How to Export Custom RHEL 8/9/10 Images from Red Hat to OCI
Many enterprises standardize their Linux operating systems using golden images. Red Hat Image Builder provides a simple way to create customized RHEL images, while Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) allows importing these images as Custom Compute Images.
In this DIY article, you will learn how to:
Build a custom RHEL 8/9/10 image using Red Hat Image Builder
Export the image in QCOW2 format
Upload it to OCI Object Storage
Import and use it as a custom image in OCI Compute
This approach ensures consistent builds, faster provisioning, and compliance across cloud environments.
Prerequisites
Before starting, ensure you have:
A valid Red Hat account with active RHEL subscription or developer access
Access to Red Hat Hybrid Cloud Console
Permissions to use Red Hat Image Builder
An OCI tenancy with access to:
Object Storage
Compute → Custom Images
(Optional) OCI CLI configured for automation
Step 1: Log in to Red Hat Hybrid Cloud Console
Open the Red Hat console:
https://console.redhat.com/
Log in with your Red Hat credentials and verify that your account has developer access or an active subscription. Without this, image creation options will not be visible.Step 2: Open Image Builder (Inventory Image Tool)
From the Red Hat Console dashboard:
Navigate to Inventory
Select Image Builder
Image Builder allows you to create cloud-ready RHEL images for multiple platforms, including OCI.
Step 3: Create a Blueprint for RHEL 8 / 9 / 10
In Image Builder:
Click Create Blueprint
Select the required RHEL version:
RHEL 8
RHEL 9
RHEL 10
Choose architecture (x86_64 is recommended for OCI)
Customize the blueprint:
Install required RPM packages
Configure users and SSH public keys
Enable repositories
Apply security hardening or baseline configurations
This blueprint acts as your gold image definition.
Step 4: Build the Custom RHEL Image
After saving the blueprint:
Click Build Image
Select QCOW2 as the image output format
QCOW2 is the recommended and supported format for OCI custom image imports.
The build process will start and may take several minutes. Wait until the status shows Completed.
Step 5: Download the RHEL QCOW2 Image
Once the image build is complete:
Download the generated QCOW2 image file
(Optional) Validate checksum or file integrity
Ensure sufficient disk space before downloading, as image sizes can be multiple GBs.
Step 6: Upload the Image to OCI Object Storage
Log in to the OCI Console:
Navigate to Object Storage → Buckets
Select an existing bucket or create a new one (example:
RHEL-Images)Upload the downloaded QCOW2 image
Make sure the bucket is in the same region where you plan to import the custom image.
Step 7: Import the Custom RHEL Image into OCI
After uploading the image:
Go to Compute → Custom Images
Click Import Image
Select Object Storage as the source
Choose the bucket and QCOW2 image object
Set image type to QCOW2
Provide a descriptive name (example:
RHEL9-Golden-Image)
The import process may take several minutes depending on image size.
Step 8: Launch an OCI Instance Using the Custom Image
Once the image import completes:
Go to Compute → Instances
Click Create Instance
Choose Custom Image
Select your imported RHEL image
Configure shape, networking, and SSH access, then launch the instance.
Post-Deployment Validation
After the instance starts:
Confirm OS version:
cat /etc/redhat-release
Verify installed packages and custom configurations
Validate SSH, networking, and application readiness
Benefits of Using Custom RHEL Images on OCI
Faster VM provisioning
Consistent OS builds across environments
Improved security and compliance
Reduced configuration drift
Enterprise-ready golden image strategy
In-place OS conversion during migration.
Conclusion
Exporting a custom RHEL 8/9/10 image from Red Hat Image Builder and importing it into Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is a reliable way to standardize Linux deployments. By using QCOW2 images and OCI Custom Images, organizations can achieve scalable, secure, and repeatable infrastructure builds.
