How to Convert a Proxmox VM to a Template (and Deploy Clones)

Convert a configured VM into a reusable template and deploy clones quickly. This guide covers template conversion and cloning with official Proxmox GUI screenshots.

Prepare Source VM

• Complete OS installation and configuration
• Shut down the VM before converting
• Remove machine-specific data if needed

Step 1: Clone VM (Full Clone from Template)

After converting to template, use Full Clone to deploy new VMs.

Step 2: Cloud-Init Template Configuration

Configure cloud-init settings for automated template deployments.

Step 3: Cloud-Init Hardware Settings

Set cloud-init drive and hardware options for template VMs.

Convert VM to Template (GUI)

1. Shut down the VM
2. Right-click VM → Convert to template
3. Right-click template → Clone → Full clone

qm template 101
qm clone 101 105 --name new-vm --full true

Image credits: Screenshots are from the official
Proxmox VE documentation
(Proxmox GmbH), used for educational purposes.