> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.expandrive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.expandrive.com/connections.md).

# Connections

ExpanDrive connects cloud storage, object storage, and file-transfer servers to your computer as mounted drives. Files remain in the remote service and are streamed on demand, so desktop applications can work with them through Finder, File Explorer, or the Linux file manager.

## Cloud Content Platforms

Use [Cloud Content Platforms](/connections/cloud-content-platforms.md) for Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Nextcloud, OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, and SharePoint. These services organize files around user or organization accounts and commonly use provider-managed sign-in flows.

## Object Storage

Use [Object Storage](/connections/object-storage.md) for Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Google Cloud Storage, IDrive e2, Wasabi, and other S3-compatible services. Object-storage connections commonly use buckets, service endpoints, regions, and access keys.

## File Servers and Protocols

Use [File Servers and Protocols](/connections/file-servers-and-protocols.md) for SFTP, FTP/FTPS, and WebDAV. Prefer an encrypted connection whenever the server supports one.

Each connection requires the account or server details appropriate to that provider. [Connection Creation and Removal](/connections/connection-creation-and-removal.md) explains the common lifecycle; the provider pages document the fields for each connection type.