> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots.md).

# Images & Snapshots

<code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> offers a wide range of readily available public images that you can use instantly. In addition, you can also use your private images by uploading them to the <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> infrastructure through the [<mark style="color:blue;">File Transfer Protocol (FTP)</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#file-transfer-protocol-ftp). Your <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> account supports numerous Block Storage and ISO image types using an emulated CD-ROM drive, from which you can install an operating system or software directly.

Furthermore, you can create snapshots of provisioned block storage. Each snapshot is a separate instance, representing the state of the source block storage device while capturing the snapshot.

For Linux images, <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> supports Cloud-Init to automate software package installations and instance configurations.

## Quick Links

Learn how to use images and snapshots features through the DCD.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>IONOS CLOUD Public Images</strong></mark></td><td>Learn how you can use operating system block storage images provided by <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos_cloud</code>.</td><td><a href="/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/public-images.md">IONOS CLOUD Public Images</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Private Images</strong></mark></td><td>Learn how to upload, access, and manage private images through FTP.</td><td><a href="/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/private-images.md">Private Images</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Snapshots</strong></mark></td><td>Learn how to create and manage snapshots on any block storage.</td><td><a href="/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/snapshots.md">Snapshots</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Boot with Cloud-Init</strong></mark></td><td>Learn how to install software packages and apply configuration automatically.</td><td><a href="/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/boot-cloud-init.md">Boot with Cloud-Init</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Activate KMS Service for Windows Guests</strong></mark></td><td>Learn how to activate and manage Microsoft Windows OS using KMS.</td><td><a href="/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/microsoft-kms.md">Activate KMS Service for Windows Guests</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Developer Tools

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Images Cloud API</strong></mark></td><td>Access the Cloud API documentation for Images.</td><td><a href="https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/api-reference/cloud-api-v6/images/">https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/api-reference/cloud-api-v6/images/</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Snapshots Cloud API</strong></mark></td><td>Access the Cloud API documentation for Snapshots.</td><td><a href="https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/api-reference/cloud-api-v6/snapshots/">https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/api-reference/cloud-api-v6/snapshots/</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Images &#x26; Snapshots SDKs</strong></mark></td><td>Interact with the Images &#x26; Snapshots API using SDKs.</td><td><a href="https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/sdk-tools-home">https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/sdk-tools-home</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Config Management Tools</strong></mark></td><td>Explore configuration management tools compatible with Images &#x26; Snapshots.</td><td><a href="https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/sdk-tools-home#tools">https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/sdk-tools-home#tools</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>FAQ</strong></mark></td><td>Get answers to the most commonly encountered questions about Images &#x26; Snapshots.</td><td><a href="/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/images-snapshots-faq.md">FAQ</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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