---
title: Customize the AM <code>.war</code> file
description: Add custom classes and extension points to the PingAM .war file before deployment
component: pingam
version: 8
page_id: pingam:installation:customize-openam
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingam/8.1/installation/customize-openam.html
llms_txt: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingam/llms.txt
docs_for_agents: https://developer.pingidentity.com/build-with-ai/docs-for-agents.md
revdate: 2026-06-01T14:34:20Z
keywords: ["Customization", "Install", "Deployment"]
page_aliases: ["install-guide:customize-openam.adoc"]
superseded_by: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingam/8.1/installation/customize-openam.html
---

# Customize the AM `.war` file

For basic AM installations you don't need to customize the AM `.war` file before deploying it. If you need to customize any AM extension points, add the new classes to the `.war` file before deploying it.

|   |                                                                                                                               |
| - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|   | Find information about customizing the secure cookie filter in [Secure cookie filter](../security/secure-cookie-filter.html). |

You can also [customize the AM user pages](../ui-customization/preface.html) and package them into the `.war` file.

Learn more about customizing the `.war` file in [Customize before upgrading](../upgrade/upgrade-planning.html#pre-upgrade-customization).