What is Pimcore? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Managing content, data, and digital assets across different systems can be frustrating. Many businesses end up using separate tools for websites, product catalogs, customer data, and media files, often leading to confusion, duplicate work, and inconsistent information.

That’s where Pimcore comes in.

If you’re wondering what is Pimcore, this guide will help you understand everything from the basics to more advanced use cases. Whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, exploring Pim Development Services, a developer, or part of an IT team, this blog will walk you through how Pimcore works, what it can do, and why so many companies are starting to use it.

We’ll also answer practical questions, such as how to install Pimcore, what code language Pimcore uses, and whether Pimcore is free for commercial use. Additionally, we’ll examine how it manages product and customer data, builds websites, handles media, and supports eCommerce.

This guide is written in simple language, so you don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along. If you’re new to Pimcore or looking to see if it’s the right fit for your business, you’re in the right place.

What is Pimcore and why should you care?

Pimcore is an open-source digital platform that helps businesses manage their data, content, and customer experiences in one place. It works as a central system where you can organise product information, digital assets like images and videos, web content, and customer data. Many companies use it to avoid juggling between different systems and tools.

To answer what is Pimcore, it’s best to describe it as a platform built to support content management, product information management, digital asset management, and eCommerce – all together. It’s not just for one purpose. It brings together everything a business might need to run its website, store product data, or deliver a digital experience.

The system is highly flexible. Whether you’re a developer or a marketing team member, Pimcore allows customisation and gives you full control over how things look and work. It also works well across different channels, like websites, mobile apps, and digital displays.

If you’re wondering is Pimcore free, yes, Pimcore offers a Community Edition that comes with all the core features without any license cost. This version is available under an open-source license, which means you can use it without paying anything, although you might need technical help to set it up and maintain it.

In short, Pimcore matters because it solves the problem of scattered digital operations. Everything is connected and managed in one place, helping teams save time and work more efficiently.

Who uses Pimcore and what can it do?

Pimcore is used by companies of all sizes — from small online stores to global enterprises. Businesses that deal with large amounts of data, product listings, or digital content often find Pimcore useful.

Retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, digital agencies, and even government websites use Pimcore. For example, a retail company may use Pimcore to handle thousands of products with their details, images, specifications, and stock information. A media agency may use it to store and organise huge volumes of images, videos, and documents.

The platform also works well for B2B and B2C businesses. You can build a customer-facing website and manage product feeds with Pimcore B2B Catalog Management from the same system.

Because it is built to manage both content and data, Pimcore can support:

• Company websites and landing pages
• Online stores (including multi-language and multi-currency support)
• Digital product catalogs
• Internal data dashboards
• Customer portals

One reason why people ask why use Pimcore is that it reduces the need to use separate tools for CMS, PIM, DAM, or CDP. Everything is built into one platform. This simplifies the workflow and saves money in the long term.

What are the main features of Pimcore?

Pimcore is packed with features. Some are technical, and some are for content teams. Here’s a breakdown of its most used features:

Product Information Management (PIM)

This is where you handle all your product-related information. You can create custom fields, group similar products, and manage large data sets without confusion.

Digital Asset Management (DAM)

You can upload, tag, and organise images, videos, PDFs, and more. Everything is stored in one place and linked to your products or pages.

Content Management System (CMS)

You can build and edit web pages easily using Pimcore’s content tools. Drag-and-drop layouts, scheduling, and multi-language support are built in.

Customer Data Platform (CDP)

Pimcore helps you collect and organise customer data. You can use it to create user profiles, store preferences, and personalise experiences.

eCommerce Framework

You can build your own online store using Pimcore. It doesn’t lock you into fixed templates like many eCommerce platforms do. It gives you freedom to create your own shopping experiences.

Web-to-Print

You can design print-ready product catalogues directly from the system. This is useful for businesses that still use physical brochures or product lists.

Multi-Channel Publishing

Once your content and product data are ready, you can send it to websites, apps, and other channels without rework.With so many tools in one place, Pimcore works as a digital foundation for businesses. When someone asks, What is Pimcore, this wide range of features is a big part of the answer.

How does Pimcore manage product and customer data?

Pimcore is known for its strong data management features. It lets businesses store, edit, and publish product and customer information in a central location. That means no more using spreadsheets or switching between software to find the right data.

For product data, you can set up detailed data models. These include basic details like product names and prices, and also advanced ones like specifications, weights, colors, or technical files. You can also manage relationships between products, such as bundles, variants, or categories.

For customer data, Pimcore allows you to store and structure data like names, emails, purchase history, preferences, and more. This is often connected with its Customer Data Platform (CDP) feature, which gives businesses a single view of the customer.

Because everything is structured, you can filter, sort, and update data easily. You can also export product data for different channels like Google Shopping, Amazon, or internal systems.

The platform supports bulk updates, versioning, and workflows. This helps teams manage approvals or changes across departments.

Many developers also look into what code language does Pimcore use, especially when working with this data. Pimcore is built on PHP and uses the Symfony framework, which makes it suitable for custom data workflows and API integration.

Managing large amounts of structured and unstructured data is what Pimcore does best. It helps keep product and customer data organised, reliable, and ready to use across channels.

Can you use Pimcore to manage content and websites?

Yes, Pimcore comes with a full content management system (CMS) that lets you manage websites, landing pages, blogs, and more — all from a single place.

You can build and edit pages easily, thanks to the drag-and-drop editor. You don’t need to write code to make changes. It works well for marketing teams, content editors, and business managers.

Here’s what you can do with Pimcore’s CMS:

• Create and update web pages using a visual editor
• Schedule content to publish or expire at specific times
• Manage multi-language websites
• Personalize pages based on user profiles or behavior
• Organize reusable content blocks to avoid repetition

Each page layout is built with structured data. This means you can use the same content across multiple sections of your site without copy-pasting. That also reduces errors and saves time.Another reason why use Pimcore is that the CMS connects directly with your product and customer data. With Data Governance with PIMcore, you don’t have to jump between systems to update content. One platform does it all.

What does Pimcore DAM help you with?

DAM stands for Digital Asset Management. Pimcore’s DAM module is built to handle all your digital files — from images and logos to documents, brochures, and videos.

You can upload assets once and use them across different areas — on your website, product pages, or catalogs. You won’t need to dig through folders or ask teammates where the latest version of a file is.

Key things you can do with Pimcore DAM:

• Upload and tag files for easy search
• Auto-generate thumbnails or resized versions
• Link files to products, categories, or web pages
• Organize assets in folders
• Set user permissions for who can view or edit files

Pimcore also supports versioning. You can roll back to older file versions or compare changes over time. This is especially helpful when working with large teams.The DAM module is one of the reasons teams ask why use Pimcore — it solves the mess of scattered, duplicate, or outdated media assets.

Can you build an eCommerce store with Pimcore?

Yes, Pimcore includes an eCommerce framework that gives you control over your store setup, product listings, customer data, and orders — all from the same backend.

Unlike boxed-in platforms that offer only limited templates, Pimcore is flexible. Developers can build custom storefronts, while the content and product teams handle daily updates without needing code.

Pimcore eCommerce lets you:

• Set up product listings with detailed specs
• Manage pricing, taxes, stock, and variants
• Handle different payment and shipping options
• Offer regional storefronts with local currency and language
• Run promotions or discounts by rules you define

Because the eCommerce features are tied directly to the PIM and CMS modules, everything stays in sync. When you update a product detail in the backend, it updates across your storefront automatically.If you’re asking is Pimcore free, the good news is that these core eCommerce features are included in the open-source Community Edition — no license fees. You only need to cover development or hosting costs, depending on your setup.

What code language does Pimcore use?

Pimcore is built using PHP, one of the most widely used programming languages for web development. Specifically, it’s based on the Symfony framework, which is known for being stable, flexible, and developer-friendly.

For developers or technical teams, here’s a quick overview of the Pimcore tech stack:

When teams search for what code language Pimcore uses, they usually want to know if it’s suitable for their in-house developers or agency. Since PHP is well-supported and Symfony follows modern coding standards, most teams find it easy to work with.Pimcore also allows integration with external APIs, so your developers can connect it with CRMs, ERPs, analytics tools, or payment systems — all using standard PHP-based methods.

How do user roles and permissions work in Pimcore?

Pimcore gives you full control over who can access what in the system. You can create different user roles for eCommerce Success With Pimcore and assign permissions to those roles. This keeps data secure and ensures that users only see what they need to.

Here’s how roles and permissions typically work:

• Admin users: Can access and control all parts of Pimcore
• Editors: Can create and update content, but may need approvals
• Product managers: Can handle PIM data like SKUs, prices, and specs
• Designers: Can upload and manage digital assets in the DAM
• Developers: Have access to system settings and code-related sections

You can set rules at both module level and object level — for example, allowing a user to edit a specific product category but not the whole catalog.This flexibility is helpful for teams with multiple departments. It reduces the chance of accidental edits or unauthorised changes. You also get activity logs, so you can see who made what changes and when.

Can Pimcore connect with other tools and platforms?

Yes, Pimcore is designed to work with other systems. You can connect it to tools you already use — like your CRM, ERP, analytics platform, email service, or online store.

The platform offers built-in support for:

• RESTful APIs

• GraphQL APIs

• Webhooks

• Custom integrations using PHP

These integrations allow you to sync product data, customer details, orders, inventory, and more between Pimcore and other platforms.

Common integrations include:

This is one of the reasons businesses often ask why use Pimcore — it doesn’t force you to switch tools. It fits into your existing tech stack and helps unify your data across systems.

How to install Pimcore step-by-step?

Getting started with Pimcore does require a bit of technical setup, but the process is straightforward for someone with basic server knowledge. There are two common ways to install Pimcore: using Composer (manual setup) or using Docker (container-based setup).

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to install Pimcore using Composer:

System Requirements:

• PHP 8.1 or higher
• MySQL or MariaDB
• Apache or Nginx web server
• Composer installed on your server
• CLI (Command Line Interface) access

Basic Installation Steps:

1. Open your terminal
2. Run this command:
   composer create-project pimcore/skeleton my-project
3. Move into your project directory:
   cd my-project
4. Set up environment variables and database config
5. Run the install command:
   ./vendor/bin/pimcore-install
6. Access the Pimcore admin panel via your browser at http://localhost/admin

This completes the basic setup. You can now log in and start configuring your content, data models, and user roles.The first mention of how to install Pimcore is usually around whether the system can be run on a self-hosted server. The answer is yes. Pimcore gives you full control over the environment, as long as your server meets the technical requirements.

What does the Pimcore dashboard look like?

The Pimcore dashboard is where everything starts. Once you log in, you’ll see a clean and simple interface that gives you access to all core modules.

The layout is split into sections so you can get to what you need quickly. Here’s what you’ll usually find:

Main Sections:

• Data Objects – where you manage products, customers, categories, etc.
• Documents – where you edit website pages and structured content
• Assets – where images, videos, and other files live
• Settings – manage users, permissions, languages, and more
• Reports – build custom dashboards with analytics or system data
• Marketing – tools for personalisation and targeting

On the left, there’s a navigation tree that shows folders and items for the section you’re in. The top bar gives you access to tools like search, recent edits, and the user menu.You can customize the layout by adding or removing widgets and adjusting views. It’s designed for both technical users and non-technical users. For Pimcore Omnichannel Success, the tools you use the most are right where you need them.This dashboard is one of the reasons people ask why use Pimcore — it gives teams a single place to manage all their digital operations.

How do data objects work in Pimcore?

Data objects are the backbone of how Pimcore stores and manages information. These are used for things like products, customers, categories, reviews, and more.

Each data object is based on a class — a template that defines what fields and values it should have. You can think of it like a form with custom fields that you design based on your business needs.

Example: A “Product” class might include:

• Name
• SKU
• Price
• Category
• Description
• Image
• Related products

You can create many classes like this, for different purposes. The best part is that Pimcore lets you define relationships between objects. A customer object can be linked to a product object to show past purchases. A product can be linked to a category or a group of accessories.You also get support for:

• Object bricks – reusable field groups for similar object types
• Field collections – sets of repeatable fields within an object
• Localized fields – for handling different languages

Developers often look into what code language does Pimcore use to build custom data models. Since Pimcore is built on PHP with Symfony, it supports scalable and structured development practices.The data object system is flexible and strong enough to support even the most complex business structures.

Is Pimcore free or does it cost money?

Yes, Pimcore is free — at least the core version. It’s called the Pimcore Community Edition, and it’s available under an open-source license (GPLv3). This version includes all the major features: PIM, DAM, CMS, CDP, and eCommerce framework.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in the free version:

So, when people ask is Pimcore free, the answer is yes — and it’s quite powerful even without a paid license.However, there’s also a Pimcore Enterprise Edition, which includes extra tools, SLA support, and advanced features like Datahub, experience portals, and extended scalability. This version is paid and targets large businesses that need more support and features.For most small to mid-sized teams, the Community Edition is more than enough to get started and grow.

What are the developer tools available in Pimcore?

Pimcore offers a solid range of developer tools for those who want to build custom features, integrate with other systems, or extend its capabilities.

If you’re a developer or working with one, here’s what you’ll find helpful:

Developer Features:

• Object-Oriented PHP Architecture – built on Symfony
• Command Line Tools – for installation, cache clearing, data import/export
• Webhooks and Events – for custom logic when data changes
• REST and GraphQL APIs – for integrations and headless setups
• Datahub (Enterprise) – connects Pimcore to third-party systems using feeds
• Bundle System – build reusable modules like plugins
• Debugging Tools – integrated logs and Symfony profiler

You can create custom classes, controllers, services, and templates — all using Symfony standards. Developers often check what is Pimcore for and get in Touch With Elsner to realize how flexible the backend really is compared to limited CMS platforms.

You also get full access to the source code. That means if something doesn’t work how you want, you can change it.

This makes Pimcore ideal for teams that want full control over their digital platform, not just something that “mostly works.”

Can you install Pimcore using Docker?

Yes, Pimcore can be installed using Docker, which is a good option if you want a clean, containerized setup. Docker helps developers and teams avoid compatibility issues by running Pimcore in a standard environment.

What you need:

• Docker is installed on your machine
• Docker Compose (for multi-container setup)
• Basic terminal access

Steps to install Pimcore with Docker:

1. Clone the Pimcore Docker skeleton from GitHub:
   git clone https://github.com/pimcore/skeleton

cd skeleton

1. Build and start the containers:
   docker-compose up -d
2. Run the install command inside the container:
   docker-compose exec php vendor/bin/pimcore-install
3. Open your browser and go to http://localhost/admin

This method is useful for teams working with version control, multiple environments, or remote development setups.Whether you’re setting up locally or on a cloud server, knowing how to install Pimcore using Docker gives you a reliable option to get started quickly.

What are some examples of Pimcore in action?

Pimcore is used by businesses in different industries. From retail to healthcare, and from manufacturing to government projects, its flexibility fits a wide range of needs.

Example Use Cases:

• Retailers use Pimcore to manage product catalogs, website content, and digital assets in one place.
• Distributors run complex B2B eCommerce operations with pricing rules, multi-warehouse setups, and customer groups.
• Manufacturers use it for technical product information, parts databases, and service documentation.
• Agencies use it to build client websites with full content and asset control.
• Tourism brands build multilingual websites with media-rich content powered by Pimcore CMS and DAM.

Some well-known brands using Pimcore include Intersport, T-Mobile, Audi, and IKEA. These companies choose Pimcore because of its ability to handle large datasets, multiple users, and complex digital processes.

People who ask what Pimcore development is often want to know if it’s capable of powering real businesses — the answer is yes, and it already does.

Why use Pimcore for your business?

There are plenty of digital tools out there, but many businesses choose Pimcore because it covers a wide set of needs in one platform.

Here’s why companies prefer Pimcore:

Business Benefits:

• No license fee for the core platform
• All-in-one system — manage content, assets, products, and users from one place
• Fewer tools needed, so teams stay aligned
• Better data quality, thanks to structured content and validation
• Customizable for any business model or workflow
• API-ready, so it fits well into your current tech stack

When looking at alternatives, some platforms offer only a CMS, or only a PIM. Pimcore brings all of that together in a flexible, scalable setup.For teams tired of juggling multiple systems or paying for separate tools, this is a big reason why use Pimcore becomes a serious consideration.

What are the benefits of using Pimcore as open-source?

Pimcore’s Community Edition is fully open-source. This means the source code is available to everyone and can be modified based on your business requirements.

Key open-source advantages:

• No license costs — start projects without high upfront fees
• Full control — change features, fix bugs, or add functionality
• Large developer community — get support, code samples, and extensions
• Security and transparency — see what’s in the code, no hidden parts
• No vendor lock-in — switch agencies or developers without being tied to a specific provider

If you’re asking is Pimcore free, open-source licensing is the reason why. It offers full features at no cost, allowing startups and enterprise teams alike to launch robust platforms without paying licensing fees.

Of course, open-source does not mean free from all costs — you may still pay for developers, servers, or design. But from a platform perspective, it gives you freedom and long-term flexibility.

What should you remember about Pimcore before starting?

Before you jump into Pimcore, here’s a quick summary of what you should keep in mind:

Key Takeaways:

• Pimcore is a digital platform that combines CMS, PIM, DAM, CDP, and eCommerce
• It helps centralize content, product data, media, and customer information
• The system is open-source, and yes, is Pimcore free to use for most businesses
• You’ll need some technical support for setup, but the flexibility is worth it
• It supports PHP and Symfony, in case you’re wondering what code language Pimcore uses
• Installation can be done via Composer or Docker, depending on your setup
• Pimcore is used by global brands for real-world, high-traffic applications
• Whether you’re managing 100 products or 100,000, it can scale to match your business

If you’re still unsure what is Pimcore, just think of it as the system that keeps your product data, digital content, and customer experiences consistent across all your digital channels.