title | description | ms.topic | ms.author | author | ms.date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Comparing custom images and formulas |
Learn about the differences between custom images and formulas as VM bases so you can decide which one best suits your environment. |
conceptual |
rosemalcolm |
RoseHJM |
08/26/2021 |
Both custom images and formulas can be used as bases for creating new lab virtual machines (VMs). The key distinction between custom images and formulas is that a custom image is simply an image based on a virtual hard drive (VHD). A formula is an image based on a VHD plus preconfigured settings. Preconfigured settings can include VM size, virtual network, subnet, and artifacts. These preconfigured settings are set up with default values that you can override at the time of VM creation.
In this article, you'll learn the pros and cons of using custom images versus using formulas. You can also read How to create a custom image from a VM and the DevTest Labs FAQ.
Custom images provide a static, immutable way to create VMs from the environment you want.
Pros | Cons |
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Formulas provide a dynamic way to create VMs from the configuration and settings you want.
Pros | Cons |
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