How to use the command 'vboxmanage-export' (with examples)
The ‘vboxmanage-export’ command is a command-line tool used in VirtualBox to export virtual machines to a virtual appliance (ISO) or a cloud service. It allows users to package their virtual machines into standard formats that can be easily shared or deployed on other systems.
Use case 1: Specify the target OVA file
Code:
VBoxManage export <VM_name> --output path/to/filename.ova
Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to export a specific virtual machine to a customized file path and name. It allows you to specify the target OVA file by providing the path and filename as arguments.
Explanation:
export: Specifies the export command.<VM_name>: Specifies the name or UUID of the virtual machine you want to export.--output: Specifies the output option to specify the path and filename for the OVA file.path/to/filename.ova: Specifies the desired path and filename for the exported OVA file.
Example output: The specified virtual machine will be exported to the provided path and filename as an OVA file.
Use case 2: Export in OVF 0.9 legacy mode
Code:
VBoxManage export <VM_name> --legacy09
Motivation: This use case is useful when you need to export a virtual machine in the OVF 0.9 legacy format. The OVF 0.9 format is an open standard for packaging and distributing virtual appliances.
Explanation:
export: Specifies the export command.<VM_name>: Specifies the name or UUID of the virtual machine you want to export.--legacy09: Specifies the OVF legacy mode 0.9. This option is used to export virtual machines in the OVF 0.9 format.
Example output: The specified virtual machine will be exported in the OVF 0.9 legacy format.
Use case 3: Export in OVF (0.9|1.0|2.0) format
Code:
VBoxManage export <VM_name> --ovf09|ovf10|ovf20
Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to export a virtual machine in a specific OVF format, such as OVF 0.9, OVF 1.0, or OVF 2.0. Different OVF versions may have specific features or compatibility requirements.
Explanation:
export: Specifies the export command.<VM_name>: Specifies the name or UUID of the virtual machine you want to export.--ovf09|ovf10|ovf20: Specifies the desired OVF format version for the export. You can choose between OVF 0.9, OVF 1.0, or OVF 2.0.
Example output: The specified virtual machine will be exported in the selected OVF format version.
Use case 4: Create manifest of the exported files
Code:
VBoxManage export <VM_name> --manifest
Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to create a manifest of the exported files. A manifest provides a list of exported files along with their associated cryptographic hashes, providing integrity verification and security during the export process.
Explanation:
export: Specifies the export command.<VM_name>: Specifies the name or UUID of the virtual machine you want to export.--manifest: Specifies the option to create a manifest of the exported files.
Example output: A manifest file will be generated, listing all the exported files and their cryptographic hashes.
Use case 5: Specify a description of the VM
Code:
VBoxManage export <VM_name> --description "vm_description"
Motivation: This use case allows you to specify a description for the virtual machine being exported. This description can be helpful for identifying and providing additional information about the virtual machine.
Explanation:
export: Specifies the export command.<VM_name>: Specifies the name or UUID of the virtual machine you want to export.--description: Specifies the option to provide a description for the exported virtual machine."vm_description": Specifies the desired description for the virtual machine enclosed in quotes.
Example output: The specified virtual machine will be exported with the provided description.
Conclusion:
The ‘vboxmanage-export’ command is a powerful tool for exporting virtual machines in VirtualBox. With various options available, it offers flexibility in choosing the export format, customizing the output, and providing metadata for the exported virtual machines. Whether you need to share virtual appliances or migrate virtual machines to other systems, the ‘vboxmanage-export’ command is an essential tool in your virtualization toolkit.
