> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.eazybackup.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.eazybackup.com/e3-object-storage/getting-started/create-your-first-key-and-bucket.md).

# Create your first key and bucket

Step-by-step: create a Root access key, create a bucket, and optionally upload a file in the Bucket Browser.

This walkthrough gets you from a new e3 Object Storage service to a working bucket you can use with S3 clients.

{% hint style="info" %}
You need an active **e3 Object Storage** service in the client area. If you are signing up for the first time, complete product selection and provisioning from **Welcome** page.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Sign in and open e3 Object Storage

1. Sign in at [accounts.eazybackup.ca](https://accounts.eazybackup.ca/).
2. From the eazyBackup sidebar navigation, Open **e3 Object Storage**.
3. Confirm you see the object storage pages: **Dashboard**, **Buckets**, **Access Keys**, **Users**, **Billing**, **Historical Stats**.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Copy the Service URL

1. Open **Access Keys**.
2. Copy **Service URL** (`s3.ca-central-1.eazybackup.com`). You will need this endpoint ifor you S3 client.

See [Connection details](/e3-object-storage/getting-started/connection-details.md) for region and HTTPS notes.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create your Root access key

1. On **Access Keys**, click **Create your first key** (or **Create new key** if you are rotating).
2. Confirm with your **account password** when prompted.
3. Copy the **Access Key ID** and **Secret Access Key** immediately.

{% hint style="danger" %}
The **secret key is shown only once**. Store it in a password manager or secrets vault. You cannot view it again from the dashboard.
{% endhint %}

Rotating the Root key **revokes the previous secret immediately**. Update every app that used the old key.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create a bucket

1. Open **Buckets**.
2. Click **Create Bucket**.
3. In the modal:
   * **Bucket Name** — globally unique name (lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens).
   * **Select Bucket Owner** — **Root user** for your first bucket, or a User you created under **Users**.
   * **Enable Versioning** — optional; keeps object versions for recovery.
   * **Enable Object Locking** — optional; immutability for compliance backups. Only enable **Set a default retention policy** if you understand the retention impact (see Versioning and Object Lock).
4. Click **Create Bucket**.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### (Optional) Upload a test file

1. On **Buckets**, click **Browse** on your new bucket (requires a key for that bucket owner).
2. Use **Upload** or drag files into the upload area.
3. Confirm the object appears in the listing.

You can also verify with AWS CLI — see AWS CLI and s3cmd.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Next steps

* **Additional identities** — [Users](/e3-object-storage/using-the-dashboard/users.md) for separate buckets and scoped keys.
* **Billing** — How billing works explains peak storage and egress.
* **Integrations** — Connect apps and tools.