Introduction to Adobe Experience Manager as a Headless CMS

Last update: October 2, 2024

CREATED FOR:

  • Admin
  • Developer

Learn how to use Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) as a Headless CMS (Content Management System), with features such as Content Fragment Models, Content Fragments, and a GraphQL API that together power headless experiences at scale.

You can read detailed documentation of the various features involved and/or follow the selection of Headless Journeys to get an overview of the first steps.

NOTE
See also What is Headless? for an introduction to Headless concepts and terminology.

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Overview

AEM Headless is a CMS solution from Experience Manager that allows structured content (Content Fragments) in AEM to be consumed by any app over HTTP using GraphQL. Headless implementations enable delivery of experiences across platforms and channels at scale.

Headless implementation forgoes page and component management, as is traditional in full stack and hybrid solutions. Instead it focuses on the creation of channel-neutral, reusable fragments of content and their cross-channel delivery. It is a modern and dynamic development pattern for implementing web experiences.

AEM Implementation Models

Features

AEM as a Cloud Service is a flexible tool for the headless implementation model by offering three powerful features:

  1. Content Fragment Models

    • Content Fragment Models are structured representations of content.
    • Content Fragment Models are defined by information architects in the AEM Content Fragment Model editor.
    • Content Fragment Models serve as a basis for Content Fragments.

  2. Content Fragments

    • A Content Fragment is created based on a Content Fragment Model.
    • Content Fragments are created by content authors, using the AEM Content Fragment editor.
    • Content Fragments are stored as AEM Assets, but can be managed through either the Assets Console, or the Content Fragments Console.

  3. Content API for delivery

Your First Steps

There are several resources available to get started with AEM’s headless features. Each guide is tailored for different use cases and audiences.

ResourceDescriptionTypeAudienceEst. Time
Headless Developer JourneyFor developers new to AEM and headless technologies, start here for a comprehensive introduction to AEM and its headless features from the theory of headless through going live with your first headless project.GuideDevelopers new to AEM and headless1 hour
Headless SetupFor experienced AEM users who need a short summary of the key AEM headless features, check out this quick start overview.Reference SetupDevelopers, Administrators with AEM experience20 minutes
Headless hands-on tutorialIf you prefer a hands-on approach and are familiar with AEM, this tutorial dives directly into implementing a simple headless app.TutorialDevelopers2 hours
Headless Architect JourneyFor architects new to AEM and headless technologies, start here for an introduction to the powerful, and flexible, headless features of Adobe Experience Manager as a Cloud Service, and how to model content for your project.GuideArchitects1 hour
Headless Authoring JourneyFor business users new to AEM and headless technologies, start here for an introduction to the powerful, and flexible, headless features of Adobe Experience Manager as a Cloud Service, and how to model content for your project.GuideContent Creators1 hour
Headless Translation JourneyFor those interested in AEM’s translation approach to headless. Learn about headless technologies and how to create and update translation projects in AEM from A to Z.GuideTranslation Specialists1 hour

Comparing Headful and Headless

This guide focuses on the full headless implementation model of AEM. However, headful versus headless does not need to be a binary choice in AEM. Headless features can be used to manage and deliver content to multiple touch-points, while also enabling content authors to edit single page applications. All in AEM.

TIP
See the document Headful and Headless in AEM for more information.

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