Create point-in-time backups of your virtual machines to preserve their current state, data, and configuration.

Prerequisites

Before creating snapshots, ensure you meet these requirements:

Prerequisites for Snapshot Creation:

  • At least one virtual machine must be in ACTIVE state
  • VM must be in the same region as where you want to create the snapshot
  • Your account profile must be complete with billing information
  • Sufficient credits for snapshot storage costs

Account Requirements

1

Complete Profile

Ensure your account profile is complete with all required billing information

2

Sufficient Credits

Verify you have adequate credits for snapshot storage costs

3

Active VMs

Have at least one VM in ACTIVE state available for snapshotting

4

Regional Planning

Plan which region you want to store your snapshots in

Step-by-Step Creation Process

To create a new snapshot:

1

Navigate to Snapshots

Navigate to the Snapshots page

2

Select Region

Select your desired region from the dropdown menu

3

Initiate Creation

Click the “Create Snapshot” button (disabled if no active VMs are available)

4

Configure Snapshot

In the Create Snapshot modal:

  • Select a virtual machine from the dropdown
  • Enter a unique snapshot name (required, 1-50 characters)
  • Optionally click “Show advanced options” for additional settings
5

Advanced Options (Optional)

Configure advanced settings:

  • Add description text for documentation
  • Toggle “Create as Image” for deployment templates
6

Create Snapshot

Review your settings and click “Create Snapshot”

Basic Configuration

Virtual Machine Selection

VM Dropdown

Available VMs

  • Dropdown shows only ACTIVE VMs in the selected region
  • Displays VM name, GPU type, and region for easy identification
  • Example format: “my-vm - H100-SXM5-80GB (CANADA-1)”
  • If no VMs are available, you’ll see “No active VMs available”

VM Requirements

Eligible VMs

  • VM must be in ACTIVE state
  • VM must be fully operational and responsive
  • VM should not be under heavy load during snapshot creation
  • VM must have completed initial setup and configuration

Snapshot Naming

Advanced Options

Click “Show advanced options” to access additional configuration settings:

Description Field

Documentation

Snapshot Description

  • Optional text area for snapshot description
  • Helps identify the snapshot’s purpose
  • Useful for team collaboration and documentation
  • No character limit enforced in UI
  • Supports detailed documentation of snapshot contents

Best Practices

Description Content

  • Include snapshot purpose and contents
  • Document software versions and configurations
  • Note any special considerations for restoration
  • Include contact information for questions
  • Document dependencies and requirements

Create as Image Option

Snapshot as Deployment Template

  • Toggle switch to create snapshot as an image
  • Images can be used for future VM deployments
  • Appears in boot source options during VM creation
  • Useful for standardizing environments across team

Creation Process Details

Snapshot Creation Workflow

1

Validation

System validates all input parameters and requirements

2

Initiation

Snapshot creation begins with VM state capture

3

Data Capture

Complete VM state, disk contents, and configuration captured

4

Compression

Snapshot data compressed and optimized for storage

5

Verification

Snapshot integrity verified and marked as available

Creation Process Monitoring

Snapshot Creation Timing

Optimal Creation Windows

Low Activity Periods

Best Times for Snapshots

  • During low VM activity or maintenance windows
  • Outside of peak application usage hours
  • Between batch processing jobs
  • During scheduled maintenance periods

Avoid High Load

Times to Avoid

  • During heavy computational workloads
  • Peak user activity periods
  • During backup or synchronization operations
  • System update or installation processes

Performance Considerations

Snapshot Storage and Costs

Storage Optimization

Storage Efficiency:

  • Snapshots use advanced compression algorithms
  • Duplicate data blocks are deduplicated
  • Only changed data is stored in incremental snapshots
  • Storage costs based on actual compressed size

Cost Management

Billing Information

  • Rate: $0.1 per TB per hour (€0.1 per TB per hour | ₹10 per TB per hour)
  • Billing Method: Hourly based on actual snapshot size
  • Compression: Snapshots are compressed to reduce costs
  • No Transfer Costs: No charges for snapshot creation or restoration

Troubleshooting Snapshot Creation

Common Creation Issues

VM Not Available

  • Problem: No VMs available for snapshotting
  • Solution: Ensure at least one VM is in ACTIVE state
  • Verification: Check VM status in dashboard
  • Prevention: Maintain VMs in operational state

Error Resolution

1

Identify Issue

  • Review error messages carefully
  • Check VM status and health
  • Verify account and credit status
  • Assess current system load
2

Apply Solution

  • Address specific error conditions
  • Wait for VM to reach stable state if needed
  • Add credits or complete profile as required
  • Retry during optimal conditions
3

Verify Success

  • Monitor snapshot creation progress
  • Verify snapshot appears in list
  • Check snapshot status reaches “Success”
  • Test snapshot accessibility
4

Prevent Recurrence

  • Document successful procedures
  • Plan optimal timing for future snapshots
  • Monitor account and resource status
  • Establish regular snapshot schedule

Important Notes:

  • Snapshot creation can take several minutes depending on VM disk size
  • The source VM remains operational during snapshot creation
  • Snapshot names must be unique across your entire account
  • Only VMs in ACTIVE state can be snapshotted
  • If no active VMs exist, the Create Snapshot button will be disabled

Pro Tip: Use descriptive snapshot names that include the date, purpose, and version information. This makes it much easier to identify the right snapshot for restoration later, especially when managing multiple snapshots across different projects.