You export an image when you want to use the same image for another cluster in the same or in a different vCenter Server instance.

Depending on your goals, you can export an image in three different formats. You can export the image as a JSON file, as an installable ISO image, or as an offline bundle that contains all software packages included in the image. For more information about the different distribution formats, see Distribution Formats for vSphere Lifecycle Manager Images.

Prerequisites

Verify that you have the proper privileges. See vSphere Lifecycle Manager Privileges For Using Images.

Procedure

  1. In the vSphere Client, navigate to a cluster that you manage with a single image.
  2. On the Updates tab, select Hosts > Image.
  3. Click the horizontal ellipsis icon and select Export.
  4. In the Export Image dialog box, select a file format, and click Export.
    You can export the image in one file format at a time. The export format depends on your needs and goals.

    If you intend to use the image for a cluster in another vCenter Server, you must export it as a JSON file and as a ZIP file. Afterwards, you must import both the JSON file and the ZIP file to the target vCenter Server system.

Results

The exported file is saved on your local machine.

What to do next

Import the image to a target cluster in the same or in a different vCenter Server instance. For more information, see Import an Image.

For information about importing updates to the vSphere Lifecycle Manager depot, see Import Updates to the vSphere Lifecycle Manager Depot.