> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.enkryptify.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import a .env file

> Move an existing local .env file into Enkryptify with the CLI or the dashboard.

Most teams start with a local `.env` file. You can move it into Enkryptify with the CLI or from the dashboard.

## Import with the CLI

This is the fastest path and the same workflow used for every other source.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install and sign in">
    Install the [CLI](/cli/install) and authenticate:

    ```bash theme={"dark"}
    ek login
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Import the file">
    From the directory that holds your `.env`, run:

    ```bash theme={"dark"}
    ek import
    ```

    With no argument `ek import` reads `.env` in the current directory. Pass a path to import a different file, for example `ek import .env.production`. It then lets you choose the target workspace, project and environment and uploads the secrets.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Clean up">
    When the import succeeds the CLI offers to delete the source file. Accept it so no plaintext copy is left on disk.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Import from the dashboard

Good for a quick one-off file when you are not at a terminal.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your project">
    In the dashboard, open the project that matches your app or service.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Add secrets">
    Click **Add secrets** then choose **Import** and **.env file**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select environments">
    Choose the environments that should receive these values. For a local `.env` this is usually `development`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and save">
    Check the parsed keys, remove anything you do not want to manage in Enkryptify then save.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Run locally

After importing, link the project and run your app through the CLI:

```bash theme={"dark"}
ek setup
ek run -- npm run dev
```

Replace `npm run dev` with your normal start command.

## Next steps

* [Import from Vercel](/import/vercel)
* [Import from 1Password](/import/1password)
* [Import from AWS Secrets Manager](/import/aws-secrets-manager)
* [CLI Quickstart](/cli/quickstart)