Bringing Drupal AI into your DNA: Installing the AI module & basic features

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we create and manage digital content. Building on the first session of the Drupal AI webinar series, this hands-on technical workshop showed participants how to take the next step: installing the AI module and using its core features to bring AI into their Drupal sites.

The session was designed for developers, site builders, and anyone keen to understand the technical foundations of AI in Drupal. Participants were guided through the practical steps needed to move from zero to an AI-powered site in a single, comprehensive workshop.

The first part of the session focused on the fundamentals. Attendees learned how to install the AI module locally, connect it to third-party AI providers, and configure “Operation Types” and their defaults. A key highlight was the setup of a local AI model using Ollama, giving participants full control over their AI infrastructure. This approach ensures flexibility and security, while allowing teams to experiment and innovate safely.

The second half explored the core modules that can transform a site’s content strategy. CKEditor Assistants were demonstrated, showing how AI can provide intelligent editing support, improve efficiency, and enhance content quality. Automators were introduced as a tool for streamlining workflows, enabling sites to perform routine tasks automatically and freeing up teams to focus on creativity and strategy. Each feature was presented with real-world examples, making the learning immediately applicable.

This session was an ideal follow-up to the earlier ecosystem overview, moving from theory to practice. By the end of the workshop, participants had a fully functional AI-enabled Drupal installation and the knowledge to customise it for their own needs. The emphasis throughout was on active participation: coding, configuring, and exploring how AI can be embedded into daily workflows.

The overarching message was clear: to truly integrate AI into Drupal, organisations and individuals must engage directly with the technology. By installing the module, experimenting with its features, and contributing to the ecosystem, developers and site builders alike can bring AI into the very DNA of their projects.

This practical, skills-focused session reflects the European commitment to building open, sustainable, and transparent digital infrastructures. It empowers participants to develop AI capabilities in a responsible and inclusive way, ensuring that innovation remains accessible and beneficial to all.

In short, the workshop was not just about using AI — it was about understanding it, shaping it, and making it an integral part of how Drupal sites are built and managed. For those ready to code, configure, and create, the path to intelligent Drupal sites has never been clearer.