A quick introduction to Sitecore Content Hub Digital Apps Connector

One of the biggest challenges that we hear from Sitecore Content Hub customers and DAM users today is not being able to easily connect to the creative tools and apps that they use in their day to day when producing digital assets and content for their marketing campaigns. 

In this brief walkthrough, Petar Mitev explains how the Content Hub Digital Apps connector aims to solve these challenges and provide a pleasant and efficient in-app experience to creative professionals working within their creative apps and Sitecore Content Hub.

Common Challenges for DAM Users

Creative professionals often face several issues when using DAM systems:

1. Multiple Copies and Scattered Assets:
   • Downloading assets locally leads to multiple copies, which scatters digital assets and breaks the single source of truth principle.
2. Metadata and Version Control:
   • Storing assets locally results in loss of metadata, exploration, permissions, and version control.
3. Complex Search Processes:
   • Searching for assets from within creative apps is difficult because the DAM system is not directly accessible, requiring users to switch between multiple applications.
4. Updating and Replacing Assets:
   • Manually updating or replacing edited assets in the source system is cumbersome and inefficient.

The Solution: Content Hub Digital Apps Connector

The Content Hub Digital Apps Connector provides real-time access to your Sitecore DAM digital asset repository within your favorite creative applications, solving the challenges mentioned above. Here’s how it can benefit you:

1. Seamless Integration:
   • Easily connect your DAM, PIM, CMS, or stock image providers directly within creative apps.
2. Unified Workflow:
   • Work with Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Figma, Sketch, and WordPress.
3. Enhanced Capabilities:
   • The Connector supports DAM search, filter, versioning, and renditions. You can drag and drop images and metadata, upload new assets, and access work-in-progress folders.

Installing the Connector

Here's how to quickly register, install, and connect the Digital Apps Connector to your Sitecore Content Hub environment:

1. Register with CI HUB:
   • Go to the CI HUB user registration portal.
   • Fill in your details and submit them.
2. Install the Connector:
   • Follow the step-by-step guide on the CI HUB welcome page.
   • From the Adobe Exchange portal, find the CI HUB Connector and install it into your Adobe products, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
3. Connect to Sitecore DAM:
   • Open Adobe InDesign (or any other supported app).
   • Go to Extensions and select CI HUB.
   • In the CI HUB panel, click on "Add New Connection."
   • If Sitecore is not listed, click "Show All" and enable it.
   • Click on the Sitecore connection and log in with your Sitecore credentials.
   • Enter your Sitecore DAM instance URL and authorize the connector.
4. Browse and Use Assets:
   • Once connected, you can browse through your Sitecore assets directly within your creative app.

Conclusion

By using the Content Hub Digital Apps Connector, you can streamline your creative process, maintain consistent metadata and version control, and ensure efficient asset management directly within your favorite creative applications. Happy creating!

Learn more about the CI HUB – Sitecore Asset Connector and easily connect assets stored within Sitecore Content Hub DAM to native creative apps, empowering you to work smarter and deliver faster!