How do I add a URL mapping in Squarespace?

The Citead team, updated

In short. Add a rule in Developer tools > URL mappings using the old path, ->, the destination and 301 or 302, then save it with the source page inactive.

Definition: A Squarespace URL mapping forwards an inactive page's address to a destination using a permanent or temporary redirect. Each mapping specifies the source, destination and redirect type.

Key facts

  • As of 17 October 2026, Squarespace's URL mappings guide supports permanent 301 and temporary 302 redirects.
  • Its URL slugs guide says changing a page's slug leaves old links pointing to an error unless a redirect is added.
  • Google's redirect documentation describes permanent redirects as a signal for selecting the canonical URL, the address Google treats as representative.

Where does the mapping go?

Squarespace's URL mappings guide gives this procedure: open Developer tools, click URL mappings, enter the redirect in the text field, then click Save.

The syntax combines an old path, the arrow ->, a destination and a redirect type:

/old-url -> /new-url 301

Which source path and target URL belong in the rule?

A URL slug identifies a page or collection item within a site. Squarespace's URL slugs guide gives /about as the automatically assigned slug for a page titled “About,” with the full address https://yourdomain.com/about.

For an existing page, the URL slug field in page settings provides its slug. Full preview also shows the slug after the built-in domain in the address bar. A private or incognito browser window shows the public address. The logged-in editing address can contain a collection identifier instead, so the public address is the reference for the mapping.

The mapping guide specifies removing the domain from the source. An external destination includes https://, as in its example:

/fundraiser -> https://fundraiser.com/very-special-fundraiser 301

The homepage can be a destination written as /.

Google's redirect documentation explains that Googlebot follows both permanent and temporary redirects. For a permanent redirect, Google's indexing pipeline uses the redirect as a signal that the destination should become canonical. A temporary redirect keeps the source URL's role in search results while sending visitors elsewhere.

Google recommends a permanent server-side redirect when a page's address changes permanently. For a temporary service interruption, its example sends visitors to a page explaining the interruption. The expected duration of the move guides the choice between the two types.

What should be checked after saving?

Squarespace's mapping guide requires an inactive source and an enabled destination. Delete or disable the old page, or change its URL. Incorrect syntax produces a red error and prevents saving; check the arrow and final 301 or 302.

FAQ

Does changing my page's URL slug create a redirect automatically?

No. Squarespace's URL slugs guide says you need to create a redirect after changing the slug. It also advises updating links to the page, including links created with its page-link feature.

Can the old address still appear in Google after a permanent redirect?

Yes. Google's redirect documentation explains that an old address can remain an alternate name for the canonical URL. Google may display that alternate address when a query suggests users recognize or trust it.

Sources

  1. Squarespace, "URL mappings", updated 8 September 2026
  2. Squarespace, "URL slugs", updated 22 April 2026
  3. Google Search Central, "Redirects and Google Search", updated 14 April 2026

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