How to edit & replace images
Step-by-step instructions for swapping out images, adjusting focal points, and adding alt text in Squarespace.
Images make a strong first impression on your website. In Squarespace, replacing an image takes less than a minute. This guide shows you how to swap images, adjust how they display, and add descriptive text for accessibility.
Quick summary
Click on any image in the editor to select it. Use the image settings to replace it with a new photo, adjust cropping, and add alt text. Always click Save when you're done.
What you'll need
Beginner 5 minutes- A page open in the editor (see How to edit a page)
- Your replacement image ready — ideally a JPG or PNG at least 1500 pixels wide
How to replace an image
Open the page editor and navigate to the image you want to replace.
Click on the image to select it. Options appear around the image.
Click the pencil / Edit icon that appears in the image toolbar.
In the image settings panel, find the image source area and click to change the image. You'll see options to upload from your computer or select from Squarespace's built-in image library (Unsplash).
Choose your new image. If uploading from your computer, click Upload and select the file.
Click Apply or Save to confirm the change.
Adjusting the focal point
When an image is used as a background for a section, Squarespace automatically crops it to fit different screen sizes. You can set a focal point — the part of the image that should always be visible.
Select the section with the background image.
Click the section edit options and look for the background image settings.
Find the focal point control — it looks like a crosshair on the image.
Drag the focal point to the most important part of the image (for example, a person's face).
Save your changes.
Adding alt text
Alt text is a short written description of what an image shows. It helps visually impaired visitors who use screen readers, and it helps search engines understand your images.
Click on the image to select it.
Open the image settings (pencil / edit icon).
Find the Alt Text field. Type a clear, brief description of the image. For example: "Interior of our Auckland studio with natural light and wood furniture."
Save your changes.
Good alt text
Write alt text as if you're describing the image to someone on the phone. Be specific. "Man smiling" is weak — "Small business owner at a desk looking at a laptop, smiling" is better. Decorative-only images can have empty alt text.
Image file tips
| ✅ Do | ❌ Avoid |
|---|---|
| Use JPG for photos | Using PNG for photos (large file size) |
| Use PNG for logos with transparent backgrounds | Using very large files (over 5 MB) |
| Resize images before uploading | Uploading phone photos straight from camera without resizing |
| Use descriptive file names | Naming files "IMG_4923.jpg" |
Common questions
Related guides
Need a hand?
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