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

You cannot retrieve individual files or directories from an [image](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/images/index.html.md), 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](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/backups/how-to/create-and-restore/index.html.md), then [use SFTP to transfer the files](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-use-sftp-to-securely-transfer-files-with-a-remote-server). When you’re done, you can [destroy the Droplet](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/droplets/how-to/destroy/index.html.md).

## Related Topics

[Can I download a backup or snapshot?](https://docs.digitalocean.com/support/can-i-download-a-backup-or-snapshot/index.html.md): 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?](https://docs.digitalocean.com/support/how-long-will-my-backup-or-snapshot-take-to-complete/index.html.md): Creating a backup or snapshot takes roughly 2 minutes per GB of used space.

[Why is my snapshot's size different from reported disk usage?](https://docs.digitalocean.com/support/why-is-my-snapshots-size-different-from-reported-disk-usage/index.html.md): Snapshots of Droplets are a best estimate based on the disk usage. Snapshots of volumes operate at the block storage level, so the snapshot size may not match what the filesystem reports.