How to upload files to Squarespace root directory
Finding and uploading files to the root directory can be challenging for users of hosted CMS platforms like Squarespace, Shopify, Wix. Unlike traditional web hosting, these platforms don't provide direct access to the root directory. However, some verification methods, such as Google ads.txt, Indexnow.org, and Bing Webmaster Tools, require files to be uploaded to the root directory. This guide will show you how to use 301 redirects to effectively mimic a Squarespace root directory upload.
Why Root Directory Uploads Are Needed
Some services require you to upload files to the root directory for verification or configuration purposes. Examples include:
Google ads.txt: Ensures that your digital ad inventory is only sold through sellers (such as AdSense) who you’ve identified as authorized.
Indexnow.org: A protocol developed by search engines to ensure instant indexing.
Bing Webmaster Tools .xml: Verification files to prove ownership of your website.
Understanding the upload on Squarespace
Squarespace doesn't have a traditional root directory structure. This means files you upload through the platform don't reside at the top-level domain. Instead, they are stored as static assets on Squarespace's CDN (Content Delivery Network) and can be accessed via specific URLs.
What root directory uploads look like
When a file is uploaded to the root directory, it is accessible at top-level domain as such yourdomain.com/file.txt. On Squarespace, achieving this requires a workaround using redirects.
Mimic Squarespace root directory uploads
Step 1: Download the File
First, contact your external service to download the verification file (e.g., ads.txt, indexnow-key.txt).
Step 2: Upload the File to Link Manager
Navigate to your Pages in Squarespace dashboard /config/pages.
Click the Plus icon in the Main Navigation and select Link.
Choose File in the Link Type dropdown and upload
file.txtusing the Link Manager.Exit the Link Editor without saving because we are using the Link Manger as a gateway for file upload only.
After uploading, the key file will be accessible at
/s/file.txton your site.
Link manager mimics Squarespace root directory upload
Step 3: Trace the File to Its Source
While the uploaded file is accessible at /s/file.txt, this path is actually a 302 redirect to its Static URL. Squarespace hosts all uploaded files as static assets on its CDN. You need to trace the file to its source URL to get the real path of the file on the CDN.
Get the real URL of the uploaded file using a URL tracing tool like WhereGoes.
In the trace URL input, enter your
file.txtpath, e.g., https://yoursite.com/s/file.txt, and click "Trace URL".Once tracking is complete, copy the real URL of the uploaded file.
Image below demonstrate the tracing of BingSiteAuth.xml, other service will be similar
Trace Squarespace static asset url
Step 4: Create a Redirect in URL Mappings
Go to Settings > Developer Tools > URL Mappings in your Squarespace dashboard.
Insert a new line and place:
/file.txt -> {real-file-path} 301.Press Save.
Setting up URL mappings
Step 5: Proceed with the Verification
Follow the verification steps required by your external service, using the redirected URL.
How This Works
Some services accept redirections. By setting up a redirect, we simulate the presence of the file in the root directory. Google, for example, explicitly states in their documentation that they support redirects for ads.txt files.
Google documentation on redirects
Google supports a single HTTP redirect to a destination outside the original root domain (e.g., example1.com/ads.txt redirects to example2.com/ads.txt). Multiple redirects are also supported as long as each redirect location remains within the original root domain. This is why tracing the source is crucial since the initial upload creates a 302 redirect, and by pointing directly to the CDN source, we create a single redirect.
“https://yoursite.com/ads.txt
—> https://static1.squarespace.com/.../ads.txt”
Supported Services
Not all services support redirections. It's important to verify this on a case-by-case basis. Confirmed supported services include:
By leveraging redirects, we can effectively mimic the Squarespace root directory file upload without relying on external services. This method is also suitable for users on Squarespace's Personal plan.
Conclusion
While Squarespace doesn't provide a traditional root directory, you can still meet the requirements of various verification services by using 301 redirects. This approach allows you to maintain your site's performance and security while complying with external service requirements.
