A sticky header (also called a fixed header) stays visible at the top of the screen as users scroll down your page. It's one of the most impactful UX improvements you can make, keeping navigation accessible at all times and reducing the effort visitors need to explore your site.
Why Use a Sticky Header?
The data speaks for itself: websites with sticky headers see higher engagement metrics because visitors can always access navigation without scrolling back to the top. Key benefits include:
- Better navigation accessibility — users can navigate from anywhere on the page
- Increased conversions — your CTA button is always visible
- Improved user experience — reduces scroll fatigue on long pages
- Brand presence — your logo remains visible throughout the browsing session
Implementing a Sticky Header in Squarespace
While Squarespace 7.1 has built-in options for sticky navigation in some templates, you may want more control over the behaviour. Here's a custom approach:
Method 1: Built-In Settings
- Open your site editor and navigate to Design → Site Styles
- Look for the Header section in the style panel
- Enable "Fixed Header" or "Sticky Position" depending on your template
- Adjust padding and transparency for the scrolled state
Method 2: Custom CSS
For more control over the sticky behaviour, you can add custom CSS through the Code Injection panel:
Add a background blur and subtle shadow to your sticky header when scrolled. This creates a polished, modern effect that separates the nav from the page content without a harsh border.
Design Considerations
Size Matters
A sticky header should be compact. On scroll, reduce the header height by 20-30% to maximise content space. Keep the header under 70px tall when scrolled.
Background Treatment
A semi-transparent background with a backdrop blur effect is the modern standard. It allows content to show through slightly while keeping the header readable.
Performance
Heavy sticky headers with complex animations can cause jank (visual stuttering) during scroll. Keep animations simple and use CSS transforms instead of positioning properties for smooth performance.
The best sticky header is one you barely notice. It should be there when you need it, but never get in the way of your content.
Common Mistakes
- Too tall on mobile — a sticky header that takes up 25% of the mobile screen is counterproductive
- Missing z-index — ensure your header sits above all other page elements
- No scroll transition — abrupt changes are jarring; animate the state change
- Forgetting body padding — add top padding to prevent content from hiding under the fixed header
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