---
name: "docker-machine-cp"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "podman-docker"
version: "6.1.4-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/podman-machine-cp"
---

# docker-machine-cp(1)

Securely copy contents between the host and the virtual machine

Part of [podman-machine-cp(1)](/podman-machine-cp/1.md).

## NAME

podman-machine-cp - Securely copy contents between the host and the virtual machine

## SYNOPSIS

**podman machine cp** \[*options*\] *src\_path* *dest\_path*

## DESCRIPTION

Use secure copy (scp) to copy files or directories between the virtual machine and your host machine.

**podman machine cp** does not support copying between two virtual machines, which would require two machines running simultaneously.

Additionally, **podman machine cp** will automatically do a recursive copy of files and directories.

## OPTIONS

### --help

Print usage statement.

### --quiet, -q

Suppress copy status output.

## EXAMPLES

Copy a file from your host to the running Podman Machine.

```
$ podman machine cp ~/configuration.txt podman-machine-default:~/configuration.txt
...
Copy Successful
```

Copy a file from the running Podman Machine to your host.

```
$ podman machine cp podman-machine-default:~/logs/log.txt ~/logs/podman-machine-default.txt
...
Copy Successful
```

Copy a directory from your host to the running Podman Machine.

```
$ podman machine cp ~/.config podman-machine-default:~/.config
...
Copy Successful
```

Copy a directory from the running Podman Machine to your host.

```
$ podman machine cp podman-machine-default:~/.config ~/podman-machine-default.config
...
Copy Successful
```

## SEE ALSO

**[podman(1)](/podman/1.md)**, **[podman-machine(1)](/podman-machine/1.md)**

## HISTORY

February 2025, Originally compiled by Jake Correnti jcorrent@redhat.com ⟨mailto:jcorrent@redhat.com⟩