---
title: LDIF file access
description: The LDAP Data Interchange Format (LDIF) connection handler lets you change directory data by placing LDIF files in a file system directory. The DS server regularly polls for changes to the directory. The server deletes the LDIF file after making the changes.
component: pingds
version: 8.1
page_id: pingds:config-guide:ldif-access
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingds/8.1/config-guide/ldif-access.html
revdate: 2025-10-22T14:42:39Z
keywords: ["Features", "Setup & Configuration"]
---

# LDIF file access

The LDAP Data Interchange Format (LDIF) *(tooltip: \<div class="paragraph">
\<p>An IETF standard file format for representing LDAP directory content and modifications to directory content. Typically used to import and export LDAP-based directory information.\</p>
\</div>)* connection handler lets you change directory data by placing LDIF files in a file system directory. The DS server regularly polls for changes to the directory. The server deletes the LDIF file after making the changes.

1. Add the directory where you put LDIF to be processed:

   ```console
   $ mkdir /path/to/opendj/config/auto-process-ldif
   ```

   This example uses the default value of the `ldif-directory` property.

2. Activate LDIF file access:

   ```console
   $ dsconfig \
    set-connection-handler-prop \
    --hostname localhost \
    --port 4444 \
    --bindDN uid=admin \
    --bindPassword password \
    --handler-name LDIF \
    --set enabled:true \
    --trustStorePath /path/to/opendj/config/keystore \
    --trustStoreType PKCS12 \
    --trustStorePassword:file /path/to/opendj/config/keystore.pin \
    --no-prompt
   ```

   The change takes effect immediately.