The Squarespace Developer Platform is an advanced tool that enables developers to extensively customize version 7.0 sites beyond standard customization options. This guide covers essential information about its features, limitations, and implications.

Target Users and Prerequisites

The platform is specifically designed for advanced developers with:

• Experience in creating custom websites
• Proficiency in HTML, LESS CSS, and JSON-T
• Knowledge of Github
• Advanced coding capabilities

Capabilities and Limitations

What you can do:

• Create custom templates from scratch (v7.0 only)
• Modify existing templates (v7.0 only)
• Access template markup, stylesheets, and design assets

What you cannot do:

• Create or modify v7.1 sites
• Access CMS content
• Add server-side custom code
• Modify default scripts and styles
• Customize blocks or cover pages

Effects of Developer Mode

When enabled:

• Demo content disappears
• Template switching is disabled
• Template updates notifications are suspended

When disabled:

• All Developer Platform customizations are removed
• Site reverts to default Squarespace settings
• Custom layouts and integrations cease functioning
• Navigation returns to original structure
• Custom blog post types revert to defaults
• Sidebar, header, and footer customizations disappear

Trial Period and Plan Considerations

During trial:

• Full access to Developer Mode
• No expiration date for trial sites
• Requires Business plan or higher for continued access

Plan changes:

• Downgrading to Personal plan restricts further modifications
• Existing customizations remain until billing cycle ends
• Upgrade to Business plan or higher needed for full access

Technical Considerations

Login issues:

• "Authentication Failed" errors may occur with two-factor authentication
• App password creation may be required
• Alternative: disable two-factor authentication or use email login

Support Limitations

Squarespace support:

• Assists with platform enablement
• Does not help with custom code troubleshooting
• Refers developers to community forums and documentation

Tools and Resources

• Squarespace Forum for peer support
• Developer documentation
• Custom code documentation

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