AEM Tutorial

What is AEM?

Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) tutorial is a comprehensive content management system (CMS) used to create, manage, and deliver digital experiences across web, mobile, and other channels. It combines digital asset management (DAM) and content management functionalities into one platform.

Why Learn AEM in 2025?

• High demand for AEM developers in enterprise web development.

• Used by top brands like Coca-Cola, Ford, and Sony.

• Integration with Adobe Marketing Cloud, Analytics, Target, etc.

• Lucrative salary packages in AEM-related roles.

AEM Architecture Overview

AEM is built on:

• Apache Sling – Maps HTTP requests to content resources using a RESTful architecture.

• JCR (Java Content Repository) – Stores content in a hierarchical format.

• OSGi Framework – Modular system for managing Java bundles and services.

• CRX – Adobe’s implementation of JCR.

AEM Folder Structure

• /apps – Custom code, components, templates

• /content – Actual website content

• /libs – AEM core and third-party code (read-only)

• /etc – Legacy configurations and tools

• /conf – Editable templates and policies

Creating Components in AEM

Components are the building blocks of pages.

Steps to create a component:

1. Navigate to /apps/yourproject/components

2. Create a new component node with sling:resourceSuperType

3. Add an HTML file for rendering (HTL or JSP)

4. Define cq:dialog to make it authorable

Also Read: AEM Interview Questions

Example:

Templates in AEM

Templates define the structure and layout of a page.

• Static Templates: Defined in code and fixed.

• Editable Templates: Created via Template Editor, allow authors to configure layout and policies.

Editable templates live under /conf.

Introduction to HTL (Sightly)

HTL (HTML Template Language) is AEM’s preferred view layer.

• Replaces JSP for better security and simplicity.

• Uses data-sly-* attributes to bind data.

HTL Example:

What is Sling Model?

Sling Models are Java classes annotated to adapt Sling Resources into data models.

Example:

Use them with data-sly-use in HTL.

Client Libraries in AEM

ClientLibs manage CSS and JS files.

Structure:

Use categories to include libraries in pages:

AEM Workflows

Workflows automate processes like approval or translation.

To create a workflow:

1. Go to Tools > Workflow Models

2. Drag & drop steps like Participant, Process, OR Split

3. Configure using workflow launcher or programmatically

AEM Authoring Basics

Authors can:

• Drag components on pages

• Use content fragments and experience fragments

• Schedule page activation

• Rollback to previous versions

Dispatcher in AEM

The Dispatcher is Adobe’s caching and load balancer.

• Improves performance by caching HTML/JS/CSS.

• Filters requests to protect publish instances.

• Configured using .any and .farm files in Apache.

Best Practices for AEM Development

• Use Editable Templates for flexibility

• Separate logic (Java) and presentation (HTL)

• Write Sling Models for clean data access

• Leverage OSGi services

• Use version control (e.g., Git) and Maven for project builds

Next Steps in Your AEM Learning Journey

1. Practice building components and templates.

2. Learn AEM Forms and Assets modules.

3. Study AEM Sites development best practices.

4. Explore Headless AEM with GraphQL and SPA Editor.

5. Prepare for the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) AEM certification.

Final Words

Adobe Experience Manager is a powerful CMS platform used by global enterprises. This AEM tutorial gives you a solid starting point, but hands-on experience is the key to mastering it. Whether you’re aiming for a career as an AEM developer, author, or architect—your journey starts here.

Ready to become AEM certified? Check out our AEM Developer Course!