> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://notes.kodekloud.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Copying Contents into Container

> This guide explains how to transfer files and directories between a Docker host and a running container using the docker container cp command.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to transfer files and directories between your Docker host and a running container using the `docker container cp` command. This utility works in both directions:

* Host → Container
* Container → Host

Assume you have:

* A container named `webapp` running on your Docker host
* A file on the host at `/tmp/web.conf`

***

## Copying from Host to Container

### Syntax

```bash theme={null}
docker container cp [HOST_PATH] [CONTAINER_NAME]:[CONTAINER_PATH]
```

### Example

```bash theme={null}
docker container cp /tmp/web.conf webapp:/etc/web.conf
```

* **Source (host):** `/tmp/web.conf`
* **Destination (container):** `webapp:/etc/web.conf`

<Callout icon="lightbulb" color="#1CB2FE">
  If you specify a directory as the destination, ensure that directory already exists inside the container.
</Callout>

***

## Copying from Container to Host

Simply reverse the source and destination:

```bash theme={null}
docker container cp webapp:/etc/web.conf /tmp/web.conf
```

* **Source (container):** `webapp:/etc/web.conf`
* **Destination (host):** `/tmp/web.conf`

<Callout icon="triangle-alert" color="#FF6B6B">
  Any existing file at the destination path will be overwritten without confirmation.
</Callout>

***

## Copying Entire Directories

To copy a complete directory (including its contents), include trailing slashes:

```bash theme={null}
docker container cp ./config/ webapp:/etc/config
```

This command transfers your local `config` folder into `/etc/config` inside the `webapp` container. Ensure `/etc/config` exists in the container before running the command.

***

## Command Reference

| Direction        | Command Syntax                                                        | Description                              |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Host → Container | `docker container cp /path/on/host container_name:/path/in/container` | Copy files or directories into container |
| Container → Host | `docker container cp container_name:/path/in/container /path/on/host` | Copy files or directories to host        |

***

## Links and References

* [Docker CLI Reference](https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/)
* [docker container cp Documentation](https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/cp/)

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Watch Video" icon="video" cta="Learn more" href="https://learn.kodekloud.com/user/courses/docker-certified-associate-exam-course/module/871494af-49f8-42e9-95e9-cb0df80c2b21/lesson/9963b700-821b-4ca4-91d3-11ee36c2c99a" />
</CardGroup>