AEM Sites: Creating an Archive process for deletion after a set period of time. (Content Author) | Community
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DianneE
Level 2
June 30, 2025
Solved

AEM Sites: Creating an Archive process for deletion after a set period of time. (Content Author)

  • June 30, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 460 views

Hi, I'm currently looking for resources on setting up a structure in AEM sites to have old content (pages or sites) be removed from sites.

 

However, I like to do this in a 30/60/90 day process. On any of these marker dates we can then remove for good.

 

I'm looking for ways to safely archieve content whether it be AEM PROD pages or Assets, but if pages were mistakenly deleted or archieved we can bring them back either with a restore or from the archieve folder. 

 

I see when an author and we go to delete pages do get the prompt to archieve pages. I would like to use this feature in AEM but need guidence on how to do so or provide access to the archieve portion of AEM. 

 

I like to reduce the risk of unmistakenly delete content. So, I like to use the AEM Plateform to try and safegaurd or place a check in goverance on page removals. 

 

  • I'm open to suggestions if you feel a workflow to move pages that need to deleted after a set period of time,
  • Or a folder structure to place pages, sites, and assets into to remove safely. Archieve and then once safe to remove we can fully delete, by doing this action I'm looking at forcing pages that are delete to move to an archieve folder for approvals, then removed once all risk is measured and reviewed.

 

Best answer by Ekhlaque

@diannee You can build a workflow  "Move to Archive," "Pending Deletion," which:

  • Moves page(s) or asset(s) to a dedicated archive folder or section.
  • Sets a timed workflow using workflow launchers or workflow steps to escalate their status 30/60/90 days.
  • Notifies stewards/approvers at each interval.
  • At the final stage, the page is purged/deleted.

You can also restrict who can delete or purge content, and who can access the archive. This is set via permissions on /var/restore or custom archive structures.

1 reply

Ekhlaque
Adobe Employee
EkhlaqueAdobe EmployeeAccepted solution
Adobe Employee
July 1, 2025

@diannee You can build a workflow  "Move to Archive," "Pending Deletion," which:

  • Moves page(s) or asset(s) to a dedicated archive folder or section.
  • Sets a timed workflow using workflow launchers or workflow steps to escalate their status 30/60/90 days.
  • Notifies stewards/approvers at each interval.
  • At the final stage, the page is purged/deleted.

You can also restrict who can delete or purge content, and who can access the archive. This is set via permissions on /var/restore or custom archive structures.

DianneE
DianneEAuthor
Level 2
July 8, 2025

Thank you, @ekhlaque, I will set up as a discovery and let you know if I have any additional questions or if I need additional guidance. 

New Member
November 5, 2025

Hi Dianne, 

 

Do you have an example of the workflow you built for this? I am looking to do something similar as well! How is working so far?