---
title: Built-in storage
description: Every new AI Search instance comes with built-in storage and a built-in vector index, powered by R2 and Vectorize. You can upload files directly to an instance without setting up either service yourself.
image: https://developers.cloudflare.com/dev-products-preview.png
---

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# Built-in storage

Every new AI Search instance comes with built-in storage and a built-in vector index, powered by [R2](https://developers.cloudflare.com/r2/) and [Vectorize](https://developers.cloudflare.com/vectorize/). You can upload files directly to an instance without setting up either service yourself.

## Instances created after April 16, 2026

Instances created after **April 16, 2026** include built-in storage. You can upload files directly using the [Items API](https://developers.cloudflare.com/ai-search/api/items/workers-binding/) or the dashboard.

Instances created before this date do not include built-in storage and do not support the Items API. You can see which of your instances have built-in storage on the dashboard under **AI** \> **AI Search**. Select your instance and check the **Overview** tab to see if it includes built-in storage.

[ Go to **AI Search** ](https://dash.cloudflare.com/?to=/:account/ai/ai-search) 

All instances will be migrated to managed infrastructure. Migration details are coming soon.

## Upload and manage files

Upload files to an instance using the [Items API](https://developers.cloudflare.com/ai-search/api/items/workers-binding/) (Workers binding or REST API) or the **Items** tab in the dashboard (**AI** \> **AI Search** \> your instance > **Items**). You can also list, view, and delete uploaded files through the Items API or the dashboard.

For supported file types, refer to [Supported file types](https://developers.cloudflare.com/ai-search/configuration/data-source/#supported-file-types).

## Indexing

Files uploaded to built-in storage are indexed immediately. External data sources like websites and R2 buckets are indexed on a sync schedule.

## External data sources

An instance can use built-in storage alongside an external data source. The available external data sources are:

* [Website](https://developers.cloudflare.com/ai-search/configuration/data-source/website/): crawl and index a website that you own
* [R2 Bucket](https://developers.cloudflare.com/ai-search/configuration/data-source/r2/): index documents stored in a Cloudflare R2 bucket

For example, an instance can be backed by a website for shared documentation while also accepting file uploads through the Items API for additional content.

## Limits and pricing

For instances with built-in storage, R2 storage, Vectorize, and Browser Run are included. Workers AI and AI Gateway usage is billed separately. For full details, refer to [Limits and pricing](https://developers.cloudflare.com/ai-search/platform/limits-pricing/).

```json
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```