Manage blobs

  • 5 minutes

A blob can be any type of data and any size file. Azure Storage offers three types of blobs: block blob, page blob, and append blob.

Things to know about blob types

Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of blob types.

  • Block blobs. A block blob consists of blocks of data that are assembled to make a blob. Most Blob Storage scenarios use block blobs. Block blobs are ideal for storing text and binary data in the cloud, like files, images, and videos. The block blob type is the default type for a new blob. When you're creating a new blob, if you don't choose a specific type, the new blob is created as a block blob.

  • Append blobs. An append blob is similar to a block blob because the append blob also consists of blocks of data. The blocks of data in an append blob are optimized for append operations. Append blobs are useful for logging scenarios, where the amount of data can increase as the logging operation continues.

  • Page blobs. A page blob can be up to 8 TB in size. Page blobs are more efficient for frequent read/write operations. Azure Virtual Machines uses page blobs for operating system disks and data disks.

Note

After you create a blob, you can't change its type.

Things to consider when managing blob storage

You can use the portal to upload and manage blobs. This option is good for a few files. After you identify the files to upload, you choose the blob type and block size, and the container folder. You also set the access tier and the encryption scope.

Screenshot of the Upload Blob page that shows the Authentication type, blob types, and block size.

For larger numbers of files, it's best to use a tool. Review the following options and consider which tools would suit your configuration needs.

  • Azure Storage Explorer. Upload, download, and manage blobs, files, queues, and tables, as well as Azure Data Lake Storage entities and managed disks. You can also view, edit, and manage resources, preview data, and configure storage permissions and access controls.

Screenshot of the Storage Explorer page.

  • AzCopy. An easy-to-use command-line tool for Windows and Linux. You can copy data to and from Blob Storage, across containers, and across storage accounts.

  • Azure Data Box Disk. A service for transferring on-premises data to Blob Storage when large datasets or network constraints make uploading data over the wire unrealistic. You can use Azure Data Box Disk to request solid-state disks (SSDs) from Microsoft. You can copy your data to those disks and ship them back to Microsoft to be uploaded into Blob Storage.