Can I restore individual files or directories from a snapshot or a backup?

Validated on 2 Dec 2024 • Last edited on 2 Dec 2024

You cannot retrieve individual files or directories from an image, like a snapshot or a backup. However, you can recreate the resource that the image originated from and copy the files from there.

For example, you can create a Droplet from a backup, then use SFTP to transfer the files. When you’re done, you can destroy the Droplet.

Can I download a backup or snapshot?

You cannot currently download DigitalOcean backups or snapshots, but you can use third-party tools to save your data locally.

How long will my backup or snapshot take to complete?

Creating a backup or snapshot takes roughly 2 minutes per GB of used space.

Why can't I create a Droplet from a snapshot?

You cannot create Droplets in certain datacenters due to limited capacity. If you have snapshots in a limited capacity datacenter, transfer them to another datacenter to create Droplets from them.

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