> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.keinsaas.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# File Storage

> Configure upload storage for avatars, chat attachments, generated images, and project files.

Navigator supports file uploads for chat context, user assets, generated images, and project knowledge. The current setup uses server-side storage operations so Better Auth sessions can enforce user ownership.

## Supabase configuration

```dotenv theme={null}
FILE_STORAGE_TYPE=supabase
FILE_STORAGE_PREFIX=uploads
SUPABASE_URL=https://your-project.supabase.co
SUPABASE_SERVICE_ROLE_KEY=your-service-role-key
SUPABASE_AVATAR_BUCKET=avatars
SUPABASE_ATTACHMENT_BUCKET=attachments
SUPABASE_AI_GENERATED_BUCKET=Gemini Images
```

## Storage model

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
  Browser["Browser"] --> API["Navigator API route"]
  API --> Auth["Better Auth session check"]
  Auth --> Storage["Supabase Storage with service role"]
  Storage --> Thread["Attachment in thread or project"]
```

## Chat uploads vs project uploads

| Upload type     | Purpose                              | Typical retention          |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------ | -------------------------- |
| Chat attachment | Give the current thread file context | Temporary or thread-scoped |
| Project file    | Build a searchable knowledge base    | Permanent until removed    |
| Generated image | Store AI-generated media             | Bucket policy dependent    |
| Avatar          | User profile image                   | User-controlled            |

## Security notes

<Warning>
  Never expose `SUPABASE_SERVICE_ROLE_KEY` to browser code. The client should upload through authenticated Navigator API routes.
</Warning>