How to Export a Client Image to an OVF Package

Prerequisites:

1. Exported Images are downloaded in OVF format. However, to use them, you will likely need your own copy of VMWare with a compatible version. 
   
2. Only the Primary Administrator or a Sub-Administrator with the Create Image role can export a Client Image.
3. The OVF export process currently allows only two simultaneous imports in progress per organization in a given Geographic Region. If you or other Administrators are currently in the process of exporting a total of two images you will need to wait until at least one of them completes before it is possible to begin another. 
   
4. You cannot export a Long-Term Retention Snapshot Image to an OVF Package. For more information on Long-Term Retention Snapshot Images, see Introduction to Cloud Server Snapshot Long-Term Retention Images

Content / Solution:

1. From the Home page, click on the Compute button, then select Images and Applications from the drop-down menu:
   
   
   

2. You will be directed to the Images and Applications dashboard. Click on the Client Images link under Image Type:
   
   
   

3. The system will filter the Images to show only the Client Images associated with your Cloud:
   
   
   

4. Click on the Image you want to export to an OVF package. The system will display the Client Image dialog. Click the Actions button, then select Export Image from the drop-down menu:
   
    

5. The system will display the Export Image dialog. Click Export:
   

   Note: The Name Prefix is used to name each of the constituent files of the resulting OVF Package. It must be alphanumeric with maximum length of 75 characters. The following character exceptions are also permitted (as are spaces): _+=#.,:;()-

   
   

6. The system will display a message indicating that the process has been initiated:
   
   
   

7. The system will begin the export and display the progress:
    

   Note: This process will take several minutes to complete.

   Note: While exporting a Client Image, the Client Image will be locked from use either for server deployments or other changes.
    

8. When the Export is complete, you will be able to interact with the Image by clicking on it.
   
    

9. Click on the Compute menu, then select Client Image Exports History button to see a history of Image Exports:
   
    

10. Click on the FTPS OVF Packages button to view the OVF Package:
    
    
    

11. Click on the OVF Package to view the OVF Package dialog:
    
    
    

12. Important Notes: 
    • Client Images lose any CPU Speed or Disk Speed characteristics when a Client Image is exported, as the OVF format does not support them. All Imported images have both CPU and Disk Speeds set to Standard - so by exporting and re-importing the image, you will lose both CPU Speed and Disk Speed information. For more details on "default speeds", see Introduction to Cloud Server Local Storage ("Disks") and Disk Speeds
    • A record of each export is stored permanently on the "Export History" tab of the dialog. This applies to both successful exports and those that have failed for some unexpected reason. See Introduction to the Client Image Export History Dashboard
    • You will be able to download the OVF package files for your exported Client Image from your staging folder. See How to Access your Client Image Import and Export OVF Package Staging Folder. For Client Images with multiple disks, ensure you download all VMDK files belonging to the OVF package.