Folder types in Cloud Storage

This page provides an overview of the different types of folders available in Cloud Storage.

Overview

Cloud Storage offers various ways to organize your data and apply granular access controls to your data, and folders play an important role in this process.

The different folder types in Cloud Storage enable you to do the following:

  • Structure your data: Group related objects into folders, making it easier to navigate and manage your data.
  • Control access: Set up granular access control for your objects, enabling you to specify who can view, edit, or delete specific data within a bucket.

Cloud Storage offers different types of folders, each with its own strengths. Understanding the different types of folders available can help you choose the most suitable one for your specific needs.

Cloud Storage offers the following types of folders:

Simulated Folders

A typical Cloud Storage bucket organizes objects in a flat namespace. Simulated folders in Cloud Storage are a way to create a visual hierarchy and organize objects within a bucket without actually creating folder structures. Using the Google Cloud console and Google Cloud CLI, you can simulate folders that mimic the file tree to help you organize data in your bucket. Simulated folders are implemented by using prefixes or delimiters such as forward slash / within object names. To learn about how to work with simulated folders, see Simulated folders.

Folders in buckets with hierarchical namespace enabled

In a bucket with hierarchical namespace enabled, you can create actual folders that contain objects or other folders. You can also perform operations like renaming folders and listing folders. The hierarchical structure and folder management operations improve performance, consistency, and management for file-oriented and data-intensive workloads. For more information about folders, see About folders in buckets with hierarchical namespace enabled.

Managed Folders

Managed folders enable you to apply granular access controls to your objects, enhancing security and control over your data. You can use managed folders in buckets with or without hierarchical namespace enabled. Unlike simulated folders that are created by using prefixes, managed folders are actual resources within the bucket, enabling you to apply Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies directly to your objects. For more information about managed folders, see Managed folders.

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