# Object Storage

Source: https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-us/cloud-servers-object-storage

Object Storage is S3-compatible storage for files, backups and media. You reserve space in the location you choose, create buckets, get access keys, and connect any S3 tool or app. You pay for the space, never for downloads, and you can order it without a server.

## What It Costs

You choose a fixed amount of space and a term: **Monthly**, **12 Months** or **24 Months**. Each size shows its monthly price before you order. See the price on the server's page or on our [pricing page](https://kapsulehost.com/en-us/pricing).

If you use more than the space you bought, the extra is billed monthly at the same per-GB rate. We email you when you reach 80% and again at 100% of the size you bought. There is no charge for downloads (no egress fee).

## Order Object Storage

1. Sign in to [KPanel](https://kpanel.kapsulehost.com).
2. In the sidebar, click **Object Storage**.
3. Under **Get Object Storage**, choose the **Space**, the **Location** and the **Term**. The available locations are shown when you order.
4. Click **Add to Cart**, then pay at checkout.

Your plan shows **Setting Up** for a short while, then **Active**. Buckets and keys appear when it is ready.

Only a member who can manage billing can order object storage. If you do not see **Object Storage** in the sidebar, it is not offered on your account yet.

## Create a Bucket

1. Type a **Bucket Name**: 3 to 63 lowercase letters, numbers, dots and hyphens, starting and ending with a letter or number.
2. Click **Create Bucket**.

Bucket names are shared across everyone, so a popular name may be taken. If it is, KPanel says "That bucket name is taken. Choose another name."

## Your Access Keys

Your S3 access keys are on the **Access Keys** panel in KPanel: an **Access Key ID** and a **Secret Key**.

> **Warning:** The secret key is shown only once. Copy it straight away and keep it somewhere safe. We never store or email the secret key.

If you lose the secret key, click **Regenerate Keys** to make a new pair.

## Connect a Tool

Under **Connection Details**, KPanel shows the **Endpoint** and **Region**, with **Path-Style Addressing** on. Enter these in your tool with your access key.

Under **Example Settings**, click **Copy** for ready-made settings for the AWS command line or rclone. Replace `YOUR_ACCESS_KEY_ID` and `YOUR_SECRET_KEY` with your own key.

## Usage

The **Usage** card shows how much of your space is used and when the period ends. You pay for the space you reserve. If you store more than that, the extra is charged monthly at the same per-GB rate. Downloads are free. We email you when you reach 80% and again at 100% of the size you bought.

## Regenerate Your Keys

Click **Regenerate Keys** on the **Access Keys** panel. You get a new key pair, and the old pair stops working at once. Copy the new secret key straight away, because it is shown only once, then update every tool that used the old pair.

## Delete a Bucket

A bucket with files in it cannot be deleted. Empty it with your own tool first.

1. Click **Delete** next to the bucket.
2. Type the bucket name, then click **Delete Bucket** and confirm it is you.

## Cancel Object Storage

1. Delete every bucket. KPanel says "Delete every bucket first, then you can cancel." until you do.
2. Click **Cancel Object Storage** and read the date.
3. Click **Yes, Cancel** and confirm it is you. Click **Keep It** to change your mind.

Your storage and everything in it is deleted on the date shown, at the end of your paid term. For refunds, see [Cancelling a Server and Refunds](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-us/cloud-servers-cancel-refunds).

## Object Storage or a Volume?

- **Object Storage** suits files your apps read and write over the internet, such as uploads, media and backups. Any S3 tool can reach it, from any server.
- A **[Block Volume](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-us/cloud-servers-storage)** is a disk attached to one server. It suits databases and programs that need a normal file system.

## Troubleshooting

**"This bucket still has files in it. Empty it, then delete it."** Delete the files with your S3 tool, then delete the bucket.

**My plan shows Needs Attention.** "Our team is on it. You don't need to do anything."

**My tool cannot connect.** Check the endpoint and region, turn on path-style addressing, and check you are using your newest key pair. After **Regenerate Keys**, the old pair stops working.

## Related Articles

- [Block Volumes](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-us/cloud-servers-storage)
- [Getting Started with Storage Servers](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-us/storage-servers-overview)
- [Managed Backups](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-us/cloud-servers-managed-backups)
- [Server Billing and Terms](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-us/cloud-servers-pricing-gst)
- [Cancelling a Server and Refunds](https://support.kapsulehost.com/en-us/cloud-servers-cancel-refunds)