`cd` command

Change the current working directory.

Files & directories
Package shell builtin
4 options · 6 examples

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Syntax
Common options
Examples
Tips
Guides
Related commands

Syntax

cd [directory]

Provided by the shell builtin package. Run man cd for the full manual.

Common options

Option	What it does
`~`	Your home directory (also plain `cd`)
`-`	The previous directory
`..`	The parent directory
`-P`	Resolve symbolic links to the physical path

Examples

Go to your home directory
```
cd
```
Go to the parent directory
```
cd ..
```
Go back to the previous directory
```
cd -
```
Go to an absolute path
```
cd /var/www/html
```
Go two levels up
```
cd ../..
```
Path with spaces
```
cd "My Documents"
```

Tips

Run pwd to print where you are.

cd guides

cd command in Linux with Examples Linux Commands · Updated Apr 2025

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