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Using Packer to Create an AWS AMI

Packer lets us create machine images for a variety of platforms through code. A Packer template requires at least a builder and a communicator to provision an image. In this lab, we'll create an AWS machine image using the `amazon-ebs` builder and `ssh` communicator.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Intermediate
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 24, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Locate a Usable Source Image

    1. Log in to the AWS Management Console, and navigate to EC2 > AMIs.
    2. Filter by Owner: Amazon images and Platform: Amazon Linux. You may additionally search for platform type (hvm), or perform any additional filtering you deem necessary.
    3. Look at the Source cell, and note how the source name is written.

  2. Challenge

    Create the Packer Template

    1. Create a directory to store your templates.
    2. Create the Packer file.
    3. Begin the template, creating a variables object with variables for the access key, secret key, subnet ID, and security group.

  3. Challenge

    Test the Template

    1. Update the variables in the template based on the information provided by the hands-on lab, and then save and exit the JSON file.
    2. Validate the template.
    3. Run the build.
Pluralsight Skills - Labs - Pluralsight
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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

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We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

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Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

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