How to Upload and Add Custom Device Image in GNS3

How to Upload and Add Custom Device Image in GNS3


Purpose

This article explains how to upload and add custom device images (IOS, QCOW2, etc.) in GNS3 so they can be used in your lab topology.


Supported Image Types (Examples)

  • Cisco IOS (Dynamips)

  • IOU/IOL images

  • QEMU (QCOW2)

  • CSR1000v

  • FortiGate

  • Palo Alto

  • Linux images

Step 1: Open GNS3

Open GNS3 on your system.

Go to:

Edit → Preferences





Step 2: Go to QEMU VM Section

From the left panel:

You will see the QEMU VM Templates window.


Click:

NEW

Configure General Settings

  • Template Name: Example cisco-9k

  • RAM: 4096 MB or 8192 MB (recommended for Nexus)

  • CPUs: 2 or more

In the Disk Image window, select:

New Image

Then follow these steps:

  1. Click Browse

  2. Select the Cisco image file from your PC
    (Example: nexus9300v.10.1.1.qcow2)

  3. Click Open

  4. Click Finish

If you are connected to a remote GNS3 server, the system will automatically upload the image from your PC to the server.

After the upload completes, the device template will be created and you can drag the switch (Uploaded device image) into your topology.



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