From 2d35768db95bcddac2b637a93714d266c813aed4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Lee Cattarin Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:06:40 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] preliminary squarespace findings --- ...26-08-05-visual-site-builders-accessibility.md | 15 +++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 15 insertions(+) diff --git a/src/posts/2026/2026-08-05-visual-site-builders-accessibility.md b/src/posts/2026/2026-08-05-visual-site-builders-accessibility.md index a459e9b0..dc4d5f4e 100644 --- a/src/posts/2026/2026-08-05-visual-site-builders-accessibility.md +++ b/src/posts/2026/2026-08-05-visual-site-builders-accessibility.md @@ -127,6 +127,20 @@ Want to just see the final ranking? Pop down to the [summary](#summary). | Other | n/a | 2 | | | | **10** | +## Squarespace + +[Squarespace](https://www.squarespace.com/) is a visual site builder that starts you off with premade templates. It's somewhat block-based and limited in full customizability. + +| Factor | Notes | Score | +|---|---|---| +| Semantic HTML | Template tested uses somewhat reasonable semantic HTML. Choice of what is considered a heading is a bit curious | 2 | +| Keyboard navigation | Template tested has custom tab focus styling. Cannot be further edited, but custom that fits the theme is pretty standout. Skip link included in at least some templates. | 3 | +| Reading order | Imperfect and can't be edited by user. Block-based layout is a little too freeform to ensure proper reading order, so the user should be careful where they add things. Early testing indicates that reading order is determined by the *first* place a block is placed, and is never re-assessed by the builder. | 1 | +| Text alternatives | Supported. | 3 | +| Color | Dark mode requires custom code or a plugin and seems *extremely* painful to accomplish. | 1 | +| Other | This isn't an accessibility consideration, but *christ* is Squarespace a pain to work with. | 1 | +| | | **11** | + ## Startup [Startup](https://designmodo.com/startup/) is a block-based builder with pre-defined components and less freedom than some others on this list. @@ -226,6 +240,7 @@ Overall, I explored 11 builders, couldn't test 1 due to OS restrictions, and hav | Framer* | 13 | | Startup | 13 | | Blocs** | 12 | +| Squarespace* | 11 | | Univer.se | 11 | | Cowsites | 10 | | Showit | 10 |