Can I browse files in stopped Docker containers?

Yes. File operations use docker cp under the hood, which works with both running and stopped containers.

Can I edit files in-place inside a Docker container?

Not directly in the file browser. Download the file, edit it locally on your Mac, then upload the modified file back to the container.

How do I handle bulk file operations in Docker containers?

For bulk file operations, use a bind mount instead of uploading files individually. See the Run a Container tutorial to learn how to set up bind mounts.

Can I browse /proc and /sys directories in a Docker container?

These are virtual filesystems and cannot be meaningfully browsed. They exist at the kernel level and don't contain regular files.

Back to Tutorials

Container File Browser

Navigate the container filesystem, upload files to a container, and download files from a container.

Prerequisites

Docker is running
A running container exists

Scenario 1: Browse Container Files

Click Containers in the sidebar
Find the running container in the list
Click the folder icon ("Browse Files") on the container row
The file browser opens at the container's root (/)
Click folders to navigate deeper (e.g., /etc, /var/log, /app)
Files show their name, size, permissions, and last modified date
Click the back arrow or breadcrumb path to navigate up

Scenario 2: Upload a File to a Container

Open the container's file browser (folder icon on the container row)
Navigate to the target directory (e.g., /usr/share/nginx/html) — make sure the directory is not on a read-only mount
Click the Upload button (arrow-up icon)
A file picker dialog opens — select a file from your Mac
The file is copied into the container at the current directory
The file browser refreshes to show the uploaded file

Scenario 3: Download a File from a Container

Open the container's file browser
Navigate to the file you want to download
Right-click the file (or click the ... menu on the file row)
Click Download
A save dialog opens — choose where to save the file on your Mac
The file is copied from the container to your local filesystem

What You'll See

The file browser displays a familiar Finder-like interface with columns for name, size, and modification date
Directories show a folder icon, files show type-appropriate icons
The current path is displayed as a breadcrumb bar at the top
Upload and download operations show a progress indicator for large files

Tips

File operations use docker cp under the hood — this works with both running and stopped containers
You cannot edit files in-place within the file browser — download, edit locally, then upload back
For bulk file operations, consider using a bind mount instead (see the Run a Container tutorial)
System directories like /proc and /sys are virtual filesystems and cannot be meaningfully browsed