How to use AEM Assets in Document Authoring

This demo covers configuring and using AEM Assets integration in Document Authoring (DA), so authors can browse, select, and insert images from AEM as a Cloud Service directly into their documents.

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Configure AEM Assets (admins)

Admins must add the AEM integration in DA Site Config before authors can use the asset picker.

  1. Open DA Site Config for your org

  2. Add aem.repositoryId with your AEM hostname:

    • author-pxxxx-eyyyy.adobeaemcloud.com — browse from author by folder; users see the full folder tree. Use when you need hierarchy.
    • delivery-pxxxx-eyyyy.adobeaemcloud.com — browse from Dynamic Media; no folders, but DM URLs. Use for DM-only or with aem.asset.dm.delivery to browse author + DM delivery.

  3. Save (Paper plane icon)

For full setup, prerequisites (including Cloud Manager config and propagation), optional settings (renditions, Smart Crop, Dynamic Media), and troubleshooting, see Setup AEM Assets.

https://main--demo--scdemos.aem.live/demo-docs/media/how-to-configure-aem-assets.mp4
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DA supports two ways to insert images from AEM Assets. Configure aem.assets.image.type | link in Site Config to use links; omit it for the default embed behavior.

Approach
How it works
Best for
Embed (default)
Image is copied into the document and delivered via Media Bus. Same-origin, simple CDN setup.
Assets that rarely change; same-origin delivery; you preview and verify changes before publishing.
Link
Image stays as a URL reference to the DAM. Changes in AEM appear on the site without republishing. Note: Images are served from the DAM domain; without CDN routing to same-origin, this can impact performance. Your CDN must be configured to route DAM URLs for optimal delivery.
Frequently updated assets (hero banners, promos); swap images in AEM and see updates live.

For detailed delivery options, CDN considerations, and Dynamic Media usage, see Media Assets.

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Use AEM Assets (authors)

Once configured, authors open AEM Assets via DA Sidekick > Library > AEM Assets. Click it to open the asset modal, browse folders, select an asset, and insert it into the document. Assets must be published in AEM for DA and Edge Delivery to deliver them.

For more on how media (images, videos) are delivered via Media Bus and DAM integration approaches, see Media Assets.

https://main--demo--scdemos.aem.live/demo-docs/media/how-to-use-aem-assets.mp4
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