Data tables and menu block solutions

Hey!

I've had a terrible time trying to get data tables of prices to work without using markup blocks.

I don't want to use markup because I want the data to be in my SEO and searchable on the site. I also need the client's staff to be able to edit the tables easily and all that markup frightens them.

I didn't want to use any third party thing such as embedded google sheets etc.

I needed it to be beautiful. Obviously.

I'm frustrated by the lack of help from the once amazing squarespace support as all I get is canned answers and links to help articles I have already read.

SO! After much thrashing and raging I FINALLY worked out a solution where I use the menu block to layout the data price list in an intuitive, searchable, responsive way. Have a look below:

https://kate-burns-9zlf.squarespace.com/squarespace-table-issue

Yes, it does require rejigging your data, yes, it does require you thinking in a different way about presenting a lot of information, no it is not good for all data tables. BUT! I think it's pretty good and keeps inside the world of squarespace.

I thought it might help some people so I'm posting here.

Thanks!

I agree. The menu block is very flexible and until Squarespace brings us a Table Block, it's one of the best options available. I do think that the "tab" labels along the top aren't very intuitive but that can be improved with CSS and doesn't adversely affect the site editor's experience.

OH! I really like how you did that!! How did you do that?? I am not a coder, I'm a designer who tries to code and usually ends up crying over her keyboard instead.

LOL. I play around with the menu for different uses as it's quite a versatile little block. For the labels, I just added some CSS (Design > Custom CSS) that removed the underline and added a dark background to the active label. I then added a lighter background to the other labels:

.menu-block .menu-selector label.menu-select-labels--active {
   text-decoration: none;
   background: black;
   color: white;
}
.menu-block .menu-selector label {
   background: #efefef;
}

I hope that helps.Paul

OMG. You, are a Prince! Thank you so much!! I love it.

Hi @Paul2009 ! I was just checking the example you posted and I was wondering how you managed to put only the name of the product and the price, because every time I try to delete the description, the price is automatically placed below the name of the product. I hope you can help me. Thanks!