Item: Squarespace Terms of Service
Rating: 45
Author: Terms.Law Editorial Team

⚠ Key Concerns

Squarespace offers XML export for blog posts and pages, which is better than Wix. However, your site's design, templates, and styling cannot be exported. Domain transfers have restrictions, and automatic renewal catches many users off guard with price increases.

Score Breakdown by Category

How Squarespace's terms rate across my evaluation categories.

📦 Data Portability (30%) 40/100

Why this score: Squarespace provides XML export for content including blog posts, pages, and gallery images. This works well for migrating to WordPress. However, design, styling, and template customizations cannot be exported - you'll rebuild the look from scratch.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 60/100 (code export) | Wix: 25/100 (no export) | Carrd: 35/100 (limited) | Category avg: 40/100

🌐 Domain & Hosting Control (25%) 45/100

Why this score: Squarespace domains can be transferred but have 60-day lock periods after registration or transfer-in. The process is documented but requires multiple steps. Third-party domains work well with Squarespace.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 50/100 (easier transfers) | Wix: 35/100 (problematic) | Carrd: 55/100 (BYO domain) | Category avg: 46/100

💰 Pricing Transparency (20%) 50/100

Why this score: Squarespace pricing is clearer than competitors, with fewer hidden fees. However, annual plans auto-renew and promotional pricing isn't available at renewal. The tier differences (Personal, Business, Commerce) can be confusing.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 45/100 (complex tiers) | Wix: 38/100 (misleading promos) | Carrd: 70/100 (simple) | Category avg: 51/100

🔒 Content Ownership (15%) 50/100

Why this score: You retain ownership of content you create. Squarespace templates remain their property. The platform grants itself a broad license to use your content for promotional purposes, though this is opt-out in some cases.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 55/100 | Wix: 50/100 | Carrd: 55/100 | Category avg: 53/100

👁 Account & Termination (10%) 48/100

Why this score: Squarespace can terminate accounts for ToS violations. They provide reasonable notice in most cases. Data export is available before termination in non-abuse cases.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 50/100 | Wix: 45/100 | Carrd: 50/100 | Category avg: 48/100

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

These provisions in Squarespace's terms create the most risk for users.

Design/Styling Not Portable

High Risk

While Squarespace allows content export, your site's visual design cannot be transferred. Templates, CSS customizations, and layout configurations stay on the platform.

"Squarespace templates and design elements are proprietary and licensed only for use within the Squarespace platform." Squarespace Terms of Service

Domain Transfer Restrictions

High Risk

Domains registered through Squarespace have a 60-day lock period. The transfer process requires unlocking, obtaining auth codes, and can take 5-7 days to complete.

"Domain transfers are subject to ICANN policies including a 60-day transfer lock... transfers may take up to 7 business days." Squarespace Domain Terms

Automatic Renewal and Price Increases

High Risk

All plans auto-renew at the then-current price, which may be higher than your original promotional rate. Cancellation must occur before the renewal date.

"Your subscription will automatically renew... at the then-current price for your plan." Squarespace Billing Terms

Content License Grant

High Risk

Squarespace requires a broad license to your content for platform operation and promotion. While you own your content, they can use it in marketing materials.

"You grant Squarespace a worldwide, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, and display your content in connection with the Services and promotion thereof." Squarespace Terms of Service

SEO Data Loss on Migration

Medium Risk

URL structures in Squarespace follow their format. Migrating to another platform may break existing URLs and lose accumulated search ranking value.

"URL formats are determined by site structure and cannot be fully customized on all plans." Squarespace URL Settings

E-commerce Data Portability

Medium Risk

Commerce features like customer data, order history, and inventory can be exported as CSV, but integrations with payment processors and shipping services must be reconfigured.

"Product and order data can be exported... third-party integrations are not transferable." Squarespace Commerce Export

Analysis

"Squarespace represents a middle ground in the website builder space. Unlike Wix, they do provide meaningful content export through XML, which makes migration to platforms like WordPress feasible. However, 'feasible' doesn't mean 'easy.'

The core issue remains: your site's visual identity - the templates, customizations, and design work - stays with Squarespace. If you've invested significant time perfecting your site's look, that investment is locked to the platform.

My recommendation: Squarespace is a reasonable choice for content-focused sites where the writing matters more than complex design. For businesses where branding and visual identity are crucial, consider whether you can accept rebuilding the design if you ever need to migrate. Always use a domain you registered elsewhere to maintain maximum control."

Squarespace Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Squarespace Issues?

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

Design/Styling Not Portable

Domain Transfer Restrictions

Automatic Renewal and Price Increases

Content License Grant

SEO Data Loss on Migration

E-commerce Data Portability

Analysis

Need Help With Squarespace?

Schedule a Consultation

Squarespace Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Squarespace Issues?

Related Resources

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

Design/Styling Not Portable

Domain Transfer Restrictions

Automatic Renewal and Price Increases

Content License Grant

SEO Data Loss on Migration

E-commerce Data Portability

Analysis

Need Help With Squarespace?

Schedule a Consultation