Laravel Voyager not showing images

# Fixing the Voyager Image Issue: A Deep Dive into Laravel Storage Configuration Dealing with deployment issues, especially when dealing with file storage and public assets on shared hosting environments, can be incredibly frustrating. You’ve installed a powerful package like Voyager, but the core functionality—displaying user avatars—is broken, resulting in a 404 error for your default image. This post addresses the common issue where Laravel applications, particularly those deployed on shared hosting platforms, fail to serve files stored in the application's `storage` directory correctly. We will diagnose why Voyager cannot find your default avatar and provide the exact steps required to fix this pathing problem. ## The Root Cause: Storage Link Discrepancy The core issue you are encountering stems from how Laravel manages file visibility, especially when deploying applications outside of a fully controlled local development environment. When you store files in the `storage` directory (e.g., `storage/app/public`), these files are *not* automatically accessible via the public web root by default for security reasons. To make these files accessible via a URL (like `/storage/users/default.png`), Laravel requires an explicit symbolic link to be created in the `public` directory pointing to the `storage/app/public` directory. Voyager, like any application relying on standard Laravel file serving conventions, expects this symbolic link to exist and be correctly configured before it can render the image path. The 404 error confirms that the web server cannot resolve the requested public URL for that specific asset. ## Step-by-Step Solution for Shared Hosting Since you are on a shared hosting environment (GoDaddy), file permissions and the execution of Artisan commands are often the most common points of failure. Follow these steps precisely to resolve the issue: ### 1. Verify File Structure and Permissions First, ensure your storage link is correctly established within your project root. Navigate to your application's root directory via FTP or your hosting file manager. If you followed the standard Laravel setup, your structure should look something like this (assuming Voyager handles its own file placement): ``` your_app/ ├── app/ │ └── Models/ ├── public/ │ └── storage.php <-- This is where the link will point ├── storage/ <-- The actual files are stored here │ └── app/ │ └── public/ │ └── users/ │ └── default.png └── artisan ``` ### 2. Execute the Storage Link Command The critical step is running the Artisan command that creates the necessary symbolic link. This links the storage folder to the publicly accessible `public` directory, allowing web access to files in the `storage` folder. Open your SSH terminal (or use the hosting provider's command line tool) and run the following command from your application's root directory: ```bash php artisan storage:link ``` This command creates the necessary symbolic link (`public/storage` pointing to `storage/app/public`). If this command fails, it is almost always due to file system permissions on shared hosting; ensure the web server user has write access to the `storage` directory. ### 3. Check Voyager Configuration (If Necessary) While the issue seems related to Laravel's core file serving, sometimes package configurations can interfere. Review your Voyager configuration files or settings within the admin panel to confirm that it is referencing the correct storage path. In robust applications, adhering to principles taught by frameworks like those detailed on [laravelcompany.com](https://laravelcompany.com) ensures consistent architecture regardless of deployment environment. ## Conclusion The problem you faced with Voyager not displaying the default avatar is a classic file linking issue specific to Laravel deployments. By correctly executing `php artisan storage:link`, you establish the necessary bridge between your application's private storage and the public web directory, resolving the 404 error immediately. Remember that in development and deployment, understanding the filesystem interaction—especially regarding symbolic links and permissions—is a fundamental skill for any senior developer working with PHP frameworks like Laravel. Happy coding!