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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

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Copying from Host to Container

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Syntax

docker container cp [HOST_PATH] [CONTAINER_NAME]:[CONTAINER_PATH]

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Example

docker container cp /tmp/web.conf webapp:/etc/web.conf
  • Source (host): /tmp/web.conf
  • Destination (container): webapp:/etc/web.conf
If you specify a directory as the destination, ensure that directory already exists inside the container.

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Copying from Container to Host

Simply reverse the source and destination: 
docker container cp webapp:/etc/web.conf /tmp/web.conf
  • Source (container): webapp:/etc/web.conf
  • Destination (host): /tmp/web.conf
Any existing file at the destination path will be overwritten without confirmation.

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Copying Entire Directories

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

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Command Reference

DirectionCommand SyntaxDescription
Host → Containerdocker container cp /path/on/host container_name:/path/in/containerCopy files or directories into container
Container → Hostdocker container cp container_name:/path/in/container /path/on/hostCopy files or directories to host

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