The VMware.Image Builder component of VMware PowerCLI provides cmdlets that allow you to manipulate software depots, image profiles, and VIBs. What to read next Clone an Image Profile with PowerCLI CmdletsCloning a published profile is the easiest way to create a custom image profile. Cloning a profile is especially useful if you want to remove a few VIBs from 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. VMware partners or large installations might consider creating a new profile. Add VIBs to an Image Profile with PowerCLI CmdletsYou can add one or more VIBs to an image profile if that image profile is not set to read only. If the new VIB depends on other VIBs or conflicts with other VIBs in the profile, a message is displayed at the PowerShell prompt and the VIB is not added. Export an Image Profile to an ISO or Offline Bundle ZIP with PowerCLI CmdletsYou can export an image profile to an ISO image or a ZIP file of component files and folders. You cannot create both by running the cmdlet once. You can use the ISO image as an ESXi installer or upload the ISO into vSphere Lifecycle Manager for upgrades. Create a Custom ESXi ISO Image with PowerCLI CmdletsWith ESXi Image Builder, you can customize an ESXi image profile, but not combine content from different depots to generate an ISO image. Starting with VMware PowerCLI 12.0, you can customize ISO images by using content from multiple software depots and a custom software specification. Create a Custom PXE Image with PowerCLI CmdletsStarting with VMware PowerCLI 12.0, you can create a custom PXE image by using any software depot and a custom software specification. Preserve Image Profiles Across Sessions with PowerCLIYou can export the image profile to a ZIP file software depot and add that depot in the next session. Compare Image Profiles with PowerCLI CmdletsYou can compare two image profiles by using the Compare-EsxImageProfile cmdlet, for example, to see if they have the same VIB list or acceptance level . Comparing image profiles or their properties is also possible by using the PowerShell comparison operators. Compare VIBs with PowerCLI CmdletsYou can compare two VIBs or their properties by using the PowerShell comparison operators. Working with Acceptance LevelsHosts, image profiles, and individual VIBs have acceptance levels. VIB acceptance levels show how the VIB was tested. Understanding what each acceptance level implies, how to change levels, and what a change implies is an important part of installation and update procedures. Parent topic: Customizing Installations with vSphere ESXi Image Builder
