How to Safely Refactor Components in SitecoreAI/XMCloud with the Component Toolkit

Introduction

Moving components across Helix modules in Sitecore (especially SXA Headless / XM Cloud setups) is not as simple as dragging a rendering from one folder to another. When you clone or misplace a component, multiple dependent artifacts get created across the Sitecore tree. Manually fixing this is risky and time-consuming.

That’s why I built SitecoreAI Component Toolkit — an automated Helix-aware refactor utility.

GitHub Repository: Sitecore-Component-Toolkit

The Real-World Scenario

Let’s use a clean example.

You have two Feature modules:

• Feature/Test A
• Feature/Test B

Inside them:

• Test A → contains component Promo A
• Test B → contains component Promo B

Now imagine:

You accidentally cloned Promo B under Feature/Test B, 
but it actually belongs in Feature/Test A.

Moving only the rendering is NOT enough.

You must also move:

• Datasource Template
• Folder Template
• Rendering Parameters
• Branch Templates
• Default Variant Branch
• SXA Headless Settings
• Available Renderings references
• Content-level Available Renderings
• Rebind Datasource Template

Miss one step → broken component. 

The Solution Component Toolkit

The toolkit adds a right-click command:

Move / Refactor Component

It analyzes the selected Json Rendering and safely moves everything related to it. 

Installation (With Visual Guide)

Step 1 : Install the Package

Go to:

/sitecore/admin/PackageInstaller.aspx

You will see the install screen:

Upload:

SitecoreAI.ComponentToolkit.1.0.0.zip

Click Install. 
 

Step 2 : Locate a Rendering

Navigate to:

/sitecore/layout/Renderings/Feature/Test B/Promo B

Right-click the rendering.

You will see: 

Select:

Move / Refactor Component 

Step 3 : Select Target Module

You will be prompted to choose the destination module.

In this example:

Move from:  Feature/Test B

To:  Feature/Test A 

Step 4 : Select Artifacts to Move

The tool intelligently detects everything related to Promo B.

You will see a structured checklist like:

• Move Template: Promo B
• Move Folder Template: Promo B Folder
• Move Rendering Parameters
• Move Setting: Add Promo B Data Item
• Move Rendering Variant
• Move Rendering: Promo B 

Click OK. 

Step 5 : Success Confirmation

You will see:

Layer refactor completed successfully. 

Step 6 : Verify Structure

Now under:

/sitecore/layout/Renderings/Feature/Test A

You will see:

• Promo A
• Promo B

The entire component structure has been moved safely. 

What the Toolkit Automatically Handles

When moving Promo B from Test B → Test A, it:

✔ Moves

• Datasource Template
• Folder Template
• Rendering Parameters Template
• Branch Template
• Default Variant Branch
• SXA Headless “Add Data Item”
• Rendering Variant
• Json Rendering
• image.png

✔ Updates References

• Rebinds Datasource Template field
• Removes Available Renderings reference from Test B
• Adds Available Renderings reference to Test A
• Updates content-level Available Renderings
• Prevents duplicate multilist entries

Why This Matters

In enterprise Helix solutions:

• Components get cloned frequently
• Modules evolve
• Structure drifts
• Architecture breaks silently

Manual refactoring is dangerous.

This tool ensures:

• Structural integrity
• SXA stability
• Helix compliance
• Safe forward and backward moves 

Supported Architecture

Designed for:

• Sitecore 10.2+
• SitecoreAI / XM Cloud
• SXA Headless
• Helix-based solutions
• Sitecore PowerShell Extensions 6.4+ 

GitHub Repository

👉 https://github.com/dhruvil9033/sitecoreai-component-toolkit

If this helps you:

• ⭐ Star the repository
• Share with the Sitecore community
• Contribute improvements 

Dhruvil Gajera || Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer – SitecoreAI & XM Cloud

Dhruvil is a Sitecore professional with 4+ years of experience specializing in SitecoreAI, XM Cloud, Sitecore XP, and SXA. He builds scalable, headless, and AI-enabled digital experience platforms using .NET, Next.js, and modern DevOps practices.

With hands-on expertise in multisite architecture, component-driven development, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments, Dhruvil focuses on delivering high-performance, enterprise-ready CMS solutions aligned with composable DXP strategies.