:06 - Text scaling/alignment
5:58 - Text backgrounds
6:49 - Pinning text
7:29 - Animations on text
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1. Change Text Colors for Emphasis
One of the simplest ways to make text stand out is by changing the color of specific words or phrases. This works well for:
Highlighting a brand name or important keyword
Drawing attention to a key call-to-action
How to change text color in Squarespace:
Select the text you want to highlight.
Click the "A" color icon in the text editor.
Choose a new color from your brand palette.
It’s best to use color highlights strategically to maintain a clean and readable design.
2. Use Text Highlight Effects
Squarespace offers built-in text highlight effects that add underlines, circles, or background swipes.
How to apply text highlights:
Select your text and click the "A" with squiggly lines icon.
Choose from options like:
Underline (squiggly or straight)
Circle around the text
Background swipe effect
Adjust the highlight color to match your brand.
This effect works well for key phrases or sections you want to emphasize, and it can be combined with subtle animations.
3. Scale Text Sizes Without Changing Global Styles
If you want certain text to be larger or smaller than your global settings allow, text scaling is a useful feature.
How to scale text in Squarespace:
Select the text block.
Click the "A" with two brackets icon.
Adjust the width of the text block—the text will automatically resize.
This is particularly useful for:
Making a specific message stand out
Using an H1 header for SEO without it visually overpowering the page
For smaller text, reduce the text block size while keeping it readable.
4. Add a Background to a Text Block
Instead of adding a separate shape block, you can apply a background directly to a text block for a cleaner design.
How to add a text block background:
Click the text block and select the paintbrush icon.
Choose a background color.
Adjust the padding and corner radius for a custom look.
This method is useful for call-to-actions, testimonials, or pricing highlights.
5. Pin Text to Stay on Screen While Scrolling
If you want a text block to remain visible while scrolling, you can use the "pin" feature.
How to pin text in Squarespace:
Click the text block and select the pin icon.
Choose "Pin to Top" or another option.
Resize the section to ensure the pinned text looks balanced.
Pinned text can be useful for keeping a key message in view while a visitor scrolls.
6. Add Site-Wide Text Animations
Squarespace allows you to apply text animations across your site for dynamic movement as users scroll.
How to animate text in Squarespace:
Go to Site Styles (paintbrush icon in the top-right).
Scroll down to Miscellaneous > Animations.
Choose an effect:
Fade – Smooth transition
Scale – Enlarges text as it appears
Slide – Moves text into place
Clip – Reveals text with a sharp transition
Flex – Adds a stretchy animation
While animations can add visual interest, they should be used in moderation to avoid overwhelming visitors or slowing down the site.
Final Tip: Keep It Simple
While text effects can enhance your site’s design, too many at once can make the page look cluttered.
Use color highlights only for key words or phrases
Stick to one or two highlight styles per page
Choose subtle animations instead of excessive movement
For more ways to enhance your Squarespace design, check out my tutorial on gradient backgrounds—a great way to add modern styling without distractions.
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