Object storage
Unlike a file system with nested folders, object storage holds each file as an object identified by a unique key, alongside its metadata, in a single flat space. There are no real directories, only keys that can look like paths. This design scales almost without limit and serves files over HTTP, which is why it underpins most large media and backup systems. Amazon S3 set the pattern, and S3-compatible services like Cloudflare R2 follow the same API.
For video, object storage suits originals well: huge files, written once, read many times, reached over the internet. It is not a live editing disk, so a workflow pairs it with local proxies or block-level streaming to feel fast. Access is controlled with keys and signed URLs rather than network mounts.
Examples
- •A studio keeps its master archive as objects in S3-compatible storage
- •Each clip is an object with a unique key and stored metadata
- •Originals are written once at upload and read on demand at export
In Sanbila
Sanbila stores your originals as objects on Cloudflare R2, an S3-compatible object store, then streams them block by block to your NLE so the flat, internet-served design feels like a local drive during the finish.
Frequently asked questions
How is Sanbila different from the proxy generator built into my NLE?+
Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro and Avid all generate proxies locally, but they keep the original full-resolution files on the same SSD — so the disk fills up twice. Sanbila stores the originals in the cloud (Cloudflare R2) and keeps only the lightweight proxies on your machine. At export, Smart Relink streams the originals back via a local WebDAV mount, so you finish at full quality without ever downloading the source files.
Does Sanbila work offline?+
Yes for editing — once a proxy is cached on your SSD, you can cut, trim, color and arrange your timeline without an internet connection. You only need network access for the initial import (uploading originals to the cloud) and for the final export (streaming originals back via WebDAV).
How much cloud storage does the free plan include?+
The free plan includes 5 GB of cloud storage and one project, with no credit card required. Paid plans start at $49 per month for 2 TB and 50 projects, going up to 25 TB on the Enterprise plan with overage billing for teams that need more.
What upload speed do I need to use Sanbila?+
Any broadband connection works for the initial upload — Sanbila chunks files into 50 MB parts and uploads in parallel, so a typical 100 Mbps fiber line uploads 1 hour of 4K H.264 footage in about 6 minutes. After upload, day-to-day editing happens on local proxies, so your connection speed only matters again at export time when originals are streamed.
Which video formats does Sanbila support?+
Sanbila handles 22+ formats out of the box: MP4, MOV, MXF, R3D (RED RAW), BRAW (Blackmagic RAW), ARRI proxies, ProRes, DNxHR, DNxHD, H.264, H.265, plus WAV and AAC for audio. Both 4K and 8K sources are supported up to 200 GB per single file (URL imports have no size limit).
Related terms
Sources
- Amazon S3 object storage concepts · Amazon Web Services
- Cloudflare R2 object storage · Cloudflare