Various embodiments described herein provide for creation of a file that is backed by a requester-specified set of data storage objects. According to some embodiments, a request is received to create a new file on a file system that is backed by a specified set of data storage objects stored on a set of memory components. For example, the specified set of data storage objects can be associated with storage of one or more portions of an existing file stored on the set of memory components. In response to receiving the request to create the new file, a file data structure can be generated on the file system that represents the new file, where the file data structure comprises a mapping to the specified set of data storage objects. Subsequently, the request can be responded to with data that confirms creation of the new file on the file system.