# Binary Objects

Binary objects are used to import any type of binary data. This may be used in conjuction with the low level API [upload function](overview#bkmrk-binary-object-upload), or the data may be embedded directly.


### Uploaded Objects

When referencing an uploaded binary object, the object is specified as a string by the server-provided `"object_id"`. The object must have been uploaded prior to the API action in which it is being referenced.

_Example_

```json
{
 "file": "<object ID>"
}
```


### Embedded Objects

Alternatively, the content of an object may be embedded directly in JSON API actions.


#### Text

A `text` binary object contains UTF-8 encoded plain text.

_Example_

```json
{
 "file": {
  "type": "text",
  "content": "<plain text>"
 }
}
```


#### Base64

A `base64` binary object must be encoded with the [standard RFC 4648 format](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Base64).

_Example_

```json
{
 "file": {
  "type": "base64",
  "content": "<base64 encoded text>"
 }
}
```