vBulletin Manual - Album Picture Storage Type

vBulletin allows you the choice of storing album pictures in the database or in the file system. There are also two distinct file system methods. You are able to change your storage method at any time by navigating to User Albums > Album Picture Storage Type.

There are several factors you need to consider before choosing which method you wish to use. By default, vBulletin stores pictures in the database since every server that supports vBulletin will work with this method. Not every server will be able to store pictures in the file system.

Storing in database:

Pro
- Backing up your database, also backs up your pictures
- Does not consume any of your file system storage limits (unless MySQL storage counts)
Con
- Can increase server load on large forums (all pictures require a database hit)

Storing in file system (without direct access to thumbnails):

Pro
- Better performance for large forums
- Easier to backup your database
Con
- Does not work if SAFE MODE is enabled on your server.
- Need to backup attachments separately from database
- Consumes space on your file system
- Performance is not as good as when there is direct access to thumbnails

Storing in file system (with direct access to thumbnails):

Pro
- Best performance for large forums
- Easier to backup your database
Con
- Does not work if SAFE MODE is enabled on your server.
- Need to backup attachments separately from database
- Consumes space on your file system
- Thumbnails can always be retrieved if the URL is known; no permission checks are applies on them