# When should I use object storage instead of a database?

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HELP CENTER · FAQ Object Storage 2 min read
# When should I use object storage instead of a database?
Object storage and databases solve different data problems. Choosing based on how you will retrieve and update the information helps avoid forcing files into a record model or burying queryable facts inside opaque objects.
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Object Storage

## Choose by the shape of the information
A file, image, document, or export is usually best treated as an object with its own name and content. Object storage is suited to keeping and retrieving those complete items. A database is designed for structured records whose fields you need to filter, compare, sort, or combine.
Some projects need both. A database record can hold searchable attributes and refer to a file stored as an object. For example, a document record might include its title, owner, and status while the document itself remains a separate object. Keep the relationship explicit so the application can find the right file without copying its contents into every record.
## Plan how the data will be used
Ask what you need to do most often: retrieve an entire file, or query individual facts across many records? Consider whether the information changes as a whole or whether separate fields change independently. These questions help identify the right primary storage and reduce unnecessary duplication.
Use clear names and keep related objects organized with a predictable prefix. For structured data, define field meanings and values consistently. Do not treat an object key as a substitute for database access control, or assume that a database is the right home for large file contents. Choosing by retrieval pattern keeps the design understandable as the project grows. [← Back to Object Storage FAQs](https://help.iagenify.com/faqs/object-storage)