---
sidebar_position: 1
title: Importing saved containers
description: Import saved containers to migrate transparently to Podman, and continue using familiar containers.
keywords: [podman desktop, podman, containers, importing]
tags: [migrating-from-docker]
---

import Tabs from '@theme/Tabs';
import TabItem from '@theme/TabItem';

# Importing saved containers to Podman

Consider importing saved containers to continue using familiar containers.

#### Prerequisites

- Podman

- You saved your existing containers by running the command:

  <Tabs groupId="container-engines">
    <TabItem value="podman" label="Podman">

  ```shell-session
  $ podman save <your_container> > <your_container_archive>.tar
  ```

    </TabItem>
    <TabItem value="docker" label="Docker">

  ```shell-session
  $ docker export <your_container> -o <your_container_archive>.tar
  ```

    </TabItem>
  </Tabs>

#### Procedure

- Import your existing containers into Podman.
  Run the command for each container archive:

  ```shell-session
  $ podman import <your_container_archive>.tar
  ```

#### Verification

- Your imported containers appear in the Podman Desktop _Images_ section.

#### Additional resources

- [`docker save` reference documentation](https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/save/)
- [`podman save` reference documentation](https://docs.podman.io/en/latest/markdown/podman-save.1.html)
- [`podman import` reference documentation](https://docs.podman.io/en/latest/markdown/podman-import.1.html)
