Why files?
ModelRoute acts as a secure intermediary between you and AI providers. When you upload a file:- Your file stays on ModelRoute — providers never receive your original file URL or storage credentials
- ModelRoute transfers the file to the provider using provider-specific mechanisms
- Output files are stored on ModelRoute — you download them via ModelRoute, not from the provider
File references
Every uploaded file gets a unique reference in the format:file_f47ac10b-58cc-4372-a567-0e02b2c3d479
Use file references in execution inputs (e.g., an image to transform) and read them from execution outputs (e.g., a generated image).
Limits
| Limit | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum file size | 100 MB |
| Supported upload method | Presigned URL (PUT) |
| File retention | Files are retained for the lifetime of your organization |
| File access | Scoped to your organization — no cross-org access |
File lifecycle
- Request a presigned upload URL —
POST /v1/files/upload - Upload via HTTP PUT to the presigned URL
- Use the file reference in execution inputs
- Download results — execution outputs contain file references you can download
Next steps
Uploading Files
Step-by-step guide to uploading files.
Downloading Files
How to download execution results.