Choose by the shape of the information
A file, image, document, or export is usually best treated as an object with its own name and content. Object storage is suited to keeping and retrieving those complete items. A database is designed for structured records whose fields you need to filter, compare, sort, or combine.
Some projects need both. A database record can hold searchable attributes and refer to a file stored as an object. For example, a document record might include its title, owner, and status while the document itself remains a separate object. Keep the relationship explicit so the application can find the right file without copying its contents into every record.
Plan how the data will be used
Ask what you need to do most often: retrieve an entire file, or query individual facts across many records? Consider whether the information changes as a whole or whether separate fields change independently. These questions help identify the right primary storage and reduce unnecessary duplication.
Use clear names and keep related objects organized with a predictable prefix. For structured data, define field meanings and values consistently. Do not treat an object key as a substitute for database access control, or assume that a database is the right home for large file contents. Choosing by retrieval pattern keeps the design understandable as the project grows.