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Packer Documentation

Packer lets you create identical machine images for multiple platforms from a single source configuration. A common use case is creating golden images for organizations to use in cloud infrastructure.

    Build Images

    Standardize and automate your workflow.

    • Templates

      Define the images Packer should build and the plugins it should use during the build process.

    • Packer CLI

      Use the Packer CLI to build images, validate templates, and manage plugins.

    Use Plugins

    Use built-in and external plugins to perform tasks during each build.

    • Plugin Overview

      Use builders, data sources, provisioners, and post-processors.

    • Install External Plugins

      Add external plugins to your template and install plugin binaries.

    • External Plugins

      Find documentation for available external plugins.

    Collaborate and Integrate

    Manage images for your organization and extend Packer functionality.

    • HCP Packer

      Centrally track image metadata and enforce up-to-date image versions.

    • Plugin Development

      Create custom builders, provisioners, post-processors, and data sources.