# Manage files and buckets

> Browse buckets, upload folders, download objects, and run common S3 file operations in BucketMate

Canonical: https://docs.bucketmate.app/macos/features/manage-files-and-buckets

BucketMate gives S3 storage a Finder-like workflow. Select a connection, open a bucket, then use the file table, context menu, toolbar, or shortcuts to work with objects.

## Browse buckets

- Select a connection in the sidebar to load its buckets.
- Pin buckets you use often.
- Hide buckets you rarely need.
- Show hidden buckets from the bucket menu when you need to restore one.
- Refresh a connection or bucket when data changed outside BucketMate.

BucketMate saves bucket display state locally so your pinned, hidden, reordered, and last-opened bucket choices are restored later.

## Browse files and folders

- Open folders from the file table.
- Use the breadcrumb to move back through the current path.
- Search files in the current bucket.
- Sort by name, size, type, or modified date when the bucket is small enough for local sorting.
- Use pagination for large lists.

Large buckets may show a prompt to load or index all items before full search is available.

## Upload files and folders

You can upload individual files or entire folders. Folder uploads keep the relative folder structure inside the target bucket path.

1. Open the destination bucket and folder.
2. Choose upload from the toolbar or shortcut.
3. Select files or folders from the macOS file picker.
4. Watch upload progress in the upload status area.

The free trial supports a single file up to 100 MB. Pro supports multi-file and folder uploads.

## Download files and folders

1. Select one or more files or folders.
2. Choose download from the context menu, toolbar, or shortcut.
3. Pick a folder when BucketMate asks where to save files.

BucketMate can remember a default download folder. Change this in **Settings > General**.

## Rename and move objects

- Rename files from the context menu or with Return.
- Rename folders from the folder context menu.
- Move files or folders into another folder from the context menu.

S3 does not have native rename or move operations. BucketMate performs these actions by copying objects to new keys and removing the old keys.

## Create folders

Use **Create folder** in the current bucket or inside a selected folder. BucketMate creates the folder placeholder object needed for S3-compatible storage.

## Delete files, folders, and buckets

BucketMate asks for confirmation before destructive actions.

- Delete a file from the file context menu.
- Delete a folder to remove the folder and its contents.
- Empty a bucket before deleting it when the provider requires the bucket to be empty.
- Delete a bucket from the bucket actions.

Bulk delete requires Pro.

## Copy names and URLs

From the file context menu you can copy:

- File name
- Object URL
- Custom-domain URL
- Multiple object URLs

Custom-domain URLs require a custom domain to be saved for the bucket.

## Bucket operations

BucketMate supports common bucket operations when the provider and credentials allow them:

- Create bucket
- Refresh bucket list
- Empty bucket
- Delete bucket
- Set bucket custom domain for URL copy

Some S3-compatible providers do not implement every AWS S3 bucket API. If a bucket operation fails, check the provider guide and confirm the credentials have that permission.