> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://runpod-b18f5ded-new-sls-quickstart.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Storage options

> Choose the right type of storage for your Pods.

export const PodTooltip = () => {
  return <Tooltip headline="Pod" tip="A dedicated GPU or CPU instance for containerized AI/ML workloads." cta="Learn more about Pods" href="/pods/overview">Pod</Tooltip>;
};

Pods offer three storage types optimized for different use cases. Choose based on your data persistence, performance, and sharing needs.

## Comparison

|                 | Container disk        | Volume disk                   | Network volume                      |
| --------------- | --------------------- | ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| **Persistence** | Lost on stop/restart  | Retained until Pod deleted    | Retained independently              |
| **Mount path**  | System-managed        | `/workspace` (default)        | `/workspace` (replaces volume disk) |
| **Performance** | Fastest (local)       | Fast (local)                  | Variable (network)                  |
| **Shareable**   | No                    | No                            | Yes (across Pods)                   |
| **Resizable**   | Yes                   | Increase only                 | Yes                                 |
| **Cost**        | \$0.10/GB/month       | \$0.10/GB/month (running)     | \$0.07/GB/month                     |
|                 |                       | \$0.20/GB/month (stopped)     |                                     |
| **Best for**    | OS, temp files, cache | Models, datasets, checkpoints | Shared data, portable storage       |

## Container disk

The container disk provides temporary storage for the operating system and session data. It's created when a <PodTooltip /> launches and is cleared when the Pod stops. Use it for temporary files, caches, and data that doesn't need to persist between sessions.

## Volume disk

The volume disk provides persistent storage that is retained throughout the Pod's lease. Data stored in the `/workspace` directory survives Pod stops and restarts, but is deleted when the Pod is terminated. This is ideal for storing models, datasets, and checkpoints that you need to access across multiple sessions.

## Network volume

Network volumes provide permanent storage that exists independently from any Pod. You can attach a network volume to multiple Pods, transfer it between machines, and retain your data even after deleting a Pod. This makes network volumes ideal for shared datasets, collaborative workflows, and portable storage.

[Learn more about network volumes](/storage/network-volumes).

<Note>
  Network volumes must be attached during Pod creation and cannot be detached later. When attached, the network volume replaces the volume disk at `/workspace`.
</Note>

## Modify storage capacity

You can adjust your Pod's storage capacity at any time:

1. Navigate to the [Pods page](https://console.runpod.io/pods).
2. Click the three dots next to your Pod and select **Edit Pod**.
3. Adjust the container or volume disk size. Note that volume disk size can only be increased, not decreased.
4. Click **Save** to apply your changes.

<Warning>
  Editing a running Pod resets it completely, erasing all data that isn't stored in your `/workspace` directory.
</Warning>

## Transfer data

You can export data from your Pod to external cloud providers including AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, Azure, and Dropbox. Click the **Cloud Sync** button on the Pod page to get started. For detailed instructions, see [Export data](/pods/storage/cloud-sync).

<Note>
  Runpod is not designed for long-term cloud storage. We recommend backing up critical data to your local machine or a dedicated cloud storage provider.
</Note>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create a network volume" href="/storage/network-volumes" icon="hard-drive" horizontal>
    Learn how to set up portable, persistent storage for your Pods.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Transfer files" href="/pods/storage/transfer-files" icon="upload" horizontal>
    Learn how to move data to and from your Pod.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>