How to Open an AEM Project in Brackets

Brackets is an open-source, lightweight, and powerful code editor, optimized for web development. It’s often used alongside Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), a comprehensive content management solution for building websites and all of their associated applications. This guide will walk you through the process of opening an AEM project in Brackets.

Key Takeaways

• Brackets is a popular code editor used in web development, including with AEM projects.
• Adobe provides an extension for Brackets, known as the “AEM Brackets Extension”, that connects the Brackets editor directly to an AEM instance.
• Opening an AEM project in Brackets involves installing the AEM Brackets Extension, setting up a project in AEM, and then opening that project in Brackets.
• The process is generally straightforward, but it’s important to carefully follow all the steps to ensure a successful setup.

Gaining Familiarity with the AEM Brackets Extension

The AEM Brackets Extension is a tool provided by Adobe that connects the Brackets editor directly to an AEM instance. This allows for a smooth working experience, enabling developers to edit AEM projects directly in Brackets and see their changes reflected in real-time in the AEM instance.

Benefits of the AEM Brackets Extension

The AEM Brackets Extension offers several benefits:

• Real-time synchronization between Brackets and AEM.
• Easy access to AEM component files.
• Automatic creation of AEM component dialogues.
• Support for Sightly, the HTML templating language of AEM.

Installing the AEM Brackets Extension

Before you can open an AEM project in Brackets, you need to install the AEM Brackets Extension. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download Brackets: If you haven’t already, download and install Brackets from the official website.
2. Open Brackets: Launch the Brackets application.
3. Open the Extension Manager: In Brackets, go to File > Extension Manager to open the Extension Manager.
4. Search for the AEM Brackets Extension: In the Extension Manager, search for “AEM Brackets Extension”.
5. Install the Extension: Click the Install button next to the AEM Brackets Extension to install it.

Setting Up an AEM Project

Before you can open an AEM project in Brackets, you need to have a project set up in AEM. This involves creating a new project or selecting an existing one in AEM.

1. Open AEM: Launch AEM and log in.
2. Create or Select a Project: In AEM, create a new project or select an existing one that you want to open in Brackets.

Opening the AEM Project in Brackets

Once you have the AEM Brackets Extension installed and your AEM project set up, you can open the project in Brackets.

1. Open Brackets: Launch Brackets if it’s not already open.
2. Open the Project: In Brackets, go to File > Open Folder and navigate to your AEM project’s folder. Select the folder and click Open.

Verifying the AEM Brackets Extension Setup

After opening your AEM project in Brackets, it’s a good idea to verify that the AEM Brackets Extension is working properly.

1. Check for Real-Time Synchronization: Make a small change in a file, save it, and verify that the change is reflected in your AEM instance.
2. Check for AEM Component Access: Try to access the files of an AEM component and ensure they open correctly.

Working with AEM Projects in Brackets

Once you’ve opened an AEM project in Brackets, you can start working on the project. Use the powerful features of Brackets, along with the real-time synchronization provided by the AEM Brackets Extension, to streamline your AEM development process.

Conclusion

Opening an AEM project in Brackets, aided by the AEM Brackets Extension, offers a seamless development experience for web developers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up your AEM project in Brackets and enjoy the benefits of real-time synchronization and easy access to AEM components.