How to Add a Lightbox to Images and Galleries in Squarespace

Want to add some flair to your images or galleries? A lightbox effect is a simple yet impactful way to enhance the user experience on your website. By making your images clickable, visitors can view them in full-screen mode without distractions. This feature works for both individual images and galleries, and in this tutorial, I’ll walk you through exactly how to set it up.

Watch the video

Check out the YouTube video below. 👇🏼

What Is a Lightbox?

A lightbox allows an image to open in a full-screen popup when clicked, often with a darkened background to draw focus to the image. It’s perfect for:

• Photographers and artists showcasing their portfolios.

• E-commerce sites highlighting product details.

• Businesses wanting to keep their site visually engaging.

Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process.

How to Add a Lightbox to an Image Block

Step 1: Add an Image Block

1. Enter Edit Mode on the page where you want to add the lightbox effect.

2. Click on the image block you want to edit and select the pencil icon to open the settings.

Step 2: Enable the Lightbox

1. Go to the Design tab in the image settings.

2. Scroll down to the Lightbox Toggle and turn it on.

3. Choose between a Dark Overlay or a Light Overlay:

   • Use a dark overlay for light-colored backgrounds.

   • Use a light overlay for darker backgrounds.

Step 3: Preview Your Lightbox

1. Save your changes and exit Edit Mode.

2. Go to Full-Screen Preview and hover over the image. You’ll notice the cursor changes to a hand, signaling the image is clickable.

3. Click the image to see it pop up in full-screen mode with the overlay applied. Visitors can exit the lightbox using the “X” in the top-right corner.

How to Add a Lightbox to a Gallery

If you want multiple images in a gallery to open in a lightbox, follow these steps:

Step 1: Add a Gallery Block

1. In Edit Mode, add a new section and select Gallery Block from the options.

2. Choose the gallery layout. Lightbox functionality is only available in the Grid layout, so select that.

Step 2: Enable the Lightbox

1. Open the gallery settings by clicking the pencil icon.

2. Go to the Design tab and toggle on the Lightbox option.

3. Just like with the image block, select either a dark or light overlay for the popup background.

Step 3: Customize Captions

• Add captions to individual images if desired. These will appear at the bottom of the lightbox view.

• If you’d prefer no captions, you can disable them in the gallery settings.

Step 4: Test Your Lightbox

1. Save your changes and preview the gallery in full-screen mode.

2. Hover over the gallery images to see the clickable hand icon.

3. Click an image to view it in the lightbox and scroll through the gallery using the navigation arrows.

Pro Tips for Lightbox Design

• Choose the Right Overlay: Make sure the overlay contrasts with your site’s background for the best visual effect.

• Use Captions Wisely: Add captions if the images require context, but keep them short and to the point.

• Test on Mobile: Ensure the lightbox functions smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices.

Wrapping Up

Adding a lightbox to your Squarespace images and galleries is an easy way to elevate your site’s design and functionality. Whether you’re showcasing products, portfolios, or event photos, this feature enhances how visitors interact with your content.

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Your Designer

I'm Bryan, a Squarespace web designer and founder of Abound Web Design. I have worked with all types of businesses and organizations from preschools to publishing companies to chiropractic clinics and everything in between. If you want to discuss a potential project, you can email me at bryan@aboundwebdesign or get in touch with me here. Alternatively, you can book in a free 15-minute consultation call here.