This topic describes how to create a launch template and the precautions you need to take note of when you create a launch template.

Background information

Before you create a launch template, take note of the following items:
  • You can create up to 30 launch templates in each region.
  • When you create a launch template, all parameters are optional. However, if a launch template does not contain required parameters such as the instance type or image, you must specify these parameters when you create an instance by using the launch template.
  • You cannot modify a launch template that is created. However, you can create new versions for the launch template.

Create a launch template from the ECS console

You can create launch templates for future use from the ECS console.

  1. Log on to the ECS console.
  2. In the left-side navigation pane, choose Deployment & Elasticity > Launch Templates.
  3. In the top navigation bar, select a region.
  4. On the Launch Templates page, click Create Template.
  5. On the Launch Template page, complete the basic and advanced configurations.
    Note The Clone Template section is unavailable if you are creating a launch template for the first time. If you have already created launch templates, you can select an existing launch template and one of its versions, and then modify the configurations.
  6. In the Confirm Configuration step, enter a template name and a template version description. Click Create Launch Template.
    Confirm the template
    Note In the Confirm Configuration step, confirm the parameters you need for your instances. However, these parameters are optional and can be configured as needed.
  7. In the Created dialog box that appears, click View Template to go to the ECS console and view the launch template that you have created.

You can also use developer tools such as Alibaba Cloud CLI, OpenAPI Explorer, and Alibaba Cloud SDKs to call the CreateLaunchTemplate operation to create launch templates.

Create a launch template on the ECS buy page

If you want to create an instance and save its configurations for future use, you can create a launch template when you create the instance.

  1. Go to the Elastic Compute Service product homepage. Click Buy Now.
  2. On the Custom Launch tab that appears, configure the parameters as instructed.
  3. In the Preview step, click Save as a Launch Template.
  4. In the dialog box that appears, click New Template. Enter a template name and a template version description. Click Save.
  5. In the Created dialog box that appears, click View Template to go to the ECS console and view the launch template that you have created.