> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.youware.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Storage

> Learn how to use the YouBase Storage module for file upload and download capabilities, including file management, multi-file downloads, and common use cases.

The storage list shows all files and folders stored in your project, organized by folders.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="File Upload" icon="upload">
    Store user-uploaded files in the cloud
  </Card>

  <Card title="File Download" icon="download">
    Download files individually or as ZIP bundles
  </Card>

  <Card title="Persistent Storage" icon="cloud">
    Files remain accessible across sessions and devices
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## File & Folder List

The storage list displays items in a table view with the following columns:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Name" icon="file">
    File or folder name
  </Card>

  <Card title="Size" icon="weight-hanging">
    File size (folders show `–`)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Type" icon="file-lines">
    File type/extension (folders show `–`)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Last Modified" icon="clock">
    Timestamp in user's local timezone (folders show `–`)
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  Clicking a folder opens its contents. All timestamps are displayed in the user's local timezone.
</Info>

***

## Downloading Files

You can download files directly from the storage list.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Files">
    Choose one or more files from the storage list by clicking on them.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Download">
    Click the Download button to start the download process.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Preparation">
    For multiple files, a loading state is shown during packaging.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download Starts">
    Downloads start automatically once preparation is complete.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Single File">
    <Card title="Single File Download" icon="file">
      Select one file and click Download.

      **Behavior:**

      * The file downloads directly
      * No additional packaging required
    </Card>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Multiple Files">
    <Card title="Multiple File or Folder Download" icon="file-zipper">
      Select multiple items (files or folders).

      **Behavior:**

      * Selected items are packaged into a ZIP file
      * A loading state is shown during preparation
      * Downloads start automatically once preparation is complete
    </Card>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  For large downloads with many files, the preparation step may take a few moments. The download will begin automatically once the ZIP is ready.
</Tip>

***

## Refreshing Storage

<Steps>
  <Step title="Locate Refresh Icon">
    Find the refresh icon at the top of the storage list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click to Refresh">
    Click the refresh icon to reload the file list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="View Latest State">
    The storage list updates to show the most recent files and folders.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Use refresh to see newly uploaded files or verify storage changes made by your application.
</Info>

***

## Storage Limitations

In YouBase, certain features are intentionally limited:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Upload & Download" icon="circle-check">
    File upload and download are **supported**
  </Card>

  <Card title="File Preview" icon="circle-xmark">
    File preview is **not supported**
  </Card>

  <Card title="File Deletion" icon="circle-xmark">
    File deletion is **not supported**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Agent Modification" icon="circle-xmark">
    Agents **cannot** directly modify storage contents
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  These limitations are intentional to reduce risk and complexity in early versions.
</Warning>

***

## When to Use Storage

Storage is recommended when your project needs:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="User Uploads" icon="upload">
    User-uploaded files (images, documents, attachments)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Generated Assets" icon="file-export">
    Generated assets or exports
  </Card>

  <Card title="Media & Documents" icon="photo-film">
    Media or documents associated with records
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-file Downloads" icon="file-zipper">
    Bundled downloads for offline work
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  If your project does not handle files, Storage can be ignored and enabled later when needed.
</Note>

***

# Common Use Cases

Below are common scenarios where **Storage** is useful.

Use these examples to decide whether your project needs file upload and download capabilities.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="1. User uploads (images, documents, attachments)" icon="image">
    **Scenario**

    Users need to upload files as part of your product experience.

    **Examples**

    * Profile photos / avatars
    * Resume or document uploads
    * Attachments submitted with forms

    **What Storage provides**

    * A safe place to store uploaded files
    * Download access when you need to retrieve files later
    * A reliable file layer for real user workflows
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="2. Generated files and AI outputs" icon="robot">
    **Scenario**

    Your project generates files that users should be able to download.

    **Examples**

    * AI-generated reports (PDFs)
    * Exported summaries or results
    * Generated images or documents

    **What Storage provides**

    * A place to store generated assets
    * Simple download flows (single file or ZIP)
    * A stable way to deliver outputs to users

    *(Often used together with Functions)*
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="3. Media or documents linked to database records" icon="database">
    **Scenario**

    Each item in your database should have related files.

    **Examples**

    * A product catalog where each product has images
    * A content library with attachments
    * A CRM where each customer record stores documents

    **What Storage provides**

    * File storage that can be associated with database records
    * A simple way to manage assets across your app

    *(Often used together with Database)*
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="4. Multi-file downloads (bundles)" icon="file-zipper">
    **Scenario**

    Users need to download multiple files at once.

    **Examples**

    * Downloading a set of generated assets
    * Exporting a collection of attachments for review
    * Collecting files for offline work

    **What Storage provides**

    * Download multiple files or folders as a ZIP archive
    * Automatic preparation and download once ready
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="5. Sharing files across sessions and devices" icon="cloud">
    **Scenario**

    Files should remain accessible after refresh, logout, or on another device.

    **Examples**

    * A workspace where users revisit uploaded documents later
    * A tool that stores ongoing project assets
    * Returning users downloading previously generated outputs

    **What Storage provides**

    * Persistent, cloud-hosted file storage
    * Consistent access across sessions and environments
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## When you might not need Storage

<Note>
  You may not need Storage if your project:

  * Doesn't accept uploads
  * Doesn't generate downloadable files
  * Doesn't attach media/documents to stored records

  Storage can be enabled later when your project expands into file-based workflows.
</Note>

***

<Card title="Unlock Storage" icon="rocket" color="#10B981" href="https://www.youware.com/subscription?location=docs">
  **Storage is available on Pro and Ultra plans.** Upload, download, and manage files for your projects.

  [View Plans & Pricing →](https://www.youware.com/subscription?location=docs)
</Card>