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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 139 (from laksa162)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa139.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal","crawl_time":1776165288,"first_indexed_time":1749486129,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,tomshardware!www,\/software\/linux\/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal s443","src_root_hash":"14957725849104319939","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How To Copy Files and Directories in the Linux terminal | Tom's Hardware","meta_descriptions":["Copy files and directories via the Linux command line"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Copying files and directories in the Linux terminal is really efficient and straightforward once you know how to do it. It’s useful when we need to manage our files and directories without the need for a GUI, for example in a BASH script. We can do this whether we are at our desk or if we are accessing a machine remotely via SSH.\nIn this how-to we’ll look at the\ncp\ncommand which copies files and directories. We’ll look at some arguments that we can add to get the most out of this command.\nWhile you become accustomed to these commands it’s good to work with example empty files and directories and you should take extra care to ensure you are carefully following the instructions.\nArticle continues below\nAll the commands in this how-to will work on most Linux machines. We’ve used an Ubuntu LTS install but you could run this how-to on a\nRaspberry Pi\n. All of the how-to is performed via the Terminal. You can open a terminal window on most Linux machines by pressing\nctrl, alt\nand\nt.\nHow to Copy a Single File in Linux\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\nLet’s start really simply by copying a single file. The command syntax is structured as follows.\ncp <location and name of item to copy> <location and name for copied item>\n1.\nCreate a new file called test1.txt.\ntouch test1.txt\n2.\nList the contents of the directory to check if the file has been created.\nYou should now see the file test1.txt.\nGet Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.\nls\n3.\nCopy the\ntest1.txt\nfile and rename it to test2.txt.\nThis copies the item into the same directory as the original but into a new file.\ncp test1.txt test2.txt\n4.\nList the contents of the directory to check the file has been copied and renamed.\nYou should see that the original file test1.txt is listed and the copied file test2.txt is listed.\nls\nHow to Copy a Directory in Linux\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\nLet’s run through a similar example to show that\ncp\ncan be used to copy a directory by using the\n-r\nargument. Though we have used an empty directory as an example, any directory contents would also be copied to the new directory using this argument.\n1.\nCreate an empty directory in your home directory.\nmkdir test_directory\n2.\nCopy and rename the new directory.\ncp -r test_directory test_directory_2\n3.\nList the directory contents to check the copied directory is created.\nYou should see the directories test_directory and test_directory_2 listed.\nls\nHow to Copy Files to a Different Location in Linux\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\nFor the next example let’s look at copying a file to a different location.\n1.\nCreate an empty directory in your home directory.\nmkdir test_directory\n2.\nCreate a test file in your home directory.\ntouch test1.txt\n3.\nCopy the test file from the home directory into the test directory.\nThis copies test1.txt from the home directory into test_directory.\n$ cp test1.txt test_directory\n4.\nCheck the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to test_directory and listing the contents.\ncd test_directory\nls\nHow to Copy Files to and From Directories While Renaming Them\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\nIf you know the location of a file and the target location you want to copy the file to, you don’t need to move into the directories directly and you can run the\ncp\ncommand from the home directory. Here’s an example of how it could be done.\n1.\nCreate 2 empty directories.\nFrom the home directory run the following command to create two new directories.\nmkdir folder1 folder2\n2.\nMove inside\nfolder1\nand make a test file called test1.txt.\ncd folder1\ntouch test1.txt\n3.\nReturn to the\nhome\ndirectory.\ncd\n4.\nCopy and rename the test file from the home\ndirectory.\nWe can supply the\ncp\ncommand with the name and location of the target file to copy and where to copy the file, renaming it to test2.txt along the way.\ncp folder1\/test1.txt folder2\/test2.txt\n5.\nCheck that the file has been copied correctly\nby changing directory to folder2 and listing the contents. Use\ncd\nto change directory and\nls\nto check the file copied correctly. You should see\ntest2.txt\nlisted inside\nfolder2\n.\ncd folder2\nls\nHow to Copy a File to a Parent Directory\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\nAs you move through directories you may need to occasionally copy a file to the parent directory of a current location. This can be achieved without having to type long directory locations into a command by using\n..\nto target the parent directory. Here’s how.\n1.\nCreate a test directory using\nmkdir\n.\nmkdir test_directory\n2.\nMove into test_directory\n.\ncd test_directory\n3.\nCreate a test file inside\ntest_directory.\ntouch test1.txt\n4.\nCopy\ntest1.txt to the parent directory.\nHere we simply add .. to the\ncp\ncommand to create a copy of test1.txt into the parent directory of the current location.\ncp test1.txt ..\n5.\nMove to the parent directory and check if the file has been copied.\nYou should see that test1.txt is now listed at this location.\ncd\nls\nAs you can see the cp command is very simple to use but is very capable and, with a little practice, it’s often much quicker to be able to surgically copy and rename files using cp than using graphical interface tools.","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p\/?c1=2&c2=10055482&cv=4.4.0&cj=1) [Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal#main)\n\nOpen menu\n\n[![Tom's 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including its database and snapshots](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/tech-industry\/artificial-intelligence\/claude-code-deletes-developers-production-setup-including-its-database-and-snapshots-2-5-years-of-records-were-nuked-in-an-instant \"Claude Code deletes developers' production setup, including its database and snapshots\")\n\n[![The NexPhone connected to a monitor and peripherals running Windows 11](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qb7N4TLT4iscAbBApNptX4.jpg) Phones Windows Phone makes a spiritual comeback thanks to NexPhone, which can triple-boot Windows, Android, and Linux](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/phones\/windows-phone-makes-a-spiritual-comeback-thanks-to-nexphone-which-can-triple-boot-windows-android-and-linux-three-in-one-device-is-powered-by-qualcomm-chipset-and-even-has-external-monitor-support \"Windows Phone makes a spiritual comeback thanks to NexPhone, which can triple-boot Windows, Android, and Linux\")\n\nTrending\n\n- [🔥TH Premium Deal](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/tech-industry\/toms-hardware-premium-3-month)\n- [Big Spring Sale](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/pc-components\/the-best-amazon-big-spring-sale-tech-deals-2026-featuring-the-best-prices-on-the-latest-gaming-pcs-gpus-laptops-monitors-peripherals-and-more)\n- [Intel Xeon 600](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/pc-components\/cpus\/intel-returns-to-boxed-workstation-cpus-with-xeon-600-granite-rapids-ws-delivers-up-to-86-cores-4tb-of-memory-and-128-pcie-5-lanes)\n- [RAM Combo Deals](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/desktops\/gaming-pcs\/best-ram-combo-deals-2026-make-pc-builds-and-upgrades-more-affordable-with-the-best-ram-bundle-deals-available)\n- [DLSS 5](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/tech-industry\/artificial-intelligence\/nvidia-debuts-dlss-5-for-increased-visual-fidelity-in-games-ai-infused-tech-transforms-pixels-with-photorealistic-lighting-and-materials)\n- [Bartlett Lake](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/pc-components\/cpus\/intel-keeps-socket-lga-1700-alive-with-new-p-core-only-cpus-bartlett-lake-is-official-but-targets-embedded-applications-with-up-to-12-cores)\n- [RAM Shortage](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/tag\/ram-shortage)\n\n1. [Software](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/software)\n2. [Operating Systems](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/software\/operating-systems)\n3. [Linux](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/software\/operating-systems\/linux)\n# How To Copy Files and Directories in the Linux terminal\n[How-To](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/how-to)\n\nBy [Jo Hinchliffe](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/author\/jo-hinchliffe)   Contributions from [Les Pounder](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/author\/les-pounder)\n\npublished\n\n9 June 2025\n\nCopy files and directories via the Linux command line\n\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/reviews\/about-us,4260.html#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure).\n\n![Copies of cyborg penguins](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cMyjzJw7fiG9sLq8vqiC78.jpg)\n\n(Image credit: Pexels \/ OpenClipArt)\n\n- Copy link\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal)\n- [X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=How+To+Copy+Files+and+Directories+in+the+Linux+terminal&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal)\n- [Whatsapp](whatsapp:\/\/send?text=How+To+Copy+Files+and+Directories+in+the+Linux+terminal+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal?fwa)\n- [Reddit](https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal&title=How+To+Copy+Files+and+Directories+in+the+Linux+terminal)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FcMyjzJw7fiG9sLq8vqiC78.jpg)\n- [Flipboard](https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?title=How+To+Copy+Files+and+Directories+in+the+Linux+terminal&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal)\n- [Email](mailto:?subject=I%20found%20this%20webpage&body=Hi,%20I%20found%20this%20webpage%20and%20thought%20you%20might%20like%20it%20https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal)\n\nShare this article\n\n[0](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal#xenforo-comments-3880964)\n\nJoin the conversation\n\n[Follow us](https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tomshardware.com)\n\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n\nNewsletter\n\nStay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter\n\nGet Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.\n\n***\nBy signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/)  and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.\n\nYou are now subscribed\n\nYour newsletter sign-up was successful\n\n***\nAn account already exists for this email address, please log in.\n\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n\nCopying files and directories in the Linux terminal is really efficient and straightforward once you know how to do it. It’s useful when we need to manage our files and directories without the need for a GUI, for example in a BASH script. We can do this whether we are at our desk or if we are accessing a machine remotely via SSH.\n\nIn this how-to we’ll look at the *cp* command which copies files and directories. We’ll look at some arguments that we can add to get the most out of this command.\n\nWhile you become accustomed to these commands it’s good to work with example empty files and directories and you should take extra care to ensure you are carefully following the instructions.\n\nArticle continues below\n\nYou may like\n\n- [![An ASCII animated real-time weather show forms the terminal backdrop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ge2X37u3hh2CTmqxjkDU3N.jpg) Weathr app turns the Linux terminal into a live weather display](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/weathr-turns-the-linux-terminal-into-a-live-weather-app-background-ascii-animated-real-time-weather-show-is-powered-by-open-meteo)\n- [![CDE Time Capsule project screenshot showing 1990s-style Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v5xGHmoyTqEyVrhNsdZWJb.jpg) Developer's 1994 Linux desktop recreation runs in your browser as a modern web app](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/nostalgic-developer-recreates-the-1994-linux-desktop-as-a-modern-web-app-for-your-browser-open-source-project-brings-old-school-cde-interface-back-from-the-dead-and-features-classic-90s-web-browser-text-editor-and-more)\n- [![Thermalright Warframe 360 cooler screen](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kd3hE2Yw5qQSH9Pu7sbyYc.jpg) Thermalright's LCD software for Windows ported to Linux](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/pc-components\/liquid-cooling\/enthusiast-ports-thermalrights-lcd-software-for-windows-to-linux-fully-fledged-port-supports-a-ton-of-models-and-enables-rgb-and-lcd-customization)\n\nAll the commands in this how-to will work on most Linux machines. We’ve used an Ubuntu LTS install but you could run this how-to on a[Raspberry Pi](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/news\/raspberry-pi). All of the how-to is performed via the Terminal. You can open a terminal window on most Linux machines by pressing *ctrl, alt* and *t.*\n\n## How to Copy a Single File in Linux\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JoHumsQhSTbnqJwpYrA4Dg.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nLet’s start really simply by copying a single file. The command syntax is structured as follows.\n```\ncp <location and name of item to copy> <location and name for copied item>\n```\n1\\. **Create a new file called test1.txt.**\n```\ntouch test1.txt\n```\n2\\. **List the contents of the directory to check if the file has been created.** You should now see the file test1.txt.\n\nStay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter\n\nGet Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.\n\nBy signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/terms-conditions\/)  and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https:\/\/futureplc.com\/privacy-policy). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.\n```\nls\n```\n3\\. **Copy the** ***test1.txt*** **file and rename it to test2.txt.** This copies the item into the same directory as the original but into a new file.\n```\ncp test1.txt test2.txt\n```\n4\\. **List the contents of the directory to check the file has been copied and renamed.** You should see that the original file test1.txt is listed and the copied file test2.txt is listed.\n```\nls\n```\n## How to Copy a Directory in Linux\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x84Ai4t2mx7buH62eAcCwf.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nLet’s run through a similar example to show that *cp* can be used to copy a directory by using the *\\-r* argument. Though we have used an empty directory as an example, any directory contents would also be copied to the new directory using this argument.\n\nWhat to read next\n\n- [![Free Alternatives to Photoshop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NBxoPBibTiKWqw8gpD7kXG.jpg) Developer patches Wine to make Photoshop 2021 & 2025 run on Linux, fixes Creative Cloud installers](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/developer-patches-wine-to-make-photoshop-2021-and-2025-run-on-linux-adobe-creative-cloud-installers-finally-work-thanks-to-html-javascript-and-xml-fixes)\n- [![Modded PS5 running Linux \\&amp; playing GTA V ](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tLYGp6pdZakh3t8PGRxQRh.png) Linux hacked onto a PS5 to turn Sony's console into a Steam Machine](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/video-games\/playstation\/linux-hacked-onto-a-ps5-to-turn-sonys-console-into-a-steam-machine-gta-v-enhanced-edition-runs-at-60-fps-on-1440pwith-ray-tracing)\n- [![The moon](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bwujki4D37irHWE8XbcRE7.jpg) Dev creates astrology-powered CPU scheduler for Linux, makes decisions based on planetary positions and zodiac signs](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/dev-creates-astrology-powered-cpu-scheduler-for-linux-makes-decisions-based-on-planetary-positions-and-zodiac-signs-sched-ext-framework-informed-by-lunar-phases-cosmic-weather-reports-and-dynamic-time-slicing)\n\n1\\. **Create an empty directory in your home directory.**\n```\nmkdir test_directory\n```\n2\\. **Copy and rename the new directory.**\n```\ncp -r test_directory test_directory_2\n```\n3\\. **List the directory contents to check the copied directory is created.** You should see the directories test\\_directory and test\\_directory\\_2 listed.\n```\nls\n```\n## How to Copy Files to a Different Location in Linux\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fKiHeto3P2NbDsYBL6cu4g.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nFor the next example let’s look at copying a file to a different location.\n\n1\\. **Create an empty directory in your home directory.**\n```\nmkdir test_directory\n```\n2\\. **Create a test file in your home directory.**\n```\ntouch test1.txt\n```\n3\\. **Copy the test file from the home directory into the test directory.** This copies test1.txt from the home directory into test\\_directory.\n```\n$ cp test1.txt test_directory\n```\n4\\. **Check the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to test\\_directory and listing the contents.**\n```\ncd test_directory\nls\n```\n## How to Copy Files to and From Directories While Renaming Them\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bi3JEk4GzDLs38s4YuiZnf.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nIf you know the location of a file and the target location you want to copy the file to, you don’t need to move into the directories directly and you can run the *cp* command from the home directory. Here’s an example of how it could be done.\n\n1\\. **Create 2 empty directories.** From the home directory run the following command to create two new directories.\n```\nmkdir folder1 folder2\n```\n2\\. **Move inside** ***folder1*** **and make a test file called test1.txt.**\n```\ncd folder1\ntouch test1.txt\n```\n3\\. **Return to the** ***home*** **directory.**\n```\ncd\n```\n4\\. **Copy and rename the test file from the home** **directory.** We can supply the *cp* command with the name and location of the target file to copy and where to copy the file, renaming it to test2.txt along the way.\n```\ncp folder1\/test1.txt folder2\/test2.txt\n```\n5\\. **Check that the file has been copied correctly** by changing directory to folder2 and listing the contents. Use *cd* to change directory and *ls* to check the file copied correctly. You should see *test2.txt* listed inside *folder2*.\n```\ncd folder2\nls\n```\n## How to Copy a File to a Parent Directory\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cp3dkZSR9WrExaas94hjJg.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nAs you move through directories you may need to occasionally copy a file to the parent directory of a current location. This can be achieved without having to type long directory locations into a command by using *..* to target the parent directory. Here’s how.\n\n1\\. **Create a test directory using** ***mkdir*****.**\n```\nmkdir test_directory\n```\n2\\. **Move into test\\_directory*****.***\n```\ncd test_directory\n```\n3\\. **Create a test file inside** **test\\_directory.**\n```\ntouch test1.txt\n```\n4\\. **Copy** **test1.txt to the parent directory.** Here we simply add .. to the *cp* command to create a copy of test1.txt into the parent directory of the current location.\n```\ncp test1.txt ..\n```\n5\\. **Move to the parent directory and check if the file has been copied.** You should see that test1.txt is now listed at this location.\n```\ncd\nls\n```\nAs you can see the cp command is very simple to use but is very capable and, with a little practice, it’s often much quicker to be able to surgically copy and rename files using cp than using graphical interface tools.\n\nTOPICS\n\n[Ubuntu](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/tag\/ubuntu)\n\n[See all comments (0)](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal#xenforo-comments-3880964)\n\n![Jo Hinchliffe](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aPF4Yyru8FqfhkQARU2rdV.jpg)\n\n[Jo Hinchliffe](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/author\/jo-hinchliffe)\n\nJo Hinchliffe is a UK-based freelance writer for Tom's Hardware US. His writing is focused on tutorials for the Linux command line.\n\nWith contributions from\n\n- [Les Pounder](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/uk\/author\/les-pounder)\n\nRead more\n\n[![An ASCII animated real-time weather show forms the terminal backdrop](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ge2X37u3hh2CTmqxjkDU3N.jpg) Linux Weathr app turns the Linux terminal into a live weather display](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/software\/linux\/weathr-turns-the-linux-terminal-into-a-live-weather-app-background-ascii-animated-real-time-weather-show-is-powered-by-open-meteo \"Weathr app turns the Linux terminal into a live weather display \")\n\n[![CDE Time Capsule project screenshot showing 1990s-style Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v5xGHmoyTqEyVrhNsdZWJb.jpg) Linux Developer's 1994 Linux desktop recreation runs in your browser as a modern web 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All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.\n\n![]()\n\n×","attrs_readable_markdown":"Copying files and directories in the Linux terminal is really efficient and straightforward once you know how to do it. It’s useful when we need to manage our files and directories without the need for a GUI, for example in a BASH script. We can do this whether we are at our desk or if we are accessing a machine remotely via SSH.\n\nIn this how-to we’ll look at the *cp* command which copies files and directories. We’ll look at some arguments that we can add to get the most out of this command.\n\nWhile you become accustomed to these commands it’s good to work with example empty files and directories and you should take extra care to ensure you are carefully following the instructions.\n\nArticle continues below\n\nAll the commands in this how-to will work on most Linux machines. We’ve used an Ubuntu LTS install but you could run this how-to on a[Raspberry Pi](https:\/\/www.tomshardware.com\/news\/raspberry-pi). All of the how-to is performed via the Terminal. You can open a terminal window on most Linux machines by pressing *ctrl, alt* and *t.*\n\n## How to Copy a Single File in Linux\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JoHumsQhSTbnqJwpYrA4Dg.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nLet’s start really simply by copying a single file. The command syntax is structured as follows.\n```\ncp <location and name of item to copy> <location and name for copied item>\n```\n1\\. **Create a new file called test1.txt.**\n```\ntouch test1.txt\n```\n2\\. **List the contents of the directory to check if the file has been created.** You should now see the file test1.txt.\n\nGet Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.\n```\nls\n```\n3\\. **Copy the** ***test1.txt*** **file and rename it to test2.txt.** This copies the item into the same directory as the original but into a new file.\n```\ncp test1.txt test2.txt\n```\n4\\. **List the contents of the directory to check the file has been copied and renamed.** You should see that the original file test1.txt is listed and the copied file test2.txt is listed.\n```\nls\n```\n## How to Copy a Directory in Linux\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/x84Ai4t2mx7buH62eAcCwf.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nLet’s run through a similar example to show that *cp* can be used to copy a directory by using the *\\-r* argument. Though we have used an empty directory as an example, any directory contents would also be copied to the new directory using this argument.\n\n1\\. **Create an empty directory in your home directory.**\n```\nmkdir test_directory\n```\n2\\. **Copy and rename the new directory.**\n```\ncp -r test_directory test_directory_2\n```\n3\\. **List the directory contents to check the copied directory is created.** You should see the directories test\\_directory and test\\_directory\\_2 listed.\n```\nls\n```\n## How to Copy Files to a Different Location in Linux\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fKiHeto3P2NbDsYBL6cu4g.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nFor the next example let’s look at copying a file to a different location.\n\n1\\. **Create an empty directory in your home directory.**\n```\nmkdir test_directory\n```\n2\\. **Create a test file in your home directory.**\n```\ntouch test1.txt\n```\n3\\. **Copy the test file from the home directory into the test directory.** This copies test1.txt from the home directory into test\\_directory.\n```\n$ cp test1.txt test_directory\n```\n4\\. **Check the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to test\\_directory and listing the contents.**\n```\ncd test_directory\nls\n```\n## How to Copy Files to and From Directories While Renaming Them\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Bi3JEk4GzDLs38s4YuiZnf.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nIf you know the location of a file and the target location you want to copy the file to, you don’t need to move into the directories directly and you can run the *cp* command from the home directory. Here’s an example of how it could be done.\n\n1\\. **Create 2 empty directories.** From the home directory run the following command to create two new directories.\n```\nmkdir folder1 folder2\n```\n2\\. **Move inside** ***folder1*** **and make a test file called test1.txt.**\n```\ncd folder1\ntouch test1.txt\n```\n3\\. **Return to the** ***home*** **directory.**\n```\ncd\n```\n4\\. **Copy and rename the test file from the home** **directory.** We can supply the *cp* command with the name and location of the target file to copy and where to copy the file, renaming it to test2.txt along the way.\n```\ncp folder1\/test1.txt folder2\/test2.txt\n```\n5\\. **Check that the file has been copied correctly** by changing directory to folder2 and listing the contents. Use *cd* to change directory and *ls* to check the file copied correctly. You should see *test2.txt* listed inside *folder2*.\n```\ncd folder2\nls\n```\n## How to Copy a File to a Parent Directory\n![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cp3dkZSR9WrExaas94hjJg.png)\n\n(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)\n\nAs you move through directories you may need to occasionally copy a file to the parent directory of a current location. This can be achieved without having to type long directory locations into a command by using *..* to target the parent directory. Here’s how.\n\n1\\. **Create a test directory using** ***mkdir*****.**\n```\nmkdir test_directory\n```\n2\\. **Move into test\\_directory*****.***\n```\ncd test_directory\n```\n3\\. **Create a test file inside** **test\\_directory.**\n```\ntouch test1.txt\n```\n4\\. **Copy** **test1.txt to the parent directory.** Here we simply add .. to the *cp* command to create a copy of test1.txt into the parent directory of the current location.\n```\ncp test1.txt ..\n```\n5\\. **Move to the parent directory and check if the file has been copied.** You should see that test1.txt is now listed at this location.\n```\ncd\nls\n```\nAs you can see the cp command is very simple to use but is very capable and, with a little practice, it’s often much quicker to be able to surgically copy and rename files using cp than using graphical interface tools.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Copying files and directories in the Linux terminal is really efficient and straightforward once you know how to do it. It’s useful when we need to manage our files and directories without the need for a GUI, for example in a BASH script. We can do this whether we are at our desk or if we are accessing a machine remotely via SSH. In this how-to we’ll look at the cp command which copies files and directories. We’ll look at some arguments that we can add to get the most out of this command. While you become accustomed to these commands it’s good to work with example empty files and directories and you should take extra care to ensure you are carefully following the instructions. Article continues below All the commands in this how-to will work on most Linux machines. We’ve used an Ubuntu LTS install but you could run this how-to on a Raspberry Pi . All of the how-to is performed via the Terminal. You can open a terminal window on most Linux machines by pressing ctrl, alt and t. How to Copy a Single File in Linux (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Let’s start really simply by copying a single file. The command syntax is structured as follows. cp <location and name of item to copy> <location and name for copied item> 1. Create a new file called test1.txt. touch test1.txt 2. List the contents of the directory to check if the file has been created. You should now see the file test1.txt. Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. ls 3. Copy the test1.txt file and rename it to test2.txt. This copies the item into the same directory as the original but into a new file. cp test1.txt test2.txt 4. List the contents of the directory to check the file has been copied and renamed. You should see that the original file test1.txt is listed and the copied file test2.txt is listed. ls How to Copy a Directory in Linux (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Let’s run through a similar example to show that cp can be used to copy a directory by using the -r argument. Though we have used an empty directory as an example, any directory contents would also be copied to the new directory using this argument. 1. Create an empty directory in your home directory. mkdir test_directory 2. Copy and rename the new directory. cp -r test_directory test_directory_2 3. List the directory contents to check the copied directory is created. You should see the directories test_directory and test_directory_2 listed. ls How to Copy Files to a Different Location in Linux (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) For the next example let’s look at copying a file to a different location. 1. Create an empty directory in your home directory. mkdir test_directory 2. Create a test file in your home directory. touch test1.txt 3. Copy the test file from the home directory into the test directory. This copies test1.txt from the home directory into test_directory. $ cp test1.txt test_directory 4. Check the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to test_directory and listing the contents. cd test_directory ls How to Copy Files to and From Directories While Renaming Them (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) If you know the location of a file and the target location you want to copy the file to, you don’t need to move into the directories directly and you can run the cp command from the home directory. Here’s an example of how it could be done. 1. Create 2 empty directories. From the home directory run the following command to create two new directories. mkdir folder1 folder2 2. Move inside folder1 and make a test file called test1.txt. cd folder1 touch test1.txt 3. Return to the home directory. cd 4. Copy and rename the test file from the home directory. We can supply the cp command with the name and location of the target file to copy and where to copy the file, renaming it to test2.txt along the way. cp folder1/test1.txt folder2/test2.txt 5. Check that the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to folder2 and listing the contents. Use cd to change directory and ls to check the file copied correctly. You should see test2.txt listed inside folder2 . cd folder2 ls How to Copy a File to a Parent Directory (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) As you move through directories you may need to occasionally copy a file to the parent directory of a current location. This can be achieved without having to type long directory locations into a command by using .. to target the parent directory. Here’s how. 1. Create a test directory using mkdir . mkdir test_directory 2. Move into test_directory . cd test_directory 3. Create a test file inside test_directory. touch test1.txt 4. Copy test1.txt to the parent directory. Here we simply add .. to the cp command to create a copy of test1.txt into the parent directory of the current location. cp test1.txt .. 5. Move to the parent directory and check if the file has been copied. You should see that test1.txt is now listed at this location. cd ls As you can see the cp command is very simple to use but is very capable and, with a little practice, it’s often much quicker to be able to surgically copy and rename files using cp than using graphical interface tools.
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[Software](https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/software) 2. [Operating Systems](https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/software/operating-systems) 3. [Linux](https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/software/operating-systems/linux) # How To Copy Files and Directories in the Linux terminal [How-To](https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/how-to) By [Jo Hinchliffe](https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/author/jo-hinchliffe) Contributions from [Les Pounder](https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/author/les-pounder) published 9 June 2025 Copy files and directories via the Linux command line When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Here’s how it works](https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/about-us,4260.html#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure). ![Copies of cyborg penguins](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cMyjzJw7fiG9sLq8vqiC78.jpg) (Image credit: Pexels / OpenClipArt) - Copy link - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal) - [X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How+To+Copy+Files+and+Directories+in+the+Linux+terminal&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal) - [Whatsapp](whatsapp://send?text=How+To+Copy+Files+and+Directories+in+the+Linux+terminal+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal?fwa) - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal&title=How+To+Copy+Files+and+Directories+in+the+Linux+terminal) - [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net%2FcMyjzJw7fiG9sLq8vqiC78.jpg) - [Flipboard](https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?title=How+To+Copy+Files+and+Directories+in+the+Linux+terminal&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.com%2Fsoftware%2Flinux%2Fhow-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal) - [Email](mailto:?subject=I%20found%20this%20webpage&body=Hi,%20I%20found%20this%20webpage%20and%20thought%20you%20might%20like%20it%20https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal) Share this article [0](https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal#xenforo-comments-3880964) Join the conversation [Follow us](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=tomshardware.com) Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. * By signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/) and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful * An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter Copying files and directories in the Linux terminal is really efficient and straightforward once you know how to do it. It’s useful when we need to manage our files and directories without the need for a GUI, for example in a BASH script. We can do this whether we are at our desk or if we are accessing a machine remotely via SSH. In this how-to we’ll look at the cp command which copies files and directories. We’ll look at some arguments that we can add to get the most out of this command. While you become accustomed to these commands it’s good to work with example empty files and directories and you should take extra care to ensure you are carefully following the instructions. Article continues below You may like - [![An ASCII animated real-time weather show forms the terminal backdrop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ge2X37u3hh2CTmqxjkDU3N.jpg) Weathr app turns the Linux terminal into a live weather display](https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/weathr-turns-the-linux-terminal-into-a-live-weather-app-background-ascii-animated-real-time-weather-show-is-powered-by-open-meteo) - [![CDE Time Capsule project screenshot showing 1990s-style Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v5xGHmoyTqEyVrhNsdZWJb.jpg) Developer's 1994 Linux desktop recreation runs in your browser as a modern web app](https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/nostalgic-developer-recreates-the-1994-linux-desktop-as-a-modern-web-app-for-your-browser-open-source-project-brings-old-school-cde-interface-back-from-the-dead-and-features-classic-90s-web-browser-text-editor-and-more) - [![Thermalright Warframe 360 cooler screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Kd3hE2Yw5qQSH9Pu7sbyYc.jpg) Thermalright's LCD software for Windows ported to Linux](https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/liquid-cooling/enthusiast-ports-thermalrights-lcd-software-for-windows-to-linux-fully-fledged-port-supports-a-ton-of-models-and-enables-rgb-and-lcd-customization) All the commands in this how-to will work on most Linux machines. We’ve used an Ubuntu LTS install but you could run this how-to on a[Raspberry Pi](https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi). All of the how-to is performed via the Terminal. You can open a terminal window on most Linux machines by pressing ctrl, alt and t. ## How to Copy a Single File in Linux ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JoHumsQhSTbnqJwpYrA4Dg.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Let’s start really simply by copying a single file. The command syntax is structured as follows. ``` cp <location and name of item to copy> <location and name for copied item> ``` 1\. Create a new file called test1.txt. ``` touch test1.txt ``` 2\. List the contents of the directory to check if the file has been created. You should now see the file test1.txt. Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. By signing up, you agree to our [Terms of services](https://futureplc.com/terms-conditions/) and acknowledge that you have read our [Privacy Notice](https://futureplc.com/privacy-policy). You also agree to receive marketing emails from us that may include promotions from our trusted partners and sponsors, which you can unsubscribe from at any time. ``` ls ``` 3\. Copy the *test1.txt* file and rename it to test2.txt. This copies the item into the same directory as the original but into a new file. ``` cp test1.txt test2.txt ``` 4\. List the contents of the directory to check the file has been copied and renamed. You should see that the original file test1.txt is listed and the copied file test2.txt is listed. ``` ls ``` ## How to Copy a Directory in Linux ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x84Ai4t2mx7buH62eAcCwf.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Let’s run through a similar example to show that cp can be used to copy a directory by using the \-r argument. Though we have used an empty directory as an example, any directory contents would also be copied to the new directory using this argument. 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Create an empty directory in your home directory. ``` mkdir test_directory ``` 2\. Copy and rename the new directory. ``` cp -r test_directory test_directory_2 ``` 3\. List the directory contents to check the copied directory is created. You should see the directories test\_directory and test\_directory\_2 listed. ``` ls ``` ## How to Copy Files to a Different Location in Linux ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fKiHeto3P2NbDsYBL6cu4g.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) For the next example let’s look at copying a file to a different location. 1\. Create an empty directory in your home directory. ``` mkdir test_directory ``` 2\. Create a test file in your home directory. ``` touch test1.txt ``` 3\. Copy the test file from the home directory into the test directory. This copies test1.txt from the home directory into test\_directory. ``` $ cp test1.txt test_directory ``` 4\. Check the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to test\_directory and listing the contents. ``` cd test_directory ls ``` ## How to Copy Files to and From Directories While Renaming Them ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Bi3JEk4GzDLs38s4YuiZnf.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) If you know the location of a file and the target location you want to copy the file to, you don’t need to move into the directories directly and you can run the cp command from the home directory. Here’s an example of how it could be done. 1\. Create 2 empty directories. From the home directory run the following command to create two new directories. ``` mkdir folder1 folder2 ``` 2\. Move inside *folder1* and make a test file called test1.txt. ``` cd folder1 touch test1.txt ``` 3\. Return to the *home* directory. ``` cd ``` 4\. Copy and rename the test file from the home directory. We can supply the cp command with the name and location of the target file to copy and where to copy the file, renaming it to test2.txt along the way. ``` cp folder1/test1.txt folder2/test2.txt ``` 5\. Check that the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to folder2 and listing the contents. Use cd to change directory and ls to check the file copied correctly. You should see test2.txt listed inside folder2. ``` cd folder2 ls ``` ## How to Copy a File to a Parent Directory ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cp3dkZSR9WrExaas94hjJg.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) As you move through directories you may need to occasionally copy a file to the parent directory of a current location. This can be achieved without having to type long directory locations into a command by using .. to target the parent directory. Here’s how. 1\. Create a test directory using *mkdir*. ``` mkdir test_directory ``` 2\. Move into test\_directory*.* ``` cd test_directory ``` 3\. Create a test file inside test\_directory. ``` touch test1.txt ``` 4\. Copy test1.txt to the parent directory. Here we simply add .. to the cp command to create a copy of test1.txt into the parent directory of the current location. ``` cp test1.txt .. ``` 5\. Move to the parent directory and check if the file has been copied. You should see that test1.txt is now listed at this location. ``` cd ls ``` As you can see the cp command is very simple to use but is very capable and, with a little practice, it’s often much quicker to be able to surgically copy and rename files using cp than using graphical interface tools. TOPICS [Ubuntu](https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/tag/ubuntu) [See all comments (0)](https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/how-to-copy-files-and-directories-in-the-linux-terminal#xenforo-comments-3880964) ![Jo Hinchliffe](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aPF4Yyru8FqfhkQARU2rdV.jpg) [Jo Hinchliffe](https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/author/jo-hinchliffe) Jo Hinchliffe is a UK-based freelance writer for Tom's Hardware US. His writing is focused on tutorials for the Linux command line. 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Readable Markdown	Copying files and directories in the Linux terminal is really efficient and straightforward once you know how to do it. It’s useful when we need to manage our files and directories without the need for a GUI, for example in a BASH script. We can do this whether we are at our desk or if we are accessing a machine remotely via SSH. In this how-to we’ll look at the cp command which copies files and directories. We’ll look at some arguments that we can add to get the most out of this command. While you become accustomed to these commands it’s good to work with example empty files and directories and you should take extra care to ensure you are carefully following the instructions. Article continues below All the commands in this how-to will work on most Linux machines. We’ve used an Ubuntu LTS install but you could run this how-to on a[Raspberry Pi](https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi). All of the how-to is performed via the Terminal. You can open a terminal window on most Linux machines by pressing ctrl, alt and t. ## How to Copy a Single File in Linux ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JoHumsQhSTbnqJwpYrA4Dg.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Let’s start really simply by copying a single file. The command syntax is structured as follows. ``` cp <location and name of item to copy> <location and name for copied item> ``` 1\. Create a new file called test1.txt. ``` touch test1.txt ``` 2\. List the contents of the directory to check if the file has been created. You should now see the file test1.txt. Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. ``` ls ``` 3\. Copy the *test1.txt* file and rename it to test2.txt. This copies the item into the same directory as the original but into a new file. ``` cp test1.txt test2.txt ``` 4\. List the contents of the directory to check the file has been copied and renamed. You should see that the original file test1.txt is listed and the copied file test2.txt is listed. ``` ls ``` ## How to Copy a Directory in Linux ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x84Ai4t2mx7buH62eAcCwf.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Let’s run through a similar example to show that cp can be used to copy a directory by using the \-r argument. Though we have used an empty directory as an example, any directory contents would also be copied to the new directory using this argument. 1\. Create an empty directory in your home directory. ``` mkdir test_directory ``` 2\. Copy and rename the new directory. ``` cp -r test_directory test_directory_2 ``` 3\. List the directory contents to check the copied directory is created. You should see the directories test\_directory and test\_directory\_2 listed. ``` ls ``` ## How to Copy Files to a Different Location in Linux ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fKiHeto3P2NbDsYBL6cu4g.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) For the next example let’s look at copying a file to a different location. 1\. Create an empty directory in your home directory. ``` mkdir test_directory ``` 2\. Create a test file in your home directory. ``` touch test1.txt ``` 3\. Copy the test file from the home directory into the test directory. This copies test1.txt from the home directory into test\_directory. ``` $ cp test1.txt test_directory ``` 4\. Check the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to test\_directory and listing the contents. ``` cd test_directory ls ``` ## How to Copy Files to and From Directories While Renaming Them ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Bi3JEk4GzDLs38s4YuiZnf.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) If you know the location of a file and the target location you want to copy the file to, you don’t need to move into the directories directly and you can run the cp command from the home directory. Here’s an example of how it could be done. 1\. Create 2 empty directories. From the home directory run the following command to create two new directories. ``` mkdir folder1 folder2 ``` 2\. Move inside *folder1* and make a test file called test1.txt. ``` cd folder1 touch test1.txt ``` 3\. Return to the *home* directory. ``` cd ``` 4\. Copy and rename the test file from the home directory. We can supply the cp command with the name and location of the target file to copy and where to copy the file, renaming it to test2.txt along the way. ``` cp folder1/test1.txt folder2/test2.txt ``` 5\. Check that the file has been copied correctly by changing directory to folder2 and listing the contents. Use cd to change directory and ls to check the file copied correctly. You should see test2.txt listed inside folder2. ``` cd folder2 ls ``` ## How to Copy a File to a Parent Directory ![Copy Files and Directories in Linux](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cp3dkZSR9WrExaas94hjJg.png) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) As you move through directories you may need to occasionally copy a file to the parent directory of a current location. This can be achieved without having to type long directory locations into a command by using .. to target the parent directory. Here’s how. 1\. Create a test directory using *mkdir*. ``` mkdir test_directory ``` 2\. Move into test\_directory*.* ``` cd test_directory ``` 3\. Create a test file inside test\_directory. ``` touch test1.txt ``` 4\. Copy test1.txt to the parent directory. Here we simply add .. to the cp command to create a copy of test1.txt into the parent directory of the current location. ``` cp test1.txt .. ``` 5\. Move to the parent directory and check if the file has been copied. You should see that test1.txt is now listed at this location. ``` cd ls ``` As you can see the cp command is very simple to use but is very capable and, with a little practice, it’s often much quicker to be able to surgically copy and rename files using cp than using graphical interface tools.
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