Create custom images

Crafting custom Ubuntu images for MAAS: a packer tutorial

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Creating a custom Ubuntu image for MAAS can be a breeze with Packer. This tutorial takes you through the essentials: from prerequisites to building and finally deploying your custom image.

Get ready: the prerequisites

Before diving in, ensure your system is up to speed:

1. Install packer:

   bash sudo apt install packer

2. Gather the dependencies: bash sudo apt install qemu-utils qemu-system ovmf cloud-image-utils

Clone your templates: get the packer blueprints

Here's how to pull the essential Packer templates for MAAS:

git clone https://github.com/canonical/packer-maas.git

Craft your image: build a custom Ubuntu for MAAS

Time to create the magic. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the template directory: bash cd packer-maas/ubuntu

2. Fire up the build: bash make custom-ubuntu-lvm.dd.gz

This process will take a few moments. Good time for a cup of tea.

Push to MAAS: upload your masterpiece

With your image built, it's time to make it accessible in MAAS:

maas $MAAS_USER boot-resources create name=custom/ubuntu architecture=amd64/generic filetype=ddgz content@=custom-ubuntu-lvm.dd.gz

Deployment: unleash your custom image

Finally, deploy your custom image onto a node in MAAS:

1. Deploy the image to a node: bash maas $MAAS_USER machine deploy $SYSTEM_ID osystem=$OS [$distro_series=$DISTRO]

2. Confirm it's really yours: bash maas $MAAS_USER machines read | jq '.[] | {hostname, osystem}'

That's it! You've built and unleashed your custom Ubuntu image into the MAAS ecosystem. For those eager to dive deeper, consult the Packer MAAS documentation^ for advanced practices.