docker save Command Reference

Save images to a tar archive.

docker save serializes one or more images, including all layers and metadata, into a tar stream. In CI it pairs with docker load to move a built image between jobs (via the artifact store) without a registry round trip.

Common flags

• -o, --output - write to a file instead of stdout
• Positional image references (one or more) to include in the archive

Example

docker save -o image.tar myorg/app:${{ github.sha }}
gzip image.tar

In CI

Save the image to a tar, upload it as a job artifact, then docker load it in a downstream job. This avoids pushing intermediate images to a registry. Gzip the tar to cut artifact upload time and storage.

Key takeaways

• save serializes full images (all layers) to a portable tar.
• Pair with docker load to share images across jobs without a registry.
• Gzip the archive to reduce artifact size and transfer time.

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