Tools - Images

Linode’s Images service allows users to store custom disk images in the Cloud. These images can be preconfigured with the exact software and settings required for your applications and workloads. Once created, they can be quickly deployed to new or existing Linode Compute Instances, saving users time from manually setting up their entire system after each deployment.

Create Golden Images

Easily create, store, and deploy golden images on your Linode account. A golden image is a term for an image preconfigured with the exact software, settings, and data files you desire for a particular application. Configure your software once and then create a Custom Image based on that environment. This Custom Image can then be rapidly deployed to any Compute Instance, saving you time from having to manually configure each system.

Retain Disks

Custom Images can also be used to quickly take a snapshot of a disk on an existing Compute Instance. This provides you with a copy of those disks should they need to be restored. For more comprehensive backups, including automated backups, consider using our Backup Service.

Recover Recently Deleted Compute Instances

Accidentally deleting a production server will almost certainly impact your users and business. Linode’s Custom Images service makes recovery easier by saving temporary Recovery Images on your account. These images can be used to quickly restore the disks from a recently deleted Compute Instance. Linode offers this service as a convenience and it’s important to note that a well rounded backup strategy typically involves multiple solutions (see Backing Up Your Data).

Recommended Workloads

• Web or software agencies deploying similar starter configurations for clients
• Development workflows requiring the same base image for all developers or applications
• Workflows requiring distributions other than those provided by Linode

Availability

Images can be created and deployed across all regions.

Plans and Pricing

Note

Pricing change: Starting on September 1, 2021, Custom Images has transitioned to a paid service with a cost of $0.10/GB per month for each Custom Image stored on an account. Recovery Images, generated automatically after a Compute Instance is deleted, will continue to be provided at no cost. See Images > Pricing for additional details.

User generated Custom Images cost $0.10/GB per month and can have a maximum size of 6GB. Recovery Images, generated automatically after a Compute Instance is deleted, are provided as a free courtesy service.

Keep in mind that Custom Images generated from an uploaded image file are billed based on the uncompressed size of that image.

Technical Specifications

• Image size limit: The maximum size for each Custom Image is 6 GB.
• Account storage limit: The maximum combined size for all Custom Images on an account is 150 GB.
• Account quantity limit: There can be up to 25 Custom Images per account.

To request an increase to any of these limits, contact Linode Support with additional details and requirements.

Images Created from a Linode

• Disk must be formatted using ext3/ext4 filesystems. Images cannot be created if you are using raw disks or disks that have been formatted using custom filesystems. CoreOS disk images are in RAW format. Images made from CoreOS disks can’t be used to deploy new Linodes.

• Power off Linode to avoid database corruption. If your Linode is running any active databases, it’s recommended to power off the Linode down prior to creating the image. Creating an image that includes a running database can cause corruption or data loss in the imaged copy of the database.

• Only the selected disk is saved to the Image. The Image is comprised only of the disk selected during the creation process. The Image does not store other aspects of the Linode, such as Configuration Profiles, Block Storage Volumes, IP Addresses, and other Linode-based settings.

Images Created from a File

• Raw disk image: The image file must be a raw disk image (.img). Other file formats will not work.

• Compressed using gzip: The image file must be compressed using gzip (.gz) before uploading it. Other compression algorithms are not compatible.

• Maximum file size is 5GB: The maximum size for an image file is 5GB (compressed).

• Maximum image size is 6GB: The maximum uncompressed size of each custom image is 6GB.

• Pricing considerations: Custom Images are billed based on the uncompressed size of the uploaded image file.

• For compatibility, use unpartitioned disks formatted with ext3 or ext4 file systems: Network Helper and other Linode Helpers are compatible with non-partitioned image files formatted using the ext3 or ext4 file systems. Partitioned disks and other file systems may be used, but some manual configuration may be required.