Cloud image

A wide range of compatible operating systems

In addition to the Public Image Catalog, which provides system images maintained by OVH, you can build a Private Image Catalog. This means your instances can access operating systems specifically configured to you, or from other publishers. 

How to

Import an image from a local file

openstack image create --disk-format qcow2 --file debian.qcow2 debian

Export an image

openstack image save --filename debian.qcow2 debian



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OVH can manage several types of virtual disk format, including QCOW2, RAW, VMDK, ISO, AMI/AKI/ARI, VDI and VHD.

Sharing between projects

When managing multiple cloud projects, you can share images from one project to another while keeping them in the same place, with no need to duplicate the image in question.

Simplified importing and exporting

Your system images remain your property. Whether you’re importing or exporting, everything is managed via standard tools, such as the OpenStack CLI or the Horizon interface.


An image’s metadata governs whether or not the image can be used to manage a catalog, or used directly on an instance.  As a result, you can define a minimum amount of RAM or disk space required for the image to work properly, and you can also add tags or configure the image properties.

Import from a URL

In order to make it easier to add images to your catalog, you can import system images directly from public URLs. You do not have to perform unnecessary image transfers.

Import from Block Storage

A volume of the Block Storage service can be transferred to the Private Image Catalog. This feature is particularly useful for instances that originated from a volume, or simply as a way of exporting one.

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Private Image Catalog Billing

Images are charged per GB, per hour. The prices shown are based on storage for a full month of use.