`cp` command

Copy files and directories.

Files & directories
Package coreutils
8 options · 7 examples

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Syntax
Common options
Examples
Tips
Guides
Related commands

Syntax

cp [options] source… destination

Provided by the coreutils package. Run man cp for the full manual.

Common options

Option	What it does
`-r`	Copy directories recursively
`-a`	Archive: recursive, keep permissions, owners, times and links
`-i`	Ask before overwriting
`-n`	Never overwrite existing files
`-u`	Copy only when the source is newer
`-v`	Print each file copied
`-p`	Keep mode, ownership and timestamps
`--parents`	Recreate the source path under the destination

Examples

Copy a file
```
cp file.txt /tmp/
```
Copy and rename
```
cp config.yml config.yml.bak
```
Copy a directory
```
cp -r project/ /backup/
```
Copy and keep permissions and times
```
cp -a /var/www /backup/www
```
Ask before overwriting
```
cp -i *.conf /etc/app/
```
Copy only newer files
```
cp -u src/* dest/
```
Keep the directory path
```
cp --parents src/app/main.c /backup/
```

Tips

For large or remote copies, rsync -a can resume and shows progress.

cp guides

How to Preserve Directory Path with CP Command Linux Commands · Updated Apr 2025
The `cp` Command in Linux (Copy Files) Linux Commands · Updated Apr 2025

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