How to Use Linux to Copy Files and Folders

The standard method of copying files in Linux uses the cp command. With cp, a duplicate of a file inserts into a specified location. As with any Linux command, cp supports a variety of switches, and the command runs under-the-hood when you copy files using a graphical file manager.

Because Linux offers several robust desktop environments, each DE's default file manager functions slightly differently. In general, though, graphical file managers all support the same conventions. To copy a file, right-click it and drag it; when you release the mouse, you'll see a context menu offering options including copying and moving.

This process works for the desktop, as well.

From a shell prompt, use the cp command. It takes the following general form:

cp [option] source destination

The command accepts a handful of specific options that present as switches. Check the manpage for cp or execute cp --help for a specific context.

For example, to copy the file sample.txt from /home/user/docs to /home/user/desktop, execute the following command:

cp ~/docs/sample.txt ~/desktop/sample.txt

The cp command works with hard and soft links, metacharacters, and wildcards.