6 Simple Text Hover Effects For Squarespace

Creating an engaging and visually appealing website involves more than just great content and images. Adding interactive elements like text hover effects can significantly enhance user experience on your Squarespace website, because it offers movement on an otherwise static website, and draws your users' attention when they hover over something clickable.

This blog will demonstrate how to implement six simple text hover effects using CSS to make your text elements interactive and stylish.

The Hover Effects You Will See In This List

• Color Change

• Shadow Effect

• Scale Up

• Letter Spacing

• Gradient

• Bounce

Text Hover Effect #1: Color Change

One of the most straightforward hover effects you can apply is changing the text color when the mouse pointer hovers over it. This effect can help highlight important links or headings.

How You Can Customize It For Your Website:

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: The parts of the code written in bold yellow are the parts you will need to change in order for this code to work on your Squarespace website.

Step One: Access Custom CSS

Go to the Custom CSS section of your Squarespace site. As of December 2024, you can navigate to this section by following these steps:

• Website > Pages > Website Tools > Custom CSS.

Step Two: Identify the Text Block

If you want to target and customize a specific text block, then you will need the ID for that that block. These are incredibly easy to find using tools like the Will Meyers' Squarespace ID Finder Chrome Extension.

This tool will allow you to find the block ID of every block, section, and page of your Squarespace website with just a single click. And it’s free!

Here is an example of what a block ID will look like:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084

Step Three: Specify Which Text to Customize

Decide which text element (like a heading) you want to apply the hover effect to. For this example, we targeted the largest headings, so we are going to use the selector h1.

If you want to target a different type of text for your code, switch the h1 in the code below for a different selector. You will find a list of Squarespace text selectors here.

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1

Step Four: Set Up the CSS Structure

Set up the basic structure for the CSS code with curly brackets:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

}

Step Five: Define the Transition Behavior

Within the curly brackets, we told Squarespace how the text should transition when hovered over. Below, you will see that we told it that the color will change smoothly over 0.3 seconds.

In our opinion, 0.3 seconds is a great time for the transition, since it is not too fast as to appear jarring, but not too slow as to appear delayed. Therefore, we recommend keeping the transition behavior exactly as it is below — but you are free to test out different times if you like!

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: color 0.3s ease;

}

Step Six: Customize the Hover Effect

Now we want to add what happens when the mouse hovers over the text. So, below the code you already wrote, add your block ID again, along with :hover right after it, and the curly brackets. Then, after the structure for your hover effect is set up, you want to specify the what color you want the text to change into on hover.

You will do that by finding the hex code of the color you want, and replacing the bold yellow text in the code below:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: color 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

color: #ffd300 !important;

}

All Together, Your Color Change Code Should Look Similar To This

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: color 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

color: #ffd300 !important;

}

Text Hover Effect #2: Shadow Effect

Adding a drop shadow to text can make it pop on your page, creating a sense of depth. This effect is particularly useful for titles or featured phrases.

How You Can Customize It For Your Website:

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: The parts of the code written in bold yellow are the parts you will need to change in order for this code to work on your Squarespace website.

Step One: Access Custom CSS

Go to the Custom CSS section of your Squarespace site. As of December 2024, you can navigate to this section by following these steps:

• Website > Pages > Website Tools > Custom CSS.

Step Two: Identify the Text Block

If you want to target and customize a specific text block, then you will need the ID for that that block. These are incredibly easy to find using tools like the Will Meyers' Squarespace ID Finder Chrome Extension.

This tool will allow you to find the block ID of every block, section, and page of your Squarespace website with just a single click. And it’s free!

Here is an example of what a block ID will look like:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732239899056_4963

Step Three: Specify Which Text to Customize

Decide which text element (like a heading) you want to apply the hover effect to. For this example, we targeted the largest headings, so we are going to use the selector h1.

If you want to target a different type of text for your code, switch the h1 in the code below for a different selector. You will find a list of Squarespace text selectors here.

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732239899056_4963 h1

Step Four: Set Up the CSS Structure

Set up the basic structure for the CSS code with curly brackets:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732239899056_4963 h1 {

}

Step Five: Define the Transition Behavior

Configure the transition for the text shadow:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732239899056_4963 h1 {

transition: text-shadow 0.3s ease;

}

Step Six: Customize the Hover Effect

Define the shadow appearance on hover:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732239899056_4963 h1 {

transition: text-shadow 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732239899056_4963 h1:hover {

text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);

}

All Together, Your Code Should Look Similar To This

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732239899056_4963 h1 {

transition: text-shadow 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732239899056_4963 h1:hover {

text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);

}

Text Hover Effect #3: Scale Up

Increasing the font size slightly upon hover can attract attention to specific text on your Squarespace site. It’s effective for navigation menus or special announcements.

How You Can Customize It For Your Website:

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: The parts of the code written in bold yellow are the parts you will need to change in order for this code to work on your Squarespace website.

Step One: Access Custom CSS

Go to the Custom CSS section of your Squarespace site. As of December 2024, you can navigate to this section by following these steps:

• Website > Pages > Website Tools > Custom CSS

Step Two: Identify the Text Block

If you want to target and customize a specific text block, then you will need the ID for that that block. These are incredibly easy to find using tools like the Will Meyers' Squarespace ID Finder Chrome Extension.

This tool will allow you to find the block ID of every block, section, and page of your Squarespace website with just a single click. And it’s free!

Here is an example of what a block ID will look like:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084

Step Three: Specify Which Text to Customize

Decide which text element (like a heading) you want to apply the hover effect to. For this example, we targeted the largest headings, so we are going to use the selector h1.

If you want to target a different type of text for your code, switch the h1 in the code below for a different selector. You will find a list of Squarespace text selectors here.

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1

Step Four: Set Up the CSS Structure

Set up the basic structure for the CSS code with curly brackets:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

}

Step Five: Define the Transition Behavior

Configure the transition for scaling up the text:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: transform 0.3s ease;

}

Step Six: Customize the Hover Effect

Define the scaling effect on hover:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: transform 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

transform: scale(1.1);

}

All Together, Your Code Should Look Similar To This

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: transform 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

transform: scale(1.1);

}

Text Hover Effect #4: Letter Spacing

Adjusting the spacing between letters on hover can add a subtle yet effective stylistic touch, enhancing the readability or stylistic flair of text.

How You Can Customize It For Your Website:

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: The parts of the code written in bold yellow are the parts you will need to change in order for this code to work on your Squarespace website.

Step One: Access Custom CSS

Go to the Custom CSS section of your Squarespace site. As of December 2024, you can navigate to this section by following these steps:

- Website > Pages > Website Tools > Custom CSS.

Step Two: Identify the Text Block

If you want to target and customize a specific text block, then you will need the ID for that that block. These are incredibly easy to find using tools like the Will Meyers' Squarespace ID Finder Chrome Extension.

This tool will allow you to find the block ID of every block, section, and page of your Squarespace website with just a single click. And it’s free!

Here is an example of what a block ID will look like:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084

Step Three: Specify Which Text to Customize

Decide which text element (like a heading) you want to apply the hover effect to. For this example, we targeted the largest headings, so we are going to use the selector h1.

If you want to target a different type of text for your code, switch the h1 in the code below for a different selector. You will find a list of Squarespace text selectors here.

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1

Step Four: Set Up the CSS Structure

Set up the basic structure for the CSS code with curly brackets:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

}

Step Five: Define the Transition Behavior

Configure the transition for changing letter spacing:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: letter-spacing 0.3s ease;

}

Step Six: Customize the Hover Effect

Define the letter spacing adjustment on hover:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: letter-spacing 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

letter-spacing: 0.1em;

}

All Together, Your Code Should Look Similar To This

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: letter-spacing 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

letter-spacing: 0.1em;

}

Text Hover Effect #5: Gradient

A gradient effect can make your text vibrant and visually striking. It’s an excellent way to draw attention to important words or phrases.

How You Can Customize It For Your Website:

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: The parts of the code written in bold yellow are the parts you will need to change in order for this code to work on your Squarespace website.

Step One: Access Custom CSS

Go to the Custom CSS section of your Squarespace site. As of December 2024, you can navigate to this section by following these steps:

• Website > Pages > Website Tools > Custom CSS.

Step Two: Identify the Text Block

If you want to target and customize a specific text block, then you will need the ID for that that block. These are incredibly easy to find using tools like the Will Meyers' Squarespace ID Finder Chrome Extension.

This tool will allow you to find the block ID of every block, section, and page of your Squarespace website with just a single click. And it’s free!

Here is an example of what a block ID will look like:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084

Step Three: Specify Which Text to Customize

Decide which text element (like a heading) you want to apply the hover effect to. For this example, we targeted the largest headings, so we are going to use the selector h1.

If you want to target a different type of text for your code, switch the h1 in the code below for a different selector. You will find a list of Squarespace text selectors here.

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1

Step Four: Set Up the CSS Structure

Set up the basic structure for the CSS code with curly brackets:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

}

Step Five: Define the Transition and Background Behavior

Tell Squarespace how the text's background and transition should behave. Set a gradient background and specify a smooth transition for when the color changes:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

background: linear-gradient(90deg, #6dc8ec, #26b1e8, #173973);

-webkit-background-clip: text;

background-clip: text;

color: transparent;

transition: color 0.3s ease;

}

Step Six: Customize the Hover Effect

Add the desired color change when the mouse hovers over the text:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

background: linear-gradient(90deg, #6dc8ec, #26b1e8, #173973);

-webkit-background-clip: text;

background-clip: text;

color: transparent;

transition: color 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

color: #6dc8ec;

}

All Together, Your Code Should Look Similar To This

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

background: linear-gradient(90deg, #6dc8ec, #26b1e8, #173973);

-webkit-background-clip: text;

background-clip: text;

color: transparent;

transition: color 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

color: #6dc8ec;

}

Text Hover Effect #6: Bounce

Incorporating motion, such as a bounce effect, can make interactions on your site feel dynamic and playful. This effect is particularly engaging for call-to-action buttons or interactive headings.

How You Can Customize It For Your Website:

🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: The parts of the code written in bold yellow are the parts you will need to change in order for this code to work on your Squarespace website.

Step One: Access Custom CSS

Go to the Custom CSS section of your Squarespace site. As of December 2024, you can navigate to this section by following these steps:

• Website > Pages > Website Tools > Custom CSS.

Step Two: Identify the Text Block

If you want to target and customize a specific text block, then you will need the ID for that that block. These are incredibly easy to find using tools like the Will Meyers' Squarespace ID Finder Chrome Extension.

This tool will allow you to find the block ID of every block, section, and page of your Squarespace website with just a single click. And it’s free!

Here is an example of what a block ID will look like:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084

Step Three: Specify Which Text to Customize

Decide which text element (like a heading) you want to apply the hover effect to. For this example, we targeted the largest headings, so we are going to use the selector h1.

If you want to target a different type of text for your code, switch the h1 in the code below for a different selector. You will find a list of Squarespace text selectors here.

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1

Step Four: Set Up the CSS Structure

Set up the basic structure for the CSS code with curly brackets:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

}

Step Five: Define the Transition Behavior

Configure the CSS to control how the text will move during the transition:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: transform 0.3s ease;

}

Step Six: Customize the Hover Effect

Add the bouncing movement when the mouse hovers over the text:

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: transform 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

transform: translateY(-5px);

}

All Together, Your Code Should Look Similar To This

Copy Code

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1 {

transition: transform 0.3s ease;

}

#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1732245452165_5084 h1:hover {

transform: translateY(-5px);

}

Squarespace Text Selectors

Text Type	Selector	Linked Selector
Heading One	h1	h1 a
Heading Two	h2	h2 a
Heading Three	h3	h3 a
Heading Four	h4	h4 a
Paragraph One	.sqsrte-large	.sqsrte-large a
Paragraph Two	p	p a
Paragraph Three	.sqsrte-small	.sqsrte-small a

Conclusion

Implementing these text hover effects on your Squarespace website can significantly enhance the user experience, making your site not only more interactive but also more engaging. By using simple CSS tweaks, you can create a more dynamic and visually appealing website that captures the attention of your visitors. Remember, the key to effective web design is not just in the information you provide but in how you present it.

And if you have any questions, feel free to comment them below!

Related Blogs