---
title: How to build custom images
description: Canonical makes open source secure, reliable and easy to use, providing
  support for Ubuntu and a portfolio of enterprise-grade technologies. Founded in
  2004, Canonical operates globally with team members in over 80 countries.
url: https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-build-custom-images?format=md
---

*Submit*

# How to build custom images

MAAS supports custom images built with [Packer](https://developer.hashicorp.com/packer). These images allow you to deploy operating systems beyond the default Ubuntu set, and to customize Ubuntu images for your own environment.

You can build images for a wide variety of operating systems, including Linux distributions, VMware ESXi, and Windows. The [Packer MAAS repository](https://github.com/canonical/packer-maas) contains templates, build instructions, and upload commands.

## [Supported operating systems](https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-build-custom-images?format=md#p-17423-supported-operating-systems)

The following operating systems already have working or in-progress templates in the [Packer MAAS repository](https://github.com/canonical/packer-maas#existing-templates):

| Family | Versions | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ubuntu | All current releases | Stable templates available |
| RHEL | 7, 8, 9, 10 | Varying stability |
| Rocky | 8, 9 |  |
| SLES | 12, 15, 16 |  |
| Oracle Linux | 8, 9 | Alpha-stage support |
| CentOS | 6, 7, 8, Stream 8/9 | Many versions now EOL |
| Debian | 10, 11, 12, 13 |  |
| Fedora Server | 41, 42 |  |
| VMware ESXi | 6, 7, 8, 9 |  |
| Windows | 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025, 10, 11 | Evaluation ISOs recommended |

All templates are community supported.

Note: Templates marked as *EOL* are for operating systems that no longer receive upstream support. They are not recommended for new deployments.

## [Key considerations](https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-build-custom-images?format=md#p-17423-key-considerations)

* ISO images: Most non-Ubuntu templates require you to supply an ISO manually. Licensing restrictions prevent Packer from downloading these automatically.
* Windows builds:

  + Ubuntu 22.04+ is required to build Windows 11 images (for `swtpm`).
  + Evaluation ISOs usually work without a product key; Enterprise/Retail images may require a valid key at build time.
  + Windows templates include Cloudbase-init and VirtIO drivers to ensure compatibility with MAAS.
* Networking: You may need to configure a build proxy if your environment requires one.
* Upload: Each template’s README includes the correct `maas boot-resources create` command. Small differences in parameters (e.g., `filetype`) mean you should always copy from the template’s example.

## [Next steps](https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-build-custom-images?format=md#p-17423-next-steps)

For full build instructions:

* Clone the [Packer MAAS repository](https://github.com/canonical/packer-maas).
* Navigate to the template for your target operating system.
* Follow the README in that template directory to:

  + Check build prerequisites
  + Customize installer configuration (e.g., Kickstart, autoinstall, YAML)
  + Build the image
  + Upload it to MAAS

---

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Last updated 1 year, 4 days ago. [Help improve this document in the forum](https://discourse.maas.io/t/how-to-build-custom-images/7872).