squarespace tag clouds

Ah the ever so controversial tag cloud.  I can't think of another "Web 2.0" paradigm that has generated so much love AND hate.  Just google "I hate tag clouds" or "tag clouds suck", and read away.  There is no denying that tag clouds are a unique and beautiful way of depicting tags based on their popularity or importance.  But many detractors will say that tag clouds actually make it harder to find what you're looking for.

Well, love it or hate it, tag clouds will soon be available on Squarespace (currently in Beta).  After the successful launch of social widgets last month, we wanted to ride the momentum and knock out some low hanging fruit.  So I personally took on Mr. Tag Cloud.  After just a month (including design/development/testing), I'm proud to say the Squarespace Tag Cloud module is ready to roll.

Here's a quick summary of the features:

  • Creates a tag cloud using tags (and/or categories) from a Squarespace Journal module
  • Two preset styles:
    • Cloud - displays tags in the familiar cloud format
    • List - displays tags in a list format
  • Sort alphabetically or by frequency
  • Ability to configure the font magnification between the least and most frequent tags
  • Ability to configure the font opacity between the least and most frequent tags
  • Ability to configure the number of total tags to show
  • Ability to configure a minimum count filter (i.e. only show tags with counts > X)
  • Option to show tag with or without tag count (e.g. "ipad" vs "ipad (22)") 

Screenshots:

Tag Cloud Configuration Screen

Tag Cloud Widget (cloud preset) Tag Cloud Widget (list preset)

 

In addition, the Tag Cloud module can be configured as a page on your site, which will allow you to build much wider clouds using the extra real estate.  Here's one from my site:

Tag Cloud Page 

Well there you have it.  As mentioned, the Tag Cloud module is currently in Beta but should be available to everyone very soon!  Let the debate rage on!