> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/storage/integrations/amazon-s3.md).

# Amazon S3

Learn how to configure a connection to Amazon S3 with Couchdrop

## Overview

Couchdrop can connect directly to an Amazon S3 bucket and make that storage available through Couchdrop.

Once connected, you can use the S3 bucket with Couchdrop file transfer and workflow features while keeping files in your existing AWS storage.

## How to connect Amazon S3

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Before you start

To connect Amazon S3, you will need:

* An Amazon S3 bucket
* An AWS IAM access key
* The corresponding AWS IAM secret key
* The AWS region for the bucket
* IAM permissions that allow access to the required S3 bucket and objects
  {% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Add a new storage connection

In Couchdrop, add a new storage connection and select **Amazon S3** from the list of available connections.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure Amazon S3

Enter a **Name for this integration** and select the **Couchdrop folder path** where the connection will appear.

Enter your AWS credentials:

* **S3 Access Key** — Enter the AWS IAM access key used by Couchdrop.
* **S3 Access Key Secret** — Enter the secret associated with the access key.
* **S3 Bucket** — Optionally enter the bucket you want Couchdrop to connect to.
* **S3 Region** — Optionally select the AWS region for the bucket.

When the connection details are complete, select **Save and Test**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select a folder

After the connection has been tested, you can optionally select a specific S3 location to map into Couchdrop.

Leaving this blank allows Couchdrop to map the storage connection directly without restricting it to a specific folder.

You can select a location using the folder browser or manually enter a path.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save and use your Amazon S3 connection

Optionally, configure **Transfer Shield** to surface or block unexpected, non-compliant, or malicious files uploaded through this connection.

Select a content rule group if required, then save the integration.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>Can I connect Couchdrop to multiple Amazon S3 buckets?</summary>

Yes. You can create multiple Amazon S3 storage connections in Couchdrop and connect each one to a different S3 bucket.

Each connection can be mapped to its own Couchdrop folder path, allowing different buckets to appear as separate locations within Couchdrop.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I connect multiple Couchdrop folders to the same S3 bucket?</summary>

Yes. You can create separate Amazon S3 connections and map them to different locations within the same bucket.

This can be useful when different users, partners, or workflows need access to different parts of the same S3 storage environment.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does Couchdrop copy my S3 files into separate Couchdrop storage?</summary>

No. The Amazon S3 connection maps your existing storage into Couchdrop. Files remain in the connected S3 storage rather than being copied into a separate Couchdrop repository.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I restrict Couchdrop to a specific folder in an S3 bucket?</summary>

Yes. After testing the connection, you can optionally select a specific location within S3 to map into Couchdrop.

When you select a location, that connection is scoped to the selected path and its contents.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What permissions does the AWS IAM user need?</summary>

The IAM credentials used by Couchdrop need sufficient permissions for the S3 bucket and operations you intend to use.

If Couchdrop cannot browse, upload, download, or otherwise access the required location, check the IAM policy attached to the credentials and the permissions configured on the bucket.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can different S3 connections use different AWS IAM credentials?</summary>

Yes. Each Amazon S3 connection is configured separately, including its S3 access key and secret.

This allows you to use different AWS credentials for different buckets or storage locations.

</details>