Add Stock Backgrounds on Squarespace

Squarespace is seriously on fire lately, rolling out a steady stream of useful updates. Some are big, some are small, but they all add up to make site building smoother than ever.

One of the latest (and most underrated) additions is the introduction of stock background images. This isn’t just another Unsplash integration, it’s a curated library of purpose-built background images, patterns, and gradients, specifically designed to elevate your Squarespace site design.

If you’re building websites for clients or just sprucing up your own, this small feature might quickly become one of your secret weapons.

Watch the video

Check out the YouTube video below 👇

What Are Stock Backgrounds in Squarespace?

Previously, Squarespace users could add background images by:

• Uploading their own

• Selecting from their site library

• Browsing Unsplash for royalty-free imagery

But now, there’s a fourth (and powerful) option, Browse Backgrounds.

This option gives you direct access to:

• Background images (many AI-generated)

• Subtle patterns

• Beautiful gradients

Each one is optimized to work well as a background, meaning they’re designed with overlays, contrast, and layout in mind.

How to Use Stock Backgrounds on Your Squarespace Site

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to try it out:

1. Log in to Squarespace and open the page you want to edit.

2. Add a new section (or edit an existing one).

3. Click on “Edit Section” and navigate to the Background tab.

4. Click Add Image and instead of selecting "Upload" or "Browse Stock Imagery", click on “Browse Backgrounds.”

5. Choose from Images, Patterns, or Gradients - it’s a beautifully curated selection.

6. After selecting your background, you can adjust the overlay opacity depending on whether you’ll place text or elements on top.

Pro tip: If you’re using text on top, keep the overlay dark or muted so your content stands out.

---

📩 Join the inner circle to get exclusive code updates

---

Why This Feature Is a Game-Changer

Even though it’s a relatively small update, it packs a punch:

• Fast & Easy: No need to search for and upload your own backgrounds.

• Designer-Level Aesthetics: These backgrounds look professional and modern, especially the AI-generated ones.

• Versatile Use: Perfect for headers, section dividers, call-to-actions, or full-page visuals.

I’ve already used several of these backgrounds on client sites, including abstract shadows and subtle gradients, and they’ve been a hit.

Final Thoughts

This might just be one of the most underrated Squarespace features in a long time. It’s simple, it’s stylish, and it saves you time without sacrificing quality.

If you're designing a Squarespace site, whether for yourself or a client, give the stock backgrounds a try. You might be surprised at how much polish they add with just a few clicks.

---

Your designer

I'm Sam, an award-winning Squarespace web designer. I have worked with every type of business, building platforms for solo entrepreneurs through to multi-million dollar corporations. If you want to discuss a potential project, you can email on sam@bycrawford.com or get in touch with me here. Alternatively, you can book in a free 15-minute consultation call here.

---

Want more?