You can upload large batches of media, such as scans of publications, archives, or photo collections to a special S3 import bucket to make them available in your project. This tutorial explains how to use the provided access credentials to upload files, either by yourself or by sharing them with a service provider.
Only users with admin permissions can access S3 credentials and import files.
Topics covered in this article:
- Locate S3 access credentials
- Connect to your S3 import bucket using Cyberduck
- Provide credentials to a service provider (optional)
- Next steps after uploading
Locate S3 access credentials
Each instance of the Navigating.art platform has a dedicated S3 import bucket. Your S3 import bucket is a secure storage location where you can upload files to be imported into the platform. From within the platform you can then see the available folders from the bucket and process them for use on the platform.
To connect to the import bucket, you use a S3-compatible client, such as Cyberduck, and your unique credentials. The access credentials consist of the S3 Bucket Name, Access Key ID, and Secret Access Key. These credentials are confidential and unique to your platform. The credentials are only valid for upload operations of the import bucket.
Follow these steps to locate your S3 access credentials.
1. On the platform, go to the section Archive. Open a resource and click + Add subresources in the top right corner.
2. Access the tab Import sub-resource.
3. Expand the info box by clicking + see more.
If you are already familiar with the S3 credentials, skip this and continue with step eight.
4. View the instructions and copy the credentials.
5. Optional: click Reveal to see the secret access key.
The key is hidden by default to prevent accidental exposure. Revealing it can be helpful if you prefer to manually copy and paste, or if you want to verify the value before use. Alternatively, you can click the copy icon to copy the key directly without revealing it.
With these credentials, you can use an S3-compatible client to connect to the import bucket and start uploading folder.
Connect to your S3 import bucket using Cyberduck
You can use any S3-compatible tool such as Cyberduck, AWS CLI, or other file transfer clients that support S3 connections. We recommend the free client Cyberduck for its intuitive interface and stable performance. After downloading and installing the client, follow these steps to establish the connection to the import bucket.
1. Open the Cyberduck app.
2. Click the + icon in the bottom left corner to create a new bookmark.
3. From the dropdown at the top, choose Amazon S3.
4. Enter your Access Key ID and Secret Access Key.
These act like your username and password for secure access to the import bucket.
5. Expand More Options. In the Path field, enter the S3 Bucket Name.
6. Optional: enter a nickname to help you recognize the bucket.
7. Close the dialog. Your connection is now saved as a bookmark.
8. Double click on the bookmark or right-mouse-click it and select Connect to server.
9. Start uploading local files to the import bucket.
Once connected, you'll see the top-level directory of your import bucket. If no files have been uploaded yet, the window may appear empty. To upload files to the bucket, drag and drop your local folders into this window.
When uploading an new top-level folder, make sure to move it to an empty space in the window, not over an existing folder. If you release your mouse while hovering over an existing folder, your selection will be uploaded inside this existing folder. If that happens by accident, you can open the folder by clicking the expand icon next to it, and then drag and drop the folder back to the top level
Provide credentials to a service provider (optional)
If a scanning provider or digitization partner is digitizing material for you, you can give them access to the import bucket to securely deliver the files. This is a common and recommended workflow for large batches of scans or digitization projects, which saves you time and avoids unnecessary file transfers or manual uploads.
Share credentials with service providers
- Inform your service provider that your import bucket is located on an Amazon S3 server.
- Copy your credentials (see steps above to locate them).
- S3 Bucket Name
- Access Key ID
- Secret Access Key
- Share the credentials securely with your provider. For example, by email or using your institution’s preferred method.
- Ask them to:
- Upload the files to the top level of the bucket using an S3-compatible client.
- Organize files clearly in folders (e.g. by publication, year, or archive box).
Next steps after uploading
Once the files are uploaded, you can access your platform and initiate the import. Follow the tutorial on importing files from the import bucket for guidance.
Keep reading
- Import files from the import bucket
- Extract media from a PDF file
- Move resource to another parent
- Move media to another resource
Last updated: July 3, 2025