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How to access an S3 bucket from a Mac or Windows
How to access an S3 bucket from a Mac or Windows

How to connect to an S3 bucket using a desktop tool

Martin Wilson avatar
Written by Martin Wilson
Updated over a week ago

To upload the files into an S3 bucket we recommend using a desktop tool that will preserve the directory structure and will recover if your network connection is interrupted.

First you'll need to have created an S3 bucket to upload to. If we've provided you with credentials, we've already done this for you, so you can skip this step. Alternatively here are the instructions to do this. If you prefer, we can create a temporary bucket for you, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Choose your operating system below to view the instructions:

Mac

Download and install Cyberduck, a free tool that will let you access an S3 bucket from your desktop.

Launch Cyberduck and then:

  1. In the menu bar, click "File", then "New Browser"

  2. Click the "+" symbol in the bottom left to create a new bookmark (connection) to your S3 bucket

  3. In the drop-down menu at the top of the window that appears, choose "Amazon S3"

  4. Fill in the following fields:

    1. Nickname: A friendly name, e.g. "Dash Import Bucket"

    2. Server: leave as-is (should say s3.amazonaws.com)

    3. Access Key ID: Enter the Access Key you have generated or that we have provided to you.

    4. Secret Access Key: Enter the Secret Key you have generated or that we have provided to you.

    5. Path: Enter the bucket name

    6. Close the window

    7. Double-click on the new connection now shown in the list

You will now see your S3 bucket folders listed. You can now drag and drop files from your computer onto this window to upload them.

Windows

Download and install WinSCP

Configure the connection in WinSCP:

  1. Select "New site"

  2. In the New site dialog, select Amazon S3 protocol

  3. In the "Host" field, enter "s3.amazonaws.com

  4. Enter the Access Key ID and Secret Access Key

  5. Click 'Advanced'

  6. Click "Directories" (in the "Environment" section)

  7. In the 'Remote Directory" field, enter the S3 bucket name

  8. Once connected, you can drag-and-drop the top-level directories into the S3 bucket. This will recursively upload the files and sub-directories.

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