> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.duaer.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.duaer.com/build/read-write-files-from-disk.md).

# Read and write host files in Duaer

In Duaer, Read/Write Files from Disk defaults to Operation Read File(s) From Disk. It uses paths on the machine that runs Duaer, not the computer in your browser.
## Read files from the host

1. Search for Read/Write Files from Disk and connect it after the previous node.
2. Leave Operation on Read File(s) From Disk.
3. Set File(s) Selector to a path or pattern, for example /home/user/data/*.csv.
4. Put Output File in Field under Options defaults to data.
5. Select Execute step. The files appear on output binary.

To write, set Operation to Write File to Disk. Set File Path and Name. Input Binary Field defaults to data.

Hosted instances may only allow certain directories. To move files between machines, use FTP or HTTP Request. Refer to [Transfer files with FTP in Duaer](/build/ftp.md).
## Questions

### Can this node on hosted Duaer read my laptop Desktop?

No. Paths are on the host machine. For local files, self-host, or upload somewhere reachable and use HTTP or FTP.

## Related

- [Watch host files with Local File Trigger](https://doc.duaer.com/build/local-file-trigger.md)
- [Transfer files with FTP in Duaer](https://doc.duaer.com/build/ftp.md)
- [Read a file with Extract from File in Duaer](https://doc.duaer.com/build/extract-from-file.md)