# Upload & Access Files > This guide will cover importing a file via URL, requesting assets, and using transformation parameters. This guide will cover importing a file via URL, requesting assets, and using transformation parameters. ## Import a File In the module bar, click to go to the files module. Click the button and to import a file via URL. Use any publicly-accessible image URL and the file will be uploaded to your asset storage. ## Access a File The uploaded file is immediately available via the Data Studio for users with the correct access control. From here, you can download, edit, or replace files. You can access files via URL in your applications by using the following URL pattern: ```text https://example.directus.app/assets/?access_token=token ``` The token must belong to a user who has access to read files in the `directus_files` collection. If the public role has read access, you can omit the `access_token` parameter. Learn how to limit access to data in your project through custom permissions. ## Transform an Image Directus can transform images via query parameters, commonly used to provide the most suitable size and file format. Add the following query parameter to the end of your file URL: ```text width=200 ``` Your new URL should look like this: ```text https://example.directus.app/assets/?access_token=token&width=200 ``` The asset will be transformed, saved to your asset storage, and returned to the user. On subsequent requests, the already transformed asset will be returned. ## Next Steps Read more about [uploading files](/guides/files/upload), [advanced transformations](/guides/files/access), and then refer to the Files API reference to manage user accounts. Explore the Files API Reference.