Custom images
Create reusable images from instances, snapshots, or imported sources to launch new ECS instances with identical OS, software, and configuration.
How it works
After you create or import a custom image, it enters the Available state. You can then launch instances, share it with other Alibaba Cloud accounts, copy it across regions, export it to an OSS bucket, or delete it.
More operations
| Operation | When to use | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Create an image | Capture an instance's current state or a snapshot as an image. Preserves a known-good configuration for reuse. | Create a custom image from an instance and Create a custom image from a snapshot |
| Import an image | Import images from on-premises devices or other cloud providers to migrate to Alibaba Cloud. | Import an image |
| Update an image | Refresh an image's software and configuration with OOS. | Update a custom image |
| Copy an image | Deploy an image across regions, or change the encryption status of images within or across regions. | Copy a custom image |
| Share an image | Share an image with other Alibaba Cloud accounts so they can launch instances from it. | Share a custom image |
| Export an image | Export an image to an OSS bucket for backup or download to an on-premises device. | Export a custom image |
| Modify image information | Update the name, description, NVMe drive settings, or boot mode of an image. | Modify the attributes and tags of an image |
| Delete an image | Remove an unneeded image. Only the creator can delete it. | Delete a custom image |
Automate image creation
Use Image Builder, OOS, or Packer to create and update images on a regular schedule without manual intervention.
Limits and access control
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Only the creator of a custom image can use, share, copy, or delete it.
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Each Alibaba Cloud account has a custom image quota. To view or increase this quota, go to Quota Center > General Quotas and locate Total number of custom images that current account can own. See Manage ECS quotas.