---
name: "containers-storage-import-layer"
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-import-layer"
---

# containers-storage-import-layer(1)

Import files to a new layer

## NAME

containers-storage-import-layer - Import files to a new layer

## SYNOPSIS

**containers-storage** **import-layer** \[*options* \[...\]\] \[*parentLayerNameOrID*\]

## DESCRIPTION

This subcommand is a combination of *containers-storage create-layer* and *containers-storage apply-diff*.

When a layer is first created with *containers-storage create-layer*, 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 by running *containers-storage apply-diff*.

## OPTIONS

**-n** *name*

Sets an optional name for the layer. If a name is already in use, an error is returned.

**-i \| --id** *ID*

Sets the ID for the layer. If none is specified, one is generated.

**-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.

**-l \| --label** *mount-label*

Sets the label which should be assigned as an SELinux context when mounting the layer.

**-r \| --readonly**

Mark the layer as readonly.

**-j \| --json**

Prefer JSON output.

**--uidmap**

UID map specified in the format expected by *subuid*. It cannot be specified simultaneously with *--hostuidmap*.

**--gidmap**

GID map specified in the format expected by *subgid*. It cannot be specified simultaneously with *--hostuidmap*.

**--hostuidmap**

Force host UID map. It cannot be specified simultaneously with neither *--uidmap* nor *--subuidmap*.

**--hostgidmap**

Force host GID map. It cannot be specified simultaneously with neither *--gidmap* nor *--subgidmap*.

**--subuidmap** *username*

Create UID map for username using the data from /etc/subuid. It cannot be specified simultaneously with *--hostuidmap*.

**--subgidmap** *group-name*

Create GID map for group-name using the data from /etc/subgid. It cannot be specified simultaneously with *--hostuidmap*.

## EXAMPLE

```
containers-storage import-layer -f 71841c97e320d6cde.tar.gz -n new-layer somelayer
```

## SEE ALSO

[containers-storage-create-layer(1)](/containers-storage-create-layer/1.md) containers-storage-apply-diff(1)