---
title: "Drupal config vs Site Studio packages"
date: "2022-04-05T14:45:25+00:00"
summary: "Discover why Site Studio packages are essential for managing Drupal configuration. Learn the key differences and benefits over core config management for seamless template and component handling."
image:
type: "page"
url: "/drupal-starter-kits/add-ons/site-studio/drupal-config-vs-site-studio-packages"
id: "31ced878-deae-42aa-a085-6fab84eaab69"
---

Important

You must use the Site Studio packages to manage your Site Studio configuration instead of the Drupal core configuration management system.

Site Studio leverages Drupal configuration entities for all templates, components and styles that are created using the low-code interface. As such the package export and import process utilises the Drupal core configuration management workflow at it's core, however, it is important to note that the two are not interchangeable and Site Studio's packaging system should be used due to the additional functionality it provides as highlighted below.

When using Site Studio package management alongside Drupal core configuration management the [Config Ignore and Config Split](/drupal-starter-kits/add-ons/site-studio/setup-config-ignore-and-config-split "Setup Config Ignore and Config Split") modules should also be configured.

**Import and export feature comparison:**

Drupal config

Site Studio packages

Exports configuration entities

Exports configuration entities

Imports configuration entities

Export file entity dependencies and metadata

Ignores missing file entity dependencies

Imports configuration entities

Performs Drupal validation

Imports file entity dependencies

 

Performs Drupal validation

 

Performs Site Studio validation

 

Performs Site Studio data integrity checks (optional in v6.8+)

 

Handles Site Studio entity rebuilds

Important

If Site Studio packages are not used for managing Site Studio configuration, alternative means of synchronising file entities and triggering rebuilds will need to be implemented in order for your Templates, Layouts and Styles to work as expected. Such alternative solutions may result in poor performance and unexpected behaviour.