EC2 Image Builder

Amazon EC2 Image Builder helps automate the creation, maintenance, and deployment of secure, up-to-date OS images (AMIs and container images).

1. Why Use Image Builder?

• Automates AMI creation and updates
• Ensures images are patched and compliant
• Integrates with SSM, CloudWatch, and IAM
• Works for both EC2 AMIs and ECR container images

2. Core Components

1. Image Pipeline – Defines the workflow (build, test, distribute).
2. Recipe – What software, packages, and settings to include.
3. Infrastructure Configuration – The build environment (instance type, VPC, IAM role).
4. Distribution Settings – Where to share/publish the image (Regions, accounts).

3. Setup Steps (Console)

Step 1: Create Image Recipe

• Go to EC2 Image Builder > Image Recipes
• Choose a base image (e.g., Amazon Linux 2, Ubuntu)
• Add components (security patches, software installs, scripts)

Step 2: Create Infrastructure Config

• Define instance type for build (e.g., t3.medium)
• Attach IAM role with SSM + EC2 permissions
• Configure VPC, subnet, and security groups

Step 3: Create Pipeline

• Go to Pipelines > Create Pipeline
• Attach recipe + infrastructure config
• Add schedule (manual, daily, weekly, etc.)

Step 4: Run Pipeline

• Start the pipeline → AWS will launch a temporary EC2 instance
• Build + test steps execute automatically
• New AMI (or container image) is created and distributed

4. Verification

• Go to EC2 > AMIs and check for your new image
• Launch an EC2 instance using the custom AMI
• Confirm software and patches are applied

5. Notes

• Image Builder integrates with CloudWatch for monitoring.
• Use SSM Automation for post-build checks.
• You can share AMIs across accounts and regions.