Amazon S3 Tips: Quickly Add/Modify HTTP Headers To All Files Recursively

Amazon S3 is an dead cheap cloud storage service that offers unlimited storage in pay as you use model. Recently we moved all the images and other static files(scripts & css) of Tech Dreams to Amazon S3 to reduce load on VPS server.

Amazon S3 is cheap, but monthly bill will shoot up if images/static files of the blog are not cached properly (more details). By adding caching HTTP Headers Cache-Control or Expires to all the files hosted on Amazon S3 we reduced the monthly bills and also load time of blog pages. Lets see how to add custom headers to files stored on Amazon S3 service.

Updating HTTP Headers of one file at a time

The web interface of Amazon S3 Management console allows adding custom HTTP headers to one file at a time  through “Properties”  window (to access properties, right on a file and select Properties menu). So if you have to add headers to 100s of files then this is not the way to go!

Updating HTTP Headers of multiple files of a folder recursively

To update HTTP headers of multiple files in a folder recursively, we can use CloudBerry Explorer freeware or Bucket Explorer trail ware applications. CloudBerry is my favourite as it’s a freeware and also it’s has excellent interface to access Amazon S3 from desktops. Adding HTTP Headers with CloudBerry application is straight forward – right click on the required folders and choose the option “Set HTTP Headers”.

Download CloudBerry Explorer