S3 lifecycle rules basics

Topic: Cloud aws core

Use S3 lifecycle rules to transition objects to cheaper storage classes or expire them. Reduces cost for old or temporary data. Use when you have buckets with objects that age or are temporary.

Intent: How-to

Quick answer

  • Add lifecycle rule on bucket. Filter by prefix or tag. Action: transition to Glacier after 90 days or expire after 7 days.
  • Transition moves to IA, Glacier, or Deep Archive. Expire deletes. Use prefix or tag to scope rule.
  • Rules apply to new and existing objects. Test on small prefix first. Check cost before large transition.

Prerequisites

Steps

  1. Add rule

    Bucket Lifecycle. Create rule. Filter prefix or tag. Add transition or expiration.

  2. Transition

    Choose storage class and days. IA, Glacier, Deep Archive. Apply to prefix or all.

  3. Expire

    Expire after N days for temp data. Use for logs or cache. Verify no critical data in scope.

Summary

Use S3 lifecycle rules to transition objects to cheaper storage or expire them. Reduces cost for old or temporary data.

Prerequisites

Steps

Step 1: Add rule

Bucket Lifecycle. Create rule. Filter by prefix or tag. Add transition or expiration.

Step 2: Transition

Choose storage class and days. IA, Glacier, Deep Archive. Apply to prefix or all.

Step 3: Expire

Expire after N days for temp data. Use for logs or cache. Verify no critical data in scope.

Verification

  • Rule active. Objects transition or expire as configured. Cost reduced.

Troubleshooting

Rule not applied — Check prefix and tag. Wrong objects — Narrow filter.

Next steps

Continue to