---
name: "containers-storage-diff"
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-diff"
---

# containers-storage-diff(1)

Generate a layer diff

## NAME

containers-storage-diff - Generate a layer diff

## SYNOPSIS

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

## DESCRIPTION

Generates a layer diff representing the changes made in the specified layer. If the layer was populated using a layer diff, the result aims to be bit-for-bit identical with the one that was applied, including the type of compression which was applied.

## OPTIONS

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

Write the diff to the specified file instead of stdout.

**-c \| --gzip**

Force the diff to be compressed using gzip compression.  If the layer was populated by a layer diff, and that layer diff was compressed, this will be done automatically.

**-u \| --uncompressed**

Force the diff to be uncompressed.  If the layer was populated by a layer diff, and that layer diff was compressed, it will be decompressed for output.

## EXAMPLE

```
containers-storage diff my-base-layer
```

## SEE ALSO

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