---
name: "containers-storage-applydiff"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "containers-common"
version: "1:0.69.2-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/containers-storage-applydiff"
---

# containers-storage-applydiff(1)

Apply a layer diff to a layer

## NAME

containers-storage-apply-diff - Apply a layer diff to a layer

## SYNOPSIS

**containers-storage** **apply-diff** \[*options* \[...\]\] *layerNameOrID* \[*referenceLayerNameOrID*\]

## DESCRIPTION

When a layer is first created, it contains no changes relative to its parent layer.  The layer can either be mounted read-write and its contents modified directly, or contents can be added (or removed) by applying a layer diff.  A layer diff takes the form of a (possibly compressed) tar archive with additional information present in its headers, and can be produced by running *containers-storage diff* or an equivalent.

Layer diffs are not typically applied manually.  More often they are applied by a tool which is being used to import an entire image, such as **skopeo**.

## OPTIONS

**-f \| --file** *filename*

Specifies the name of a file from which the diff should be read.  If this option is not used, the diff is read from standard input.

## EXAMPLE

```
containers-storage apply-diff -f 71841c97e320d6cde.tar.gz layer1
```

## SEE ALSO

[containers-storage-changes(1)](/containers-storage-changes/1.md) [containers-storage-diff(1)](/containers-storage-diff/1.md) [containers-storage-diffsize(1)](/containers-storage-diffsize/1.md)