You can manage software packages (VIBs), image profiles, and software depots by using the vSphere ESXi Image Builder service in the vSphere Client. Add a Software DepotBefore you can work with software depots and customize image profiles, you must add one or more software depots to the vSphere ESXi Image Builder inventory. You can add a software depot by using the vSphere Client. Import a Software DepotIf an offline depot is located on your local file system, you can import the ZIP file to the vSphere ESXi Image Builder inventory by using the vSphere Client. Clone an Image ProfileYou can use the vSphere Client to clone image profiles. You can clone an image profile when you want to make small changes to the VIB list in a profile, or if you want to use hosts from different vendors and want to use the same basic profile, but want to add vendor-specific VIBs. Create an Image ProfileYou can create a new image profile by using the vSphere Client instead of cloning an existing one. You might consider creating a new image profile if it differs significantly from the image profiles in your inventory. Edit an Image ProfileYou can edit image profiles by using the vSphere Client. You can change the name, details and VIB list of an image profile. Compare Image Profiles You can compare two image profiles by using the vSphere Client. For example, you can check if they have the same VIB list, version, or acceptance level. Move an Image Profile to a Different Software DepotYou can move image profiles between custom depots by using the vSphere Client. After you relocate an image profile, you can modify it without affecting the source depot's configuration. Export an Image Profile to ISO or Offline Bundle ZIPYou can export an image profile to an ISO image or a ZIP file by using the vSphere Client. You can use the ISO image as an ESXi installer or to upgrade hosts with vSphere Upgrade Manager. The ZIP file contains metadata and the VIBs of the image profile. You can use it for ESXi upgrades or as an offline depot. Parent topic: Customizing Installations with vSphere ESXi Image Builder
