---
name: "gdal-dataset-copy"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "gdal"
version: "3.13.3-6"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/gdal-dataset-copy"
---

# gdal-dataset-copy(1)

Copy files of a dataset Added in version 3.12. gdal dataset copy creates a copy of the dataset file(s), including potential side-car/associated files.

## NAME

gdal-dataset-copy - Copy files of a dataset

Added in version 3.12.

**gdal dataset copy** creates a copy of the dataset file(s), including potential side-car/associated files.

## SYNOPSIS

```
Usage: gdal dataset copy [OPTIONS] <SOURCE> <DESTINATION>
Copy files of a dataset.
Positional arguments:
  --source <SOURCE>            Source dataset name [required]
  --destination <DESTINATION>  Destination dataset name [required]
Common Options:
  -h, --help                   Display help message and exit
  --json-usage                 Display usage as JSON document and exit
  --config <KEY>=<VALUE>       Configuration option [may be repeated]
Options:
  --overwrite                  Whether overwriting existing output dataset is allowed
Advanced Options:
  -f, --format <FORMAT>        Dataset format
```

## OPTIONS

- **--source \<FILENAME\>**

  Source file name or directory name. Required.

- **--destination \<FILENAME\>**

  Destination file name or directory name. Required.

- **-f, ---format \<FORMAT\>**

  Dataset format. Helps if automatic detection does not work.

- **--overwrite**

  Allow program to overwrite existing target file or dataset. Otherwise, by default, **gdal** errors out if the target file or dataset already exists.

## RETURN STATUS CODE

The program returns status code 0 in case of success, and non-zero in case of error (non-blocking errors emitted as warnings are considered as a successful execution).

## EXAMPLES

### Example 1: Copy a dataset

```
$ gdal dataset copy source.tif destination.tif
```

## AUTHOR

Even Rouault \<even.rouault@spatialys.com\>

## COPYRIGHT

1998-2026