---
name: "osinfo-db-import"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "osinfo-db-tools"
version: "1.12.0-3"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/osinfo-db-import"
---

# osinfo-db-import(1)

Import an osinfo database archive

## NAME

osinfo-db-import - Import an osinfo database archive

## SYNOPSIS

osinfo-db-import \[OPTIONS...\] \[ARCHIVE-FILE\]

## DESCRIPTION

The **osinfo-db-import** tool will take an osinfo database archive and extract its contents into one of the standard database locations on the current host:

- **system**

  This is the primary system-wide database location, intended for use by operating system vendors distributing database files in the native package format.

- **local**

  This is the secondary system-wide database location, intended for use by system administrators wishing to provide an updated database for all users.

- **user**

  This is the user private database location, intended for use by unprivileged local users wishing to provide applications they use with an updated database.

If run by a privileged account (ie root), the **local** database location will be used by default, otherwise the **user** location will be used.

When passing a non local ARCHIVE-FILE, only http:// and https:// protocols are supported.

With no ARCHIVE-FILE, or when ARCHIVE-FILE is -, read standard input.

## OPTIONS

- **--user**

  Override the default behaviour to force installation into the **user** database location.

- **--local**

  Override the default behaviour to force installation into the **local** database location.

- **--system**

  Override the default behaviour to force installation into the **system** database location.

- **--dir=PATH**

  Override the default behaviour to force installation into the custom directory **PATH**.

- **--root=PATH**

  Prefix the installation location with the root directory given by `"PATH"`. This is useful when wishing to install into a chroot environment or equivalent.

- **--latest**

  Downloads the latest osinfo-db release from libosinfo's official releases website and installs it in the desired location. The latest osinfo-db release is only downloaded and installed when it's newer than the one installed in the desired location. Note that this option is mutually exclusive with '--nightly'.

- **--nightly**

  Downloads the nightly (unreleased) osinfo-db build from libosinfo's website and installs it in the desired location. Unlike with '--latest' with this option the nightly archive always downloaded and installed regardless of the version installed in the desired location. Note that this option is mutually exclusive with '--latest'.

- **-v**, **--verbose**

  Display verbose progress information when installing files

## EXIT STATUS

The exit status will be 0 if all files were installed successfully, or 1 if at least one file could not be installed.

## SEE ALSO

`"osinfo-db-export(1)"`, `"osinfo-db-path(1)"`

## AUTHORS

Daniel P. Berrange \<berrange@redhat.com\>

## COPYRIGHT

Copyright (C) 2016 Red Hat, Inc.

## LICENSE

`"osinfo-db-import"` is distributed under the terms of the GNU LGPL v2+ license. This is free software; see the source for copying conditions. There is NO warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE