> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.glesys.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.glesys.com/products/storage/object-storage/how-tos/create-an-instance.md).
# Create an instance
***
## Create an instance using the control panel
Before creating an object storage instance, ensure you are in the correct [project](/platform/control-panel/projects.md). The instance will be created within the current project.
First, click on **Object Storage** in the left-hand menu under **Storage**. Then, click **Create** on the right or **Create new instance** in the center if this is the first instance.
In the dialog box that appears, select the data center where you want the instance to be located. In this example, we choose Falkenberg. Also, provide a description for the instance to clarify its contents.
To create an initial bucket automatically, keep the option **Add a default bucket** checked.
Once all selections are made, click **Create new instance**.
A dialog box appears with information about your instance, including the keys to access it and the name of the first bucket created for you.
The *endpoint* hostname needed to connect to the instance is also displayed here. All this information must be saved, as the secret key cannot be viewed again once the dialog box is closed. The name of the initial bucket cannot be viewed again from the control panel; it can only be viewed from a client program.
The instance is now ready, and you can view it in the **Object Storage** overview.
## Create an instance using the API
To create an object storage instance using the [API](/platform/control-panel/api.md), use the [objectstorage/createinstance](https://github.com/GleSYS/API-docs/wiki/API-Documentation#objectstoragecreateinstance) endpoint.