DocumentationAEM as a Cloud ServiceUser Guide

Model Definitions, Fields, and Component Types field-types

Last update: Tue Feb 03 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
  • Applies to:
  • Experience Manager as a Cloud Service

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Learn about fields and the component types that the Universal Editor can edit in the properties panel with examples. Understand how you can instrument your own app by creating a model definition and linking to the component.

Overview overview

When adapting your own apps for use with the Universal Editor, you must instrument the components and define what fields and component types they can manipulate in the properties panel of the editor. You do this by creating a model and linking to that from the component.

This document provides an overview of a model definition and of fields and the component types available to you along with example configurations.

TIP
If you are not familiar with how to instrument your app for the Universal Editor, please see the document Universal Editor Overview for AEM Developers.

Model Definition Structure model-structure

In order to configure a component via the properties panel in the Universal Editor, a model definition has to exist and be linked to the component.

The model definition is a JSON structure, starting with an array of models.

[
  {
    "id": "model-id",        // must be unique
    "fields": []             // array of fields which shall be rendered in the properties panel
  }
]

See the Fields section of this document for more information about how to define your fields array.

You can link a model to a component in two ways: using the component definition or via the instrumentation.

Linking Using the Component Definition component-definition

This is the preferred method of linking the model to the component. Doing so allows you to maintain the link centrally in the component definition and enables dragging components across containers.

Simply include the model property in the component object in the components array in the component-definition.json file.

For details, please see the document Component Definition.

Linking Using Instrumentation instrumentation

To use the model definition with a component, the data-aue-model attribute can be used.

<div data-aue-resource="urn:datasource:/content/path" data-aue-type="component"  data-aue-model="model-id">Click me</div>
NOTE
The Universal Editor first checks if a model is linked via the instrumentation and uses that before checking the component definition. This means:
  • Projects that have implemented the link to the model via the instrumentation will continue to work as-is with no need for change.
  • If you define the model in the component definition as well as in the instrumentation, the instrumentation will always be used.

Loading a Model Definition loading-model

Once a model is created, it can be referenced as an external file.

<script type="application/vnd.adobe.aue.model+json" src="<url-of-model-definition>"></script>

Alternatively you can also define the model inline.

<script type="application/vnd.adobe.aue.model+json">
  { ... model definition ... }
</script>

Fields fields

A field object has the following type definition.

Configuration
Value Type
Description
Required
component
ComponentType
Renderer of the component
Yes
name
string
Property or path where the data shall be persisted
Yes
label
FieldLabel
Label of the field
Yes
description
FieldDescription
Description of the field
No
value
FieldValue
This is a default value, which serves as a placeholder. If no value is set, the Universal Editor will persist whatever is defined as value in the model definition. This ensures that what you see will match what is persisted in the backend.
No
valueType
ValueType
Standard validation, can be string, string[], number, date, boolean
No
required
boolean
Is the field required
No
readOnly
boolean
Is the field read only
No
hidden
boolean
Is the field hidden by default
No
condition
RulesLogic
Rule to show or hide the field based on a condition
No
multi
boolean
Is the field a multi field
Note that container nesting is not permitted for multi-fields in the properties panel
No
validation
ValidationType
Validation rule or rules for the field
No
raw
unknown
Raw data which can be used by the component
No
NOTE
The underscore (_) is not allowed in field names when using the aem or xwalk plugins.

name Field and Nesting nesting

The name field can point directly to a property of the current resource, or in the case of components in cq:Pages, it can also use a path to a nested property. For example:

"name": "teaser/image/fileReference"

Component Types component-types

The following are the component types that are possible to use for rendering fields.

Description
Component Type
AEM Tag
aem-tag
AEM Content
aem-content
Boolean
boolean
Checkbox Group
checkbox-group
Container
container
Content Fragment
aem-content-fragment
Date Time
date-time
Experience Fragment
aem-experience-fragment
Multiselect
multiselect
Number
number
Radio Group
radio-group
Reference
reference
Rich Text
richtext
Select
select
Tab
tab
Text
text
Text Area
textarea

AEM Tag aem-tag

An AEM tag component type enables an AEM tag picker, which can be used to attach tags to the component.

Sample
code language-json 
{
  "id": "aem-tag-picker",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "aem-tag",
      "label": "AEM Tag Picker",
      "name": "cq:tags",
      "valueType": "string"
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of AEM tag component type
TIP
Please see the document Managing Taxonomy Data for more information about how you can use spreadsheets to manage your taxonomy data for your Edge Delivery Services project.

AEM Content aem-content

An AEM content component type enables an AEM content picker, which can be used to select any AEM resource. Unlike the reference component, which can only select assets, the AEM content component can reference any AEM content. It offers an additional validation type.

Validation Type
Value Type
Description
Required
rootPath
string
Path that the content picker will open for the user to select AEM content, limiting selection to that directory and subdirectories
No
Sample
code language-json 
{
  "id": "aem-content-picker",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "aem-content",
      "name": "reference",
      "value": "",
      "label": "AEM Content Picker",
      "valueType": "string",
      "validation": {
            "rootPath": "/content/refresh"
        }
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of AEM content component type

Boolean boolean

A boolean component type stores a simple true/false value rendered as a toggle. It offers an additional validation type.

Validation Type
Value Type
Description
Required
customErrorMsg
string
Message that will display if the value entered isn’t a boolean value
No
Sample 1
code language-json 
{
  "id": "boolean",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "boolean",
      "label": "Boolean",
      "name": "boolean",
      "valueType": "boolean"
    }
  ]
}
Sample 2
code language-json 
{
  "id": "another-boolean",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "boolean",
      "label": "Boolean",
      "name": "boolean",
      "valueType": "boolean",
      "validation": {
        "customErrorMsg": "Think, McFly. Think!"
      }
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of boolean component type

Checkbox Group checkbox-group

Similar to a boolean, a checkbox group component type allows for the selection of multiple true/false items, rendered as multiple checkboxes.

Sample
code language-json 
{
  "id": "checkbox-group",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "checkbox-group",
      "label": "Checkbox Group",
      "name": "checkbox",
      "valueType": "string[]",
      "options": [
        { "name": "Option 1", "value": "option1" },
        { "name": "Option 2", "value": "option2" }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of checkbox group component type

Container container

A container component type allows the grouping of components including multifield support. It offers an additional configuration. Note that container nesting is not permitted for multi-fields in the properties panel

Configuration
Value Type
Description
Required
collapsible
boolean
Is the container collapsible
No
Sample
code language-json 
 {
  "id": "container",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "container",
      "label": "Container",
      "name": "container",
      "valueType": "string",
      "collapsible": true,
      "fields": [
        {
          "component": "text-input",
          "label": "Simple Text 1",
          "name": "text",
          "valueType": "string"
        },
        {
          "component": "text-input",
          "label": "Simple Text 2",
          "name": "text2",
          "valueType": "string"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of container component type
Multifield Support
code language-json 
{
  "component": "container",
  "name": "test",
  "label": "Multi Text",
  "multi": true,
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "reference",
      "name": "image",
      "value": "",
      "label": "Sample Image",
      "valueType": "string"
    },
    {
      "component": "text",
      "name": "alt",
      "value": "",
      "label": "Alt Text",
      "valueType": "string"
    }
  ]
}

Content Fragment content-fragment

The Content Fragment picker can be used to select a Content Fragment and its variations (if required). It offers an additional configuration.

Configuration
Value Type
Description
Required
variationName
string
Variable name to store the selected variation. If undefined, no variation picker is displayed
No

It also offers an additional validation type.

Validation Type
Value Type
Description
Required
rootPath
string
Path that the content picker will open for the user to select the Content Fragment, limiting selection to that directory and subdirectories
No
NOTE
The Universal Editor validates Content Fragment fields based on their models allowing you to enforce data integrity rules such as regex patterns and uniqueness constraints.
This ensures that your content meets specific business requirements before it’s published.
Sample 1
code language-json 
[
  {
    "id": "aem-content-fragment",
    "fields": [
      {
        "component": "aem-content-fragment",
        "name": "picker",
        "label": "Content Fragment Picker",
        "valueType": "string",
        "variationName": "contentFragmentVariation",
        "validation": {
            "rootPath": "/content/refresh"
        }
      }
    ]
  }
]
Screenshot
Screenshot of Content Fragment picker

Date Time date-time

A date time component type allows the specification of a date, time, or combination thereof. It offers additional configurations.

Configuration
Value Type
Description
Required
displayFormat
string
Format with which to display the date string
Yes
valueFormat
string
Format in which to store the date string
Yes

It also offers an additional validation type.

Validation Type
Value Type
Description
Required
customErrorMsg
string
Message that will display if valueFormat isn’t met
No
Sample 1
code language-json 
{
  "id": "date-time",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "date-time",
      "label": "Date & Time",
      "name": "date",
      "valueType": "date"
    }
  ]
}
Sample 2
code language-json 
{
  "id": "another-date-time",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "date-time",
       "valueType": "date-time",
      "name": "field1",
      "label": "Date Time",
      "description": "This is a date time field that stores both date and time.",
      "required": true,
      "placeholder": "YYYY-MM-DD HH:mm:ss",
      "displayFormat": null,
      "valueFormat": null,
      "validation": {
        "customErrorMsg": "Marty! You have to come back with me!"
      }
    },
    {
      "component": "date-time",
      "valueType": "date",
      "name": "field2",
      "label": "Another Date Time",
      "description": "This is another date time field that only stores the date.",
      "required": true,
      "placeholder": "YYYY-MM-DD",
      "displayFormat": null,
      "valueFormat": null,
      "validation": {
        "customErrorMsg": "Back to the future!"
      }
    },
    {
      "component": "date-time",
      "valueType": "time",
      "name": "field3",
      "label": "Yet Another Date Time",
      "description": "This is another date time field that only stores the time.",
      "required": true,
      "placeholder": "HH:mm:ss",
      "displayFormat": null,
      "valueFormat": null,
      "validation": {
        "customErrorMsg": "Great Scott!"
      }
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of date time component type

Experience Fragment experience-fragment

The Experience Fragment picker can be used to select an Experience Fragment and its variations (if required). It offers an additional configuration.

Configuration
Value Type
Description
Required
variationName
string
Variable name to store the selected variation. If undefined, no variation picker is displayed
No

It also offers an additional validation type.

Validation Type
Value Type
Description
Required
rootPath
string
Path that the content picker will open for the user to select the Experience Fragment, limiting selection to that directory and subdirectories
No
Sample 1
code language-json 
[
  {
    "id": "experience-fragment",
    "fields": [
      {
        "component": "aem-experience-fragment",
        "valueType": "string",
        "name": "experience-fragment",
        "label": "experience-fragment",
        "variationName": "experienceFragmentVariation",
        "validation": {
            "rootPath": "/content/refresh"
        }
      }
    ]
  }
]
Screenshot
Screenshot of Experience Fragment picker

Multiselect multiselect

A multiselect component type presents multiple items for selection in a drop-down including the ability to group the selectable elements.

Sample 1
code language-json 
{
  "id": "multiselect",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "multiselect",
      "name": "multiselect",
      "label": "Multi Select",
      "valueType": "string",
      "options": [
        { "name": "Option 1", "value": "option1" },
        { "name": "Option 2", "value": "option2" }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
Sample 2
code language-json 
{
  "id": "multiselect-grouped",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "multiselect",
      "name": "property",
      "label": "Multiselect field",
      "valueType": "string",
      "required": true,
      "maxSize": 2,
      "options": [
        {
          "name": "Theme",
          "children": [
            { "name": "Light", "value": "light" },
            { "name": "Dark",  "value": "dark" }
          ]
        },
        {
          "name": "Type",
          "children": [
            { "name": "Alpha", "value": "alpha" },
            { "name": "Beta", "value": "beta" },
            { "name": "Gamma", "value": "gamma" }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
Screenshots
Screenshot of multiselect component type
Screenshot of multiselect component type with grouping

Number number

A number component type allows for the input of a number. It offers additional validation types.

Validation Type
Value Type
Description
Required
numberMin
number
Minimum number allowed
No
numberMax
number
Maximum number allowed
No
customErrorMsg
string
Message that will display if numberMin or numberMax isn’t met
No
Sample 1
code language-json 
{
  "id": "number",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "number",
      "name": "number",
      "label": "Number",
      "valueType": "number",
      "value": 0
    }
  ]
}
Sample 2
code language-json 
{
  "id": "another-number",
  "fields": [
   {
      "component": "number",
      "valueType": "number",
      "name": "field1",
      "label": "Number Field",
      "description": "This is a number field.",
      "required": true,
      "placeholder": null,
      "validation": {
        "numberMin": 0,
        "numberMax": 88,
        "customErrorMsg": "You also need 1.21 gigawatts."
      }
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of number component type

Radio Group radio-group

A radio group component type allows for a mutually-exclusive selection from multiple options rendered as a group similar to a checkbox group.

Sample
code language-json 
{
  "id": "radio-group",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "radio-group",
      "label": "Radio Group",
      "name": "radio",
      "valueType": "string",
      "options": [
        { "name": "Option 1", "value": "option1" },
        { "name": "Option 2", "value": "option2" }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of radio group component type

Reference reference

An reference component type enables an AEM asset picker, which can be used to select any AEM asset to reference. Unlike the AEM content component, which can select any AEM resource, the reference component can only reference assets. It offers an additional validation type.

A reference component type allows for a reference to another data object from the current object.

Sample
code language-json 
{
  "id": "reference",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "reference",
      "label": "Reference",
      "name": "reference",
      "valueType": "string"
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of reference component type

Rich Text rich-text

Rich text allows for multi-line, rich text input.

Sample 1
code language-json 
{
  "id": "richtext",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "richtext",
      "name": "rte",
      "label": "Rich Text",
      "valueType": "string"
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of text area component type

Select select

A select component type allows for selection of a single option from a list of predefined options in a drop-down menu.

Sample
code language-json 
{
  "id": "select",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "select",
      "label": "Select",
      "name": "select",
      "valueType": "string",
      "options": [
        { "name": "Option 1", "value": "option1" },
        { "name": "Option 2", "value": "option2" }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of select component type

Tab tab

A tab component type allows you to group other input fields together on multiple tabs to improve layout organization for the authors.

A tab definition can be thought of as a separator in the array of fields. Everything that comes after a tab will be placed on that tab until a new tab is encountered, whereafter the following items will be placed on the new tab.

If you wish to have items that appear above all tabs, they must be defined before any tabs.

Sample
code language-json 
{
  "id": "tab",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "tab",
      "label": "Tab 1",
      "name": "tab1"
    },
    {
      "component": "text-input",
      "label": "Text 1",
      "name": "text1",
      "valueType": "string"
    },
    {
      "component": "tab",
      "label": "Tab 2",
      "name": "tab2"
    },
    {
      "component": "text-input",
      "label": "Text 2",
      "name": "text2",
      "valueType": "string"
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of tab component type

Text text

Text allows for a single line of text input. It includes additional validation types.

Validation Type
Value Type
Description
Required
minLength
number
Minimum number of characters allowed
No
maxLength
number
Maximum number of characters allowed
No
regExp
string
Regular expression which the input text must match
No
customErrorMsg
string
Message that will display if minLength, maxLength, and/or regExp is/are violated
No
Sample 1
code language-json 
{
  "id": "simpletext",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "text",
      "name": "text",
      "label": "Simple Text",
      "valueType": "string"
    }
  ]
}
Sample 2
code language-json 
{
  "id": "another simpletext",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "text",
      "name": "text",
      "label": "Simple Text",
      "valueType": "string",
      "valueFormat": "regexp",
      "description": "This is a text input with validation.",
      "required": true,
      "validation": {
        "minLength": 1955,
        "maxLength": 1985,
        "regExp": "^foo:.*",
        "customErrorMsg": "Why don't you make like a tree and get outta here?"
      }
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of text component type

Text Area textarea

Text area allows for multiple lines of text input.

Sample
code language-json 
{
  "id": "longertext",
  "fields": [
    {
      "component": "textarea",
      "name": "textarea",
      "label": "Text Area",
      "valueType": "string"
    }
  ]
}
Screenshot
Screenshot of textarea component type
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