Galapagos Squarespace Template Analysis
Helpful notes on the distinctive features of the Galapagos template
Updated March 2018
Template Name: Galapagos
Galapagos was launched in 2013 when Squarespace was still on version 6 of the platform (we're on version 7 now). As such, it is one of the older templates still available for use with Squarespace today.
Why choose Galapagos?
Websites have changed a lot since 2012, especially when it comes to designing with mobiles and tablets in mind. Although the Galapagos template is fully responsive (meaning it flexes to work on all sizes of device), certain things have moved on, and the newer templates have been created with everything from huge HD screens and mobiles in mind from Day 1. This means Galapagos feels rather behind the times, both in terms of how it looks, and especially when it comes to the amount of elements you can control style-wise - Galapagos has one of the smallest number of design controls of any template. However, it's still a decent choice for e-commerce websites, especially if you don't have a lot of time (or desire) to tweak lots of elements design-wise.
Having said that, the newer Commerce-focused templates have more options in terms of displaying your products, so I'd really only recommend Galapagos these days if you want a mosaic grid for your products, a vertical banner image (the only template that offers this), you're happy with the positioning of elements and the way the demo site looks on all devices, and you want to quickly and easily slot your content into that framework.
Final tip: be sure to read my Squarespace Template Bible for further detail on what templates do and don't control - and how to avoid the single biggest mistake people make when choosing a Squarespace template.
| Strong Point / Best For… | Online shops that want an easy setup. |
| Design Notes | Full-bleed canvas, without header/footer visual separators. Minimal style controls. |
| Homepage | Standard. Demo uses Products. |
| Index Page | NO |
| Sidebars | 1 sidebar, blog only, shows on right. Choose on or off. |
| Header | Large logo/tagline space with smaller navigation area above. Thick top border line. Can apply pale tint to page to separate header visually, but can't choose color. |
| Header Images (Banners) | NONE |
| Main Navigation | Main horizontal nav at top, above header. Folder can show optional + sign indicator, and dropdown uses link color as dark background. |
| Fixed Navbar? | NO |
| Other Navigation | ONE: Secondary footer navbar below main fotter. Secondary nav inherits style of main nav. |
| Social Icons | Bottom right within footer. No style controls. |
| Footer | Standard with social icons and secondary nav. Has tinted background. Cannot control styling of footer. |
| Page Titles & Descriptions | NO |
| Gallery Design | Grid or slideshow, with adjustable style settings for each. |
| Gallery Display | Image descriptions can show as overlay. |
| Blog Notes | Full text of blog posts show in blog home. |
| Promoted Blocks? | NO |
| Products Notes | Auto-flowing tiled grid layout. Quickly scroll between products using large arrows at each side of the page, or navigate back to product home using breadcrumb. |
| Other Features / Notes | Custom styling for Newsletter Block. |
| Similar to… | Supply (discontinued) |
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