diff --git a/api/file.go b/api/file.go
index 7030d695..cb47a14d 100644
--- a/api/file.go
+++ b/api/file.go
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ type File struct {
 	Resource   `yaml:",inline"`
 	Name       string     `json:"name"`
 	Path       string     `json:"path"`
-	Encoding   string     `yaml:"encoding"`
+	Encoding   string     `yaml:"encoding,omitempty"`
 	Expiration *time.Time `json:"expiration,omitempty"`
 }