How to Copy files from Docker Container to Host System

If you have files in your docker container that you want to get into your host/local device, you can achieve it using the docker cp command.

Inside the docker container I have a file 20220901.log under the root directory, I want to get it to my host system,.

# pwd
/root

# ls
20220901.log

Copy file from Docker Container

% docker ps -a
CONTAINER ID   IMAGE     COMMAND     CREATED         STATUS                     PORTS     NAMES
1d2b384f31de   alpine    "/bin/sh"   6 minutes ago   Exited (0) 6 minutes ago             intelligent_noether

% docker cp 1d2b384f31de:/root/20220901.log

Note: You might get operation not permitted if you try to copy the file to the host directory where you do not have permission to write.

Also, if a path or file does not exist on the docker container you will get an error: No such container:path: or if the host path is invalid: invalid output path: directory does not exist

Facing issues? Have Questions? Post them here! I am happy to answer!

Author Info:

Rakesh is a seasoned developer with over 10 years of experience in web and app development, and a deep knowledge of operating systems. Author of insightful How-To articles for Code2care.

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