An AMI (Amazon Machine Image) is a preconfigured template for launching EC2 instances.
- Includes OS, software, configurations, and settings.
- Reduces boot/config time by having software pre-installed.
- AMIs are region-specific, but can be copied to other regions.
Sources:
- Public AMI – provided by AWS.
- Custom AMI – created and maintained by you.
- Marketplace AMI – provided by third parties, sometimes paid.
AMI Creation Process
- Launch and customize an EC2 instance.
- Stop the instance for data consistency.
- Create an AMI (also generates EBS snapshots).
- Launch new instances from the AMI as needed.
Notes:
- You can copy an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) across AWS Regions
- You can share an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) with another AWS account
- Copying an Amazon Machine Image (AMI) backed by an encrypted snapshot cannot result in an unencrypted target snapshot