Use-cases for using Templates vs Live Copy?

[CaesarWo]

Hoping someone can help me to understand the scenarios when and why I would choose to use editable Templates instead of Live Copy (Blueprints) on a site? Seems both allow you to define some page layout/content that is inherited by implementing pages, and any changes to the source (template or blueprint) results in the page being dynamically updated to reflect the changes.

I'm aware Live Copy does have the ability to break inheritance, but is that all?

[arunpatidar · Accepted solution]

Hi @CaesarWo 

AEM (Adobe Experience Manager) Templates and Live Copy are distinct features with different purposes in AEM's content management system. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

1. AEM Templates

Templates are used to define the structure and layout of a page in AEM. They act as a blueprint for creating pages.

Key Characteristics:

• Purpose: Templates are used to control the look and feel of pages and define allowed components, layouts, and configurations.
• Creation: Developers typically create templates using editable or static approaches.
  • Editable Templates: Allow authors to modify structure and policies via the template editor.
  • Static Templates: Hardcoded templates that require developer intervention to update.
• Usage: Authors use templates to create new pages or content. For instance, a homepage template might have a hero banner, navigation, and footer predefined.
• Customization: Templates do not inherit content but control the base structure for pages.

Example Use Case:

• A "Product Page" template might include placeholders for a product image, description, and reviews. Authors can create individual product pages from this template.

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2. AEM Live Copy

Live Copy is used for content duplication/replication and synchronization across different pages or sites. It allows you to reuse content while maintaining a relationship with the source.

Key Characteristics:

• Purpose: Facilitates content replication and localization while maintaining updates from the source content.
• Creation: Created from a source page or site using the Blueprint feature.
• Inheritance: Content in a Live Copy inherits from the source page. Changes in the source can be synchronized to Live Copies, though authors can break inheritance for specific elements.
• Customization: Live Copies allow flexibility to localize content while maintaining the option to pull updates from the original source.

Example Use Case:

• A company with global sites might create a source page in English and use Live Copy to create versions for regional sites in different languages. Updates to the source content can propagate to the regional pages, maintaining consistency.

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Key Differences

Aspect	AEM Templates	AEM Live Copy
Purpose	Define page structure and layout	Reuse and synchronize content across pages or sites
Creation Context	Used during page creation	Created from existing pages/sites (source)
Inheritance	No inheritance of content; defines structure	Inherits content from the source, with optional synchronization
Editable by Authors	Modifiable via template editor (editable templates)	Content can be localized or modified while maintaining links to source
Primary Use	Control design and allowed components	Content reuse, localization, and synchronization

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When to Use Which?

• Templates: Use when you want to define how a page looks and behaves. Templates are ideal for establishing consistent layouts and branding.
• Live Copy: Use when you need to replicate existing content across multiple locations while maintaining the ability to update content centrally.

By understanding their roles, you can leverage templates for consistency in structure and Live Copy for effective content distribution and management.

[Dipti_Chauhan]

Hi

They both serve different purposes and have distinct use cases.

Editable Template's focus is primarily about defining the structure and components of a page. You will use this when you want to build pages from reusable components that can be easily customized and you also need fine-grained control over the structure and behavior of individual pages.

Live Copy's primarily about creating and managing multiple versions of the same content for different regions, languages, or countries. Main use cases for this are :

• Multi-Site Management: Creating and managing multiple versions of a website for different markets or regions.
• Language Variations: Creating localized versions of content for different languages.

[EstebanBustamante]

Hi, 

No, your understanding is incorrect. These features can’t be directly compared, as they serve different purposes. You can learn more by reviewing the official documentation:

Templates: https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-manager-65/content/implementing/developing/pla...

LiveCopies: https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-manager-cloud-service/content/sites/administer... 

Hope this helps

[SreenivasBr]

Both are different features which serve different purpose. One cannot be used in place of other. Editable templates are used for creating a layout which contains components which are locked and unlocked for editing. It is used to create a page. A live copy is usually used for creating a MSM setup when there is a need to create multiple locales or type of sites based on a master content copy.

In short, editable templates are used to create different layouts or types of pages where as live copy is used to create a copy of a page which can be synced.