How to Add a Background Image to Your Header in Squarespace 7.1 (Without Code)

Need to apply a custom background image to your header in Squarespace 7.1 — no code required? You can easily fake a header background with Squarespace’s ready-to-use design tools – a simple banner section will do the job. No custom CSS or developer mode required.

Designed to be super simple, and anyone with a beginner level can follow the steps, and voila, your header area will be attractive with a background image, and it is just 100% native Squarespace settings.

Why Add a Header Background Image?

The Header Background Image could be:

• Spruce up your site design and make it memorable

• Keep your nav area sleek and professional-looking

• Make an impact on your homepage with a powerful first impression

Squarespace 7.1 doesn’t support direct image uploads to the header itself, but in this tutorial, I’ll show you a simple workaround that looks just as good, if not better.

Step-by-Step: Add a Header Background Without Code

Step 1: Use a Page Banner Section as a Header Background

In Squarespace 7.1, there’s no direct support for background images in the header. But you can get the same kind of effect by dropping in a full-width banner image at the top of your page.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Hover over Pages and choose a Page (for example, Home).

2. Click Edit on the page.

3. Hover over the top of the page and click Edit Section (it’s just below the header).

4. In the left panel:

• Select Image from the Background list.

• Upload the header image you would like to use.

• Tweak the Image Overlay, Focal Point, and Section Height if you want.

• Click Save.

Result:

You’ve just added a banner image, which is directly under the header and behaves like a header bg image, no code needed.

Step 2: Adjust Section Height for a Header-Like Feel (Optional)

If you don’t want a tall hero banner and only want the image to appear behind the navigation bar:

1. Open Section Settings.

2. Find Section Height.

3. Set it to:

• Small — for a tight header background

• Or, Custom, and use the slider to shrink the height

This creates a more authentic "header background" feel.

Step 3: Make the Header Transparent (Optional for Full Effect)

The background image will be blocked if you have a solid-colored (white, black, etc.) Squarespace header by default.

To add transparency to your header:

• Go to Design > Site Styles.

• Click the preview in the Header region.

• Look for setting Background Color.

• Opacity to 0% clear or transparent, etc.

And voila, your header is now transparent, and your background image is visible behind the nav menu!

Final Result

After completing these steps:

• The background image of the actual header of your website seems to be called

• The top navigation menu sits right on top of the image nicely.

• No CSS, no complications—just intelligent use of the Squarespace 7.1 native controls

Conclusion

Adding a background image to your Squarespace 7.1 header doesn’t require code just a clever use of banner sections and header transparency. This method gives you full visual control while keeping your site lightweight and easy to manage.

Perfect for designers, business owners, and creatives who want a professional look without diving into CSS.

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FAQ: How to Add a Background Image to Your Header in Squarespace 7.1 (Without Code)

1. Can I add a background image directly to the Squarespace 7.1 header?

No, Squarespace 7.1 doesn’t allow direct image uploads to the header. But by using a top page banner section with a background image and making the header transparent, you can visually simulate a real header background without code.

2. Is this method truly no-code?

Yes, this entire solution uses only built-in Squarespace settings—no CSS, no JavaScript, and no Developer Mode required.

3. How do I make the header transparent so the image shows behind it?

Go to Design > Site Styles, click on the header area, and set the Background Opacity to 0% or fully transparent. This lets the banner image appear behind your site navigation.

4. Will this work on every page of my site?

You’ll need to repeat this setup on each page where you want a header image. It’s not global by default. However, you can duplicate pages or create a reusable page template to speed things up.

5. What’s the best section height to use for a header-like feel?

Use "Small" section height, or set a Custom height to match the visual space of a typical header. You want the banner to be tall enough to show the image but not overpower your content.

6. Can I place text, buttons, or logos over the image?

Yes. Just add content blocks inside the banner section. You can center text, add call-to-action buttons, or insert a headline over your image—all without code.

7. Does this work well on mobile devices, too?

Absolutely. The banner section is responsive by default, but you may want to:

• Use a mobile-friendly focal point

• Avoid very tall images

• Test the layout on smaller screens