diff --git a/service/files/defaults.yaml b/service/files/defaults.yaml
index 38c792f..7bf4767 100644
--- a/service/files/defaults.yaml
+++ b/service/files/defaults.yaml
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ configs:
       cont: 80
       ingress: horizon
     secret_key: secret
+    images_upload_mode: legacy
 
     wsgi:
       processes: 6
diff --git a/service/files/local_settings.j2 b/service/files/local_settings.j2
index 835c415..35bce7a 100644
--- a/service/files/local_settings.j2
+++ b/service/files/local_settings.j2
@@ -225,6 +225,11 @@ OPENSTACK_KEYSTONE_BACKEND = {
 LAUNCH_INSTANCE_LEGACY_ENABLED = False
 LAUNCH_INSTANCE_NG_ENABLED = True
 
+# "off" disables the ability to upload images via Horizon. "legacy" enables
+# local file upload by piping the image file through the Horizon’s web-server.
+# "direct" sends the image file directly from the web browser to Glance.
+HORIZON_IMAGES_UPLOAD_MODE = "{{ horizon.images_upload_mode }}"
+
 # A dictionary of settings which can be used to provide the default values for
 # properties found in the Launch Instance modal.
 #LAUNCH_INSTANCE_DEFAULTS = {