# geni memory read

> Read a memory reference or download an original file without changing its bytes.

Source: https://docs.generalinput.com/cli/memory/read



```sh
geni memory read <path> [--personal] [--json]
geni memory read <path> --out <local-path> [--personal] [--force]
```

Reads a text reference or the memory guide. Paths come from `geni memory files`. Original uploads require `--out`, which preserves their bytes; images and documents are not decoded as terminal text.

| Flag           | Notes                                             |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| `--personal`   | Read your own memory instead of workspace memory. |
| `--json`       | Return `{ path, text }` for a text read.          |
| `--out <path>` | Save any listed file to this local path.          |
| `--force`      | Replace an existing output file.                  |

```sh
geni memory read references/brand.md
geni memory read originals/mf_123/logo.png --out ./logo.png
```

Without `--force`, an existing output file is preserved.