Import an Open Virtualization Format Virtual Machine

You can import an Open Virtualization Format (OVF) virtual machine and run it in Fusion. You can import both .ovf and .ova files.

Fusion converts the virtual machine from OVF format to VMware runtime (.vmx) format.

OVF is a platform-independent, efficient, extensible, and open packaging and distribution format for virtual machines. For example, you can import OVF virtual machines exported from Workstation Pro into Fusion. You can import OVF 1.0 and later files only.

You can also use the standalone OVF Tool to convert an OVF virtual machine to VMware runtime format. For information about using the OVF Tool, see the OVF Tool User Guide.

Prerequisites

Download or copy the OVF virtual machine file (.ovf or .ova file) to a location that is accessible to your Mac.

Procedure

1. Select File > Import.
2. Click Choose file and browse to the .ovf or .ova file and click Open.
3. Type the name for the imported virtual machine in the Save As text box and indicate where to save it.

   The default destination is the Virtual Machines folder created by Fusion.

   Fusion displays the disk space needed for the import, and the space available on the current disk.

4. Click Import.

   Fusion performs OVF specification conformance and virtual hardware compliance checks. A status bar indicates the progress of the import process.

Results

After the import is complete, the virtual machine appears in the virtual machine library and in a separate virtual machine window. The virtual machine is shut down.