Docker Compose Commands Reference

Essential Docker Compose commands with explanations and examples

Basic Commands Compose V2 Commands

Docker Compose Cheat Sheet

Command Description Action
docker compose build Build the images
docker compose start Start the containers
docker compose stop Stop the containers
docker compose up -d Build and start containers in detached mode
docker compose ps List what's running
docker compose rm Remove containers from memory
docker compose down Stop and remove containers, networks, and volumes
docker compose logs Get the logs from all services
docker compose exec [container] bash Run a command in a container

Compose V2 - New Commands

Command Description Action
docker compose --project-name test1 up -d Run an instance as a project
docker compose -p test2 up -d Shortcut for project name
docker compose ls List running projects
docker compose cp [containerID]:[SRC_PATH] [DEST_PATH] Copy files from the container
docker compose cp [SRC_PATH] [containerID]:[DEST_PATH] Copy files to the container