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Chapter 6. Using Templates

6.1. Creating a Virtual Machine Template
6.2. Editing or Removing a Virtual Machine Template
6.3. Cloning Virtual Machines
Templates are model virtual machines that are used as an efficient way to create and deploy new virtual machines of the same type and content. A template can contain an operating system only, or can contain all applications required by a particular department. Using templates ensures that network, storage, processing and memory are set up correctly.
This chapter shows you how to create templates from existing virtual machines, and how to clone virtual machines from templates.

6.1. Creating a Virtual Machine Template

When selecting an existing virtual machine as the source for a template, ensure that the virtual machine is general enough for this purpose. A virtual machine that is too specific to a particular user or group may require a lot of changes, and is therefore not practical to use as a template.
To create a virtual machine template:
  1. On the Virtual Machines tab, select the virtual machine you wish to use as a basis to create a template. Click Make Template.
    Make Template
    Figure 6.1. Make Template

  2. The New Template dialog displays.
    Create New Template
    Figure 6.2. Create New Template

    Configure the following options:
    • Enter a suitable Name and Description for the template.
    • Select the Host Cluster and Storage Domain for the virtual machines created using this template.
    • Tick the Make Public checkbox if you wish to allow all users to access this template.
  3. Click OK. The virtual machine will be locked while the template is being created. Once created, select the Templates tab in the navigation pane. The newly created template displays in the results list.