What the Custom Code in the Genuine Template Actually Does (Without the Tech Overwhelm)

If you’re new to Squarespace or web design in general, hearing the phrase custom code can feel intimidating. It often sounds like something complicated, risky, or only meant for developers.

The custom code in the Genuine Template: Mega Edition is none of those things.

It exists for one simple reason: to solve design limitations in Squarespace and create a site that feels intentional, cohesive, and custom without extra work from you.

You don’t need to understand code to use this template. You don’t need to manage it. You don’t need to touch it. The code works quietly in the background while you build your site the normal Squarespace way.

Here’s what it actually changes and why it matters.

Why Custom Code Is Needed in Squarespace

Squarespace is a drag-and-drop platform, which makes it incredibly accessible. But because it’s built to work for everyone, certain design elements are locked or limited.

Some examples:

• Auto Layout sections (also called List Sections) don’t allow for custom subheadings in the title section

• Buttons and links don’t always match across the site

• Navigation menus are very basic by default

• Inset sections change background colors depending on the theme

• Many blocks look disconnected without manual adjustments

The Genuine Template uses custom code to fix these issues once, so you don’t have to keep working around them on every site you build.

The Biggest Standout Feature: Global Rounded Corners

This is the feature that truly sets the Genuine Template apart!

Squarespace does not natively allow you to control rounded corners across an entire site. To do that, custom code is required. The Genuine Template: Mega Edition is the only template on the market that allows you to adjust the roundness of most site elements by changing a single value.

When you update that number, it automatically adjusts the corner radius of things like buttons, cards, sections, menus, pop-ups, lists, and interface elements across the site.

This makes it incredibly easy to adapt the template for different brands, whether they need something soft and welcoming or more structured and modern.

The only elements adjusted manually are image blocks and shape blocks, which are edited directly in their block settings. Everything else is handled for you.

And if a brand doesn’t want rounded corners at all? You can remove them site-wide in about two seconds with one simple change.

A Custom Header 4 Accent Font, Built Into the System

Another defining feature of the Genuine Template is the custom Header 4 font, which acts as a signature accent style throughout the site. This Header 4 is unique to the template. It’s designed to:

• Automatically use your Primary Accent color

• You can control the letter spacing

• You can set the capitalization through a simple setting

This means you’re not styling accent text manually every time. Once it’s set, it works consistently everywhere.

Making Subheadings Possible Where Squarespace Doesn’t Allow Them

In Squarespace, the Auto Layout sections (also called List Sections) don’t allow subheadings or text styling in the title. You typically get one format and that’s it. The Genuine Template removes that limitation.

Inside Auto Layout sections:

• Underlined text becomes the custom Header 4 accent font

• Bold text becomes the Header 2 font and size

• All remaining text stays as body text

This gives you real structure inside sections like Carousels, Banners, and Simple Lists, without adding extra blocks or custom layouts. The goal here isn’t to give you more design choices, it’s to give you the right ones, automatically.

Buttons That Stay Consistent Everywhere

Squarespace includes buttons and links in many different places, and by default, they don’t all match.

To fix that, the Genuine Template reuses the tertiary button style intentionally across the site. This keeps things visually consistent and removes guesswork. The tertiary button style is applied to:

• Summary Block links

• Auto Layout item buttons

• Blog and Summary “Read More” links

Everything feels intentional, without you having to restyle anything manually.

Thoughtful Custom Styling for Common Squarespace Blocks

Many built-in Squarespace blocks are subtly refined so they feel cohesive instead of disconnected. These aren’t dramatic changes, they’re intentional ones.

Here’s a quick overview of what’s adjusted:

• Horizontal Line Block — Styled using the Secondary Accent color for a soft, subtle divider

• Newsletter Block — Clean padding with lighter disclaimer text for a minimal look

• Summary Blocks — Primary Accent color used for product prices, consistent “Read More” styling

• Gallery Blocks — Improved spacing and smoother visual flow

• Accordion Blocks — Softer backgrounds and custom look

• Archive & Menu Blocks — Balanced layouts with clear active states

• Digital Product Blocks — Simplified button placement

• OpenTable Block — Reservation button matches the Primary Button style

• Spaced Galleries — to ensure a clean, organized layout

These changes exist so you don’t have to second-guess whether a block “fits” the design.

Inset Sections That Always Feel Calm and Consistent

Inset sections in Squarespace normally change background color depending on the theme. In the Genuine Template, inset sections are always tied to the site background color, which should be the closest color to white.

This creates consistent background behavior and more white space for a calmer, more breathable layout. You still choose between Full-Bleed and Inset sections, but inset sections now behave predictably and support the Genuine aesthetic.

Hosted, Maintained, and Fully Transparent

All of the custom code for the Genuine Template is hosted separate from Squarespace and maintained by Whale Made Sites. If Squarespace releases updates that require changes, those updates are handled for you automatically.

You never have to troubleshoot or maintain anything.

That said, I’m an open book. If you want or need to view the custom code, you can do so here:
https://www.whalemadesites.com/genuine-custom-code

You’re also free to add your own custom CSS or JavaScript to your site at any time. This template is designed to work with you, not against you.

The Takeaway

The custom code in the Genuine Template: Mega Edition isn’t about control or complexity. It’s about removing friction, eliminating busywork, and helping you launch faster.

The system handles the details so you don’t have to. That’s what makes this template feel custom, not generic.