AEM Sites: Toolbar editing tools differ when using impersonation
This article explains why the AEM Sites toolbar displays different editing tools during impersonation and provides steps to accurately validate user permissions.
Description description
Environment
- Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
- AEM Sites
Issue/Symptoms
In Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Sites, administrators observe that the toolbar displays different sets of editing tools for different users when using impersonation mode.
- One user sees only Create, Edit, and Copy.
- Another user sees additional options such as Properties, Lock, Move, Quick Publish, Manage Publication, Restore, and Delete.
- When users sign in directly with their own accounts, the toolbar options typically match their actual permissions.
- This discrepancy causes confusion when onboarding or troubleshooting user access.
Resolution resolution
Follow the steps below to resolve the issue:
- Instruct affected users to sign in directly to AEM with their own accounts instead of using impersonation.
- Have each user select the same page in AEM Sites and expand the More menu (three dots) at the end of the toolbar to view all available actions.
- Compare the toolbar actions shown for each user when signed in directly.
- If differences remain, review each user’s group membership and permissions in the AEM Security console. Ensure they are assigned the correct product profiles or IMS groups in the Admin Console.
- After making changes to user groups or profiles, allow time for permissions to propagate. Have the user sign out and sign in again.
- Verify that the toolbar displays the expected actions for each user when signed in directly.
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