How to Use Linux to Copy Files and Folders

This article explains how to use the Linux cp command to copy files and folders from one directory to another. 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.

Copy Files From the Shell Prompt

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.

Copy Files in the Desktop Environment

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.