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Accessing and Downloading Objects

Learn how to access and download objects from your S3-compatible storage buckets on KloudBean. Once you have uploaded objects, you can easily access and view them through the web dashboard.

Overview​

If you have uploaded objects, you can access them and view them directly from the KloudBean dashboard. The dashboard provides a simple interface to browse objects, view their details, and access them via URLs for viewing or downloading.

Prerequisites​

  • An existing S3 bucket with uploaded objects
  • Access to the bucket through KloudBean dashboard
  • Appropriate permissions to view objects

Accessing Objects​

Step 1: Navigate to Objects​

Navigate to "Object Storage Administration" → "Objects".

Objects Tab

Step 2: View Object List​

On this tab, you will see all the objects in the bucket. Click on the object to view it.

Object List

Step 3: View Object Details​

Once you click on an object, a prompt will open with the following information:

  • Preview: Preview of that object (if supported by file type)
  • Name: Object/file name
  • Size: File size
  • Modified Date: Last modification date
  • Type: File type/content type
  • Object URL: Direct URL to access the object

Object Details

Understanding Object URLs​

Public Bucket URLs​

If the bucket is public, the Object URL will be a public URL. This means:

  • Permanent Access: The URL does not expire
  • Public Access: Anyone with the URL can access the object
  • Direct Link: Can be shared and used directly
  • Format: Typically follows the pattern https://your-bucket-domain.kloudbean.com/object-path

Private Bucket URLs (Temporary)​

If the bucket is not public, then a temporary URL will be given. This means:

  • Temporary Access: The URL will expire in the next 30 minutes
  • Secure Access: Only accessible during the validity period
  • Time-Limited: After expiration, a new URL must be generated
  • Use Case: For secure, time-limited access to private objects

Using Object URLs​

Accessing Objects via URL​

You can copy the Object URL and paste it in your browser to access it. From there, you can also easily download it:

  1. Copy URL: Click on the Object URL or copy it from the object details
  2. Paste in Browser: Paste the URL in your browser's address bar
  3. View Object: The browser will display or download the object
  4. Download: If the browser displays the object, you can use the browser's download option (right-click → Save As, or browser download button)

Downloading Objects​

Method 1: Direct Download from URL​

  1. Copy Object URL: Copy the URL from object details
  2. Open in Browser: Paste URL in browser
  3. Download: Use browser's download functionality
  4. Save File: Save the file to your desired location

Method 2: Download from Dashboard​

  1. View Object Details: Click on object to view details
  2. Download Button: Look for download button (if available)
  3. Save File: Save the file to your computer

Object Preview​

Supported File Types​

The preview feature supports various file types:

  • Images: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, etc.
  • Documents: PDF (may show preview or download option)
  • Text Files: Plain text files
  • Videos: Some video formats may show preview
  • Other Types: May show file information or download option

Preview Limitations​

  • File Size: Very large files may not show preview
  • Browser Support: Preview depends on browser capabilities
  • File Type: Not all file types support preview
  • Private Objects: Preview may be limited for private objects

Best Practices​

Accessing Objects​

  • Use Public URLs: For public content, use permanent public URLs
  • Temporary URLs: For private content, use temporary URLs and regenerate when needed
  • Bookmark URLs: For frequently accessed public objects, bookmark the URLs
  • Share URLs: Share public URLs with team members or clients as needed

Downloading Objects​

  • Check File Size: Be aware of file sizes before downloading
  • Network Connection: Ensure stable connection for large files
  • Verify Downloads: Verify downloaded files are complete
  • Organize Downloads: Organize downloaded files appropriately

Security Considerations​

  • Private Objects: Keep private object URLs secure and don't share them
  • URL Expiration: Be aware of temporary URL expiration times
  • Access Control: Use appropriate bucket and object permissions
  • Monitor Access: Monitor access to sensitive objects

Troubleshooting​

Cannot View Object​

  • Check Permissions: Verify you have permission to view the object
  • Bucket Access: Ensure bucket is accessible (public or you have access)
  • Object Exists: Verify the object exists in the bucket
  • Refresh Page: Try refreshing the page

URL Not Working​

  • Public Bucket: If bucket is public, URL should work permanently
  • Private Bucket: If bucket is private, check if URL has expired (regenerate if needed)
  • URL Format: Verify the URL is copied correctly
  • Browser Issues: Try a different browser or clear cache

Temporary URL Expired​

  • Regenerate URL: Click on the object again to get a new temporary URL
  • 30-Minute Limit: Remember that temporary URLs expire after 30 minutes
  • Plan Access: Plan your access within the 30-minute window
  • Use API: For programmatic access, use API keys for persistent access

Cannot Download Object​

  • Check Permissions: Verify download permissions
  • Browser Settings: Check browser download settings
  • File Size: Very large files may require different download methods
  • Network Issues: Check network connectivity

Preview Not Showing​

  • File Type: Not all file types support preview
  • Browser Support: Check if your browser supports the file type
  • File Size: Very large files may not show preview
  • Use Download: If preview doesn't work, use the download option

Understanding Access Types​

Public Access​

When a bucket is public:

  • Permanent URLs: Object URLs are permanent and don't expire
  • No Authentication: No authentication required to access
  • Shareable: URLs can be shared publicly
  • CDN Access: Objects are accessible via CDN

Private Access​

When a bucket is private:

  • Temporary URLs: Object URLs expire after 30 minutes
  • Secure Access: Access is time-limited for security
  • Regeneration: Need to regenerate URLs when they expire
  • Authentication: May require authentication for API access

Next Steps​