### Basic JSON Example for VMware ISO Builder

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs/builders/iso.mdx

This JSON example shows the equivalent configuration to the HCL example for the VMware ISO builder. It specifies the builder type and essential parameters for creating a VM from an ISO.

```json
{
  "type": "vmware-iso",
  "iso_url": "https://releases.ubuntu.com/yy.mm/ubuntu-yy.mm-live-server-amd64.iso",
  "iso_checksum": "sha256:8762f7e74e4d64d72fceb5f70682e6b069932deedb4949c6975d0f0fe0a91be3",
  "ssh_username": "packer",
  "ssh_password": "password",
  "shutdown_command": "shutdown -P now"
}
```

--------------------------------

### Basic HCL Example for VMware ISO Builder

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs/builders/iso.mdx

This HCL example demonstrates the basic configuration for building a virtual machine from an ISO file. It includes essential parameters like the ISO URL, checksum, and SSH credentials for provisioning.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "example" {
  iso_url = "https://releases.ubuntu.com/yy.mm/ubuntu-yy.mm-live-server-amd64.iso"
  iso_checksum = "sha256:8762f7e74e4d64d72fceb5f70682e6b069932deedb4949c6975d0f0fe0a91be3"
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "password"
  shutdown_command = "shutdown -P now"
}

build {
  sources = [
    "source.vmware-iso.example"
  ]
}
```

--------------------------------

### Packer Initialization and Build Command

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Commands to initialize Packer plugins and build a VM. Use 'packer init .' to download required plugins and 'packer build' with a variable file to start the build process.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/fusion-arm64-vmx.pkrvars.hcl .

```

--------------------------------

### Install Packer Plugin Automatically

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Run `packer init` in your project directory after declaring the plugin requirement to download and install it.

```shell
packer init .
```

--------------------------------

### Install VMware Plugin with Packer Configuration

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs/README.md

Add this configuration to your Packer file to specify the VMware plugin version and source. Run `packer init` to install.

```hcl
packer {
  required_plugins {
    vmware = {
      version = "~> 2"
      source = "github.com/vmware/vmware"
    }
  }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Install VMware Plugin using Packer CLI

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs/README.md

Use the `packer plugins install` command to directly install the VMware plugin. This is an alternative to managing plugins within your Packer configuration.

```sh
packer plugins install github.com/vmware/vmware
```

--------------------------------

### Install Packer Plugin Manually

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Manually install the latest release or a specific version of the vmware Packer plugin using the `packer plugins install` command.

```shell
# Install the latest release
packer plugins install github.com/vmware/vmware

# Install a specific version
packer plugins install github.com/vmware/vmware@v2.1.2
```

--------------------------------

### Configure Packer for Automatic Plugin Installation

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/README.md

Include this block in your Packer configuration to automatically install the VMware plugin when running `packer init`. Ensure your Packer version and the plugin version meet the requirements.

```hcl
packer {
  required_version = ">= 1.7.0"
  required_plugins {
    vmware = {
      version = ">= 2.1.2"
      source  = "github.com/vmware/vmware"
    }
  }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Install Packer VMware Plugin (Specific Version)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/README.md

Install a specific version of the VMware plugin for Packer using this command. This is useful for ensuring compatibility with existing configurations or for testing specific releases.

```shell
packer plugins install github.com/vmware/vmware@v2.1.2
```

--------------------------------

### Configure Local Output Directory for VM Artifact

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Sets the local directory where the virtual machine artifact will be written. This directory must not exist or must be empty before the build starts.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "output-demo" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:"
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Defaults to "output-<BUILDNAME>" if not set
  output_directory = "builds/debian-12-amd64"
}

```

--------------------------------

### Specify VMware Fusion Application Path

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

If VMware Fusion is not installed in the default location, use `fusion_app_path` to specify the correct path. This setting is only needed for non-standard installations.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "fusion-custom-path" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Only needed if Fusion is installed outside the default location
  fusion_app_path = "/Applications/VMware Fusion Tech Preview.app"
}
```

--------------------------------

### Initialize Packer and Build for VMware Workstation Pro

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/iso/README.md

Initialize Packer and then build a virtual machine using VMware Workstation Pro. Requires a specific variable file for configuration.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/workstation-amd64.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Build VM from OVF - Fusion Pro (Intel)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/vmx/README.md

Initializes Packer and builds a VM from an OVF file using VMware Fusion Pro on Intel architecture. Requires a specific `.pkrvars.hcl` file for configuration.

```shell
# or
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/fusion-amd64-ovf.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Build VM from OVA - Fusion Pro (Intel)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/vmx/README.md

Initializes Packer and builds a VM from an OVA file using VMware Fusion Pro on Intel architecture. Requires a specific `.pkrvars.hcl` file for configuration.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/fusion-amd64-ova.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Initialize Packer and Build for VMware Fusion Pro (Intel)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/iso/README.md

Initialize Packer and then build a virtual machine using VMware Fusion Pro on an Intel architecture. Requires a specific variable file for configuration.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/fusion-amd64.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Build VM from OVA - Workstation Pro

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/vmx/README.md

Initializes Packer and builds a VM from an OVA file using VMware Workstation Pro. Requires a specific `.pkrvars.hcl` file for configuration.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/workstation-amd64-ova.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Initialize Packer and Build for VMware Fusion Pro (Apple Silicon)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/iso/README.md

Initialize Packer and then build a virtual machine using VMware Fusion Pro on an Apple Silicon architecture. Requires a specific variable file for configuration.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/fusion-arm64.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Build VM from OVF - Workstation Pro

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/vmx/README.md

Initializes Packer and builds a VM from an OVF file using VMware Workstation Pro. Requires a specific `.pkrvars.hcl` file for configuration.

```shell
# or
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/workstation-amd64-ovf.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Build VM from VMX - Fusion Pro (Intel)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/vmx/README.md

Initializes Packer and builds a VM from a VMX file using VMware Fusion Pro on Intel architecture. Requires a specific `.pkrvars.hcl` file for configuration.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/fusion-amd64-vmx.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Build VM from OVA - Fusion Pro (Apple Silicon)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/vmx/README.md

Initializes Packer and builds a VM from an OVA file using VMware Fusion Pro on Apple Silicon. Requires a specific `.pkrvars.hcl` file for configuration.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/fusion-arm64-ova.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Configure Headless Mode and VNC Access

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Enable `headless = true` to run the hypervisor without a GUI. Configure VNC settings for boot command keystrokes using `vnc_bind_address`, `vnc_port_min`, and `vnc_port_max`.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "headless-vnc" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Run without the hypervisor GUI window
  headless = true

  # VNC settings (used to send boot_command keystrokes)
  vnc_bind_address    = "0.0.0.0"   # bind to all interfaces
  vnc_port_min        = 5900
  vnc_port_max        = 6000
  vnc_disable_password = false       # auto-generate VNC password (default)
}
```

--------------------------------

### Build VM from VMX - Workstation Pro

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/example/vmx/README.md

Initializes Packer and builds a VM from a VMX file using VMware Workstation Pro. Requires a specific `.pkrvars.hcl` file for configuration.

```shell
packer init .
packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/workstation-amd64-vmx.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Configure vmware-iso Builder for Debian

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Configure the `vmware-iso` builder to create a Debian VM from an ISO. This includes ISO details, VM identity, hardware settings, disk configuration, HTTP server for preseed, VNC boot commands, communicator settings, and output format.

```hcl
# build.pkr.hcl
packer {
  required_version = ">= 1.7.0"
  required_plugins {
    vmware = {
      version = ">= 2.0.0"
      source  = "github.com/vmware/vmware"
    }
  }
}

source "vmware-iso" "debian" {
  # --- ISO ---
  iso_url      = "https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-12.5.0-amd64-netinst.iso"
  iso_checksum = "sha256:013f5b44670d81280b5b1bc02455842b250df2f0c6763398feb69af1a805a14f"

  # --- VM identity ---
  vm_name      = "debian-12-amd64"
  guest_os_type = "debian-64"
  version      = 21          # virtual hardware version (min 19)

  # --- Hardware ---
  cpus   = 2
  memory = 2048
  firmware             = "efi"
  network_adapter_type = "e1000e"
  network              = "nat"
  disk_adapter_type    = "sata"
  cdrom_adapter_type   = "sata"

  # --- Disk ---
  disk_size    = 20480       # MB (~20 GB), expandable sparse

  # --- HTTP server for preseed ---
  http_directory = "http"    # serve files from ./http/

  # --- Boot sequence (VNC) ---
  boot_wait = "10s"
  boot_command = [
    "<esc><wait>",
    "/install/vmlinuz initrd=/install/initrd.gz ",
    "auto-install/enable=true debconf/priority=critical ",
    "preseed/url=http://{{ .HTTPIP }}:{{ .HTTPPort }}/preseed.cfg<enter>"
  ]

  # --- Communicator ---
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  ssh_timeout  = "30m"

  # --- Shutdown ---
  shutdown_command = "echo 'packer' | sudo -S shutdown -P now"

  # --- Output ---
  output_directory = "builds/debian-12-amd64"
  format           = "ovf"       # vmx (default), ovf, or ova
}

build {
  sources = ["source.vmware-iso.debian"]

  provisioner "shell" {
    inline = [
      "sudo apt-get update -y",
      "sudo apt-get install -y open-vm-tools"
    ]
  }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Build VMware Images with Packer

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Commands to initialize Packer and build VM images for different VMware platforms using specified variable files.

```shell
# Build for VMware Fusion Pro on Apple Silicon
packer init . && packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/fusion-arm64.pkrvars.hcl .
```

```shell
# Build for VMware Workstation Pro on Linux/Windows
packer init . && packer build -var-file=pkrvars/debian/workstation-amd64.pkrvars.hcl .
```

--------------------------------

### Parse, Encode, Read, and Write VMX Files in Go

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Demonstrates the usage of ParseVMX, EncodeVMX, WriteVMX, and ReadVMX functions for manipulating VMX file content programmatically. Ensure the common package is imported.

```go
package main

import (
    "fmt"
    "log"
    vmwcommon "github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/builder/vmware/common"
)

func main() {
    // --- ParseVMX: parse raw VMX text into a map ---
    raw := `
.encoding = "UTF-8"
displayname = "debian-12"
memsize = "2048"
numvcpus = "2"
guestOS = "debian-64"
`
    data := vmwcommon.ParseVMX(raw)
    fmt.Println(data["displayname"]) // keys are lowercased: "debian-12"
    fmt.Println(data["memsize"])     // "2048"

    // --- Modify the map ---
    data["memsize"] = "4096"
    data["annotation"] = "Built by Packer"

    // --- EncodeVMX: serialize map back to VMX text (keys sorted) ---
    encoded := vmwcommon.EncodeVMX(data)
    fmt.Println(encoded)
    // annotation = "Built by Packer"
    // displayName = "debian-12"
    // guestOS = "debian-64"
    // memsize = "4096"
    // numvcpus = "2"

    // --- WriteVMX: write map to a .vmx file ---
    if err := vmwcommon.WriteVMX("/tmp/test.vmx", data); err != nil {
        log.Fatalf("WriteVMX failed: %v", err)
    }

    // --- ReadVMX: read a .vmx file back into a map ---
    loaded, err := vmwcommon.ReadVMX("/tmp/test.vmx")
    if err != nil {
        log.Fatalf("ReadVMX failed: %v", err)
    }
    fmt.Println(loaded["memsize"]) // "4096"
}

```

--------------------------------

### Basic VMX Builder Configuration in JSON

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs/builders/vmx.mdx

This JSON configuration defines the source for the VMX builder, specifying the path to the existing .vmx file and SSH credentials for provisioners.

```json
{
  "type": "vmware-vmx",
  "source_path": "/path/to/example.vmx",
  "ssh_username": "packer",
  "ssh_password": "password",
  "shutdown_command": "shutdown -P now"
}
```

--------------------------------

### Run Packer Build

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Execute the Packer build process using `packer build .`. You can also override variables during the build using the `-var` flag.

```shell
# Run the build
packer build .

# Build with variable overrides
packer build -var 'vm_name=debian-custom' -var 'memory=4096' .
```

--------------------------------

### Configure VMware Tools Upload Mode

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Set `tools_mode` to `upload` to use the hypervisor's built-in ISO. Specify the `tools_upload_flavor` and `tools_upload_path` for the guest OS.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "tools-upload" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Mode 1: upload using hypervisor's built-in tools ISO for the given flavor
  tools_mode          = "upload"
  tools_upload_flavor = "linux"               # darwin | linux | windows
  tools_upload_path   = "/tmp/{{ .Flavor }}.iso"  # destination path in guest
}
```

--------------------------------

### Decode and Use SSH Public Key in Kickstart

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs-partials/builder/vmware/SshKeyPairAutomation.mdx

A kickstart script snippet that decodes a URL-encoded SSH public key from the kernel command line and adds it to the authorized_keys file for a specified user.

```shell
%post

# Newly created users need the file/folder framework for SSH key authentication.
umask 0077
mkdir /etc/skel/.ssh
touch /etc/skel/.ssh/authorized_keys

# Loop over the command line. Set interesting variables.
for x in $(cat /proc/cmdline)
do
  case $x in
    PACKER_USER=*) 
      PACKER_USER="${x#*=}"
      ;;
    PACKER_AUTHORIZED_KEY=*) 
      # URL decode $encoded into $PACKER_AUTHORIZED_KEY
      encoded=$(echo "${x#*=}" | tr '+' ' ')
      printf -v PACKER_AUTHORIZED_KEY '%b' "${encoded//%/\\x}"
      ;;
  esac
done

# Create/configure packer user, if any.
if [ -n "$PACKER_USER" ]
then
  useradd $PACKER_USER
  echo "%${PACKER_USER} ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL" >> /etc/sudoers.d/$PACKER_USER
  [ -n "$PACKER_AUTHORIZED_KEY" ] && echo $PACKER_AUTHORIZED_KEY >> $(eval echo ~"$PACKER_USER")/.ssh/authorized_keys
fi

%end
```

--------------------------------

### Inject SSH Public Key into Boot Command (JSON)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs-partials/builder/vmware/SshKeyPairAutomation.mdx

Use the `SSHPublicKey` template engine, optionally URL-encoded, to pass the SSH public key to the boot command in JSON format.

```json
"boot_command": [
  "<up><wait><tab> text ks=http://{{ .HTTPIP }}:{{ .HTTPPort }}/ks.cfg PACKER_USER={{ user `username` }} PACKER_AUTHORIZED_KEY={{ .SSHPublicKey | urlquery }}<enter>"
]
```

--------------------------------

### Inject SSH Public Key into Boot Command (HCL)

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs-partials/builder/vmware/SshKeyPairAutomation.mdx

Use the `SSHPublicKey` template engine, optionally URL-encoded, to pass the SSH public key to the boot command in HCL format.

```hcl
boot_command = [
  "<up><wait><tab> text ks=http://{{ .HTTPIP }}:{{ .HTTPPort }}/ks.cfg PACKER_USER={{ user `username` }} PACKER_AUTHORIZED_KEY={{ .SSHPublicKey | urlquery }}<enter>"
]
```

--------------------------------

### Configure VMware Tools Attach Mode

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Use `tools_mode` set to `attach` to mount a local VMware Tools ISO as a CD-ROM device. The ISO will be removed after the build.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "tools-attach" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Mode 2: attach a local ISO as a CD-ROM (removed after build)
  tools_mode        = "attach"
  tools_source_path = "/path/to/VMwareTools-12.4.0.iso"
}
```

--------------------------------

### Define VMware Fusion ARM64 Variables

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Configuration variables for building a Debian ARM64 image on VMware Fusion for Apple Silicon.

```hcl
iso_url              = "https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/arm64/iso-cd/debian-12.5.0-arm64-netinst.iso"
iso_checksum         = "sha256:<arm64-checksum>"
vm_name              = "debian-12-arm64"
cdrom_adapter_type   = "sata"
disk_adapter_type    = "sata"
network_adapter_type = "e1000e"
guest_os_type        = "arm-debian-64"
```

--------------------------------

### Basic VMX Builder Configuration in HCL

Source: https://github.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/blob/main/docs/builders/vmx.mdx

This HCL configuration defines the source for the VMX builder, specifying the path to the existing .vmx file and SSH credentials for provisioners.

```hcl
source "vmware-vmx" "example" {
  source_path = "/path/to/example.vmx"
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "password"
  shutdown_command = "shutdown -P now"
}

build {
  sources = [
    "source.vmware-vmx.example"
  ]
}
```

--------------------------------

### Inject VMX Configuration Data

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Use `vmx_data` to inject or override VMX properties before boot and `vmx_data_post` for settings applied after provisioning. This is useful for configurations not directly exposed by the plugin.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "vmx-demo" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Set before VM boots
  vmx_data = {
    "cpuid.coresPerSocket"    = "2"
    "vhv.enable"              = "TRUE"   # nested virtualization
    "tools.syncTime"          = "FALSE"
    "scsi0:0.ioSize"          = "0"
  }

  # Set after provisioning completes (applied to the artifact)
  vmx_data_post = {
    "tools.syncTime" = "TRUE"
    "annotation"     = "Built by Packer on ${formatdate("YYYY-MM-DD", timestamp())}"
  }

  # Remove all ethernet adapters from the final artifact (useful for Vagrant boxes)
  vmx_remove_ethernet_interfaces = true

  # Override the inventory display name
  display_name = "Debian 12 Golden Image"
}
```

--------------------------------

### VMware OVA Source Configuration

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Configure a VMware builder to clone from an OVA file. Requires specifying the source OVA path, guest OS type, and version. SSH credentials and shutdown command are also necessary.

```hcl
source "vmware-vmx" "from-ova" {
  source_path   = "/path/to/base.ova"
  guest_os_type = "debian-64"   # required for OVA/OVF sources
  version       = 21

  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  ssh_timeout  = "15m"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"
}
```

--------------------------------

### Packer Template for Parameterized Debian ISO Build

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

A complete Packer template demonstrating how to parameterize a Debian build for multiple hypervisors and architectures using variable files. It separates configuration into distinct files.

```hcl
# variables.pkr.hcl
variable "iso_url"      { type = string }
variable "iso_checksum" { type = string }
variable "vm_name"      { type = string  default = "debian-12" }
variable "cpus"         { type = number  default = 2 }
variable "memory"       { type = number  default = 2048 }
variable "disk_size"    { type = number  default = 20480 }
variable "headless"     { type = bool    default = false }
variable "guest_os_type"         { type = string  default = "debian-64" }
variable "cdrom_adapter_type"    { type = string  default = "sata" }
variable "disk_adapter_type"     { type = string  default = "sata" }
variable "network_adapter_type"  { type = string  default = "e1000e" }
variable "output_directory"      { type = string  default = null }

# sources.pkr.hcl
locals {
  output_dir = var.output_directory == null ? "builds/${var.vm_name}" : var.output_directory
}

source "vmware-iso" "debian" {
  vm_name              = var.vm_name
  headless             = var.headless
  guest_os_type        = var.guest_os_type
  cpus                 = var.cpus
  memory               = var.memory
  disk_size            = var.disk_size
  cdrom_adapter_type   = var.cdrom_adapter_type
  disk_adapter_type    = var.disk_adapter_type
  network_adapter_type = var.network_adapter_type
  iso_url              = var.iso_url
  iso_checksum         = var.iso_checksum
  http_directory       = "data"
  boot_wait            = "10s"
  boot_command = [
    "<esc><wait>",
    "/install/vmlinuz initrd=/install/initrd.gz ",
    "auto-install/enable=true debconf/priority=critical ",
    "preseed/url=http://{{ .HTTPIP }}:{{ .HTTPPort }}/preseed.cfg<enter>"
  ]
  ssh_username     = "packer"
  ssh_password     = "packer"
  ssh_timeout      = "60m"
  output_directory = local.output_dir
  shutdown_command = "echo 'packer' | sudo -S shutdown -P now"
  format           = "ovf"
}

# build.pkr.hcl
packer {
  required_plugins {
    vmware = {
      version = ">= 2.0.0"
      source  = "github.com/vmware/vmware"
    }
  }
}

build {
  sources = ["source.vmware-iso.debian"]

  provisioner "shell" {
    inline = [
      "sudo apt-get update -y",
      "sudo apt-get install -y open-vm-tools curl wget"
    ]
  }
}

```

--------------------------------

### VMware ISO Builder Hardware Configuration

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Configure hardware resources for a VMware ISO builder. This includes CPU, memory, network adapter type, firmware, USB settings, and sound card. Serial and parallel ports can also be configured.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "full-hw" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Firmware: bios | efi | efi-secure
  firmware = "efi-secure"

  # CPU
  cpus  = 4   # total virtual CPUs
  cores = 2   # cores per socket (2 sockets × 2 cores = 4 vCPUs)

  # Memory (MB)
  memory = 8192

  # Network
  network              = "nat"        # nat | hostonly | bridged | custom
  network_adapter_type = "vmxnet3"    # vmxnet3 | e1000e | e1000

  # USB
  usb         = true
  usb_version = "3.1"   # 2.0 | 3.1 | 3.2

  # Sound card
  sound = false

  # Serial port via named pipe (client VM end, app host end)
  serial = "PIPE:/tmp/serial.pipe,client,app"

  # Parallel port (auto-detect, bidirectional)
  parallel = "AUTO:BI"
}
```

--------------------------------

### VMware VMX Source Configuration

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Configure a VMware builder to clone from a .vmx file. Specify source path, VM name, clone type, SSH credentials, and output directory. Optional settings include guest OS type, version, and snapshot name.

```hcl
source "vmware-vmx" "debian" {
  source_path = "/path/to/base/debian-12.vmx"  # required; also accepts .ova / .ovf

  vm_name          = "debian-12-custom"
  linked           = false          # true = linked clone (smaller, depends on parent)
  headless         = true
  skip_compaction  = false

  # guest_os_type and version are optional for .vmx sources;
  # required for .ova/.ovf sources
  # guest_os_type = "debian-64"
  # version       = 21

  snapshot_name    = "provisioned"  # create snapshot after build; omit to skip

  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  ssh_timeout  = "15m"

  output_directory = "builds/debian-12-custom"
  shutdown_command = "echo 'packer' | sudo -S shutdown -P now"

  # Inject/override arbitrary VMX keys before boot
  vmx_data = {
    "memsize"    = "4096"
    "numvcpus"   = "4"
  }

  format = "ova"
}
```

--------------------------------

### VMware ISO Builder Disk Configuration

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Configure primary disk size, disk type, and adapter for a VMware ISO builder. Additional data disks can also be specified with their sizes. The VMDK base filename can be customized.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "disk-demo" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Primary disk size (ISO builder only), in MB
  disk_size = 51200   # ~50 GB

  # Disk type: 0=monolithic sparse, 1=split sparse (default),
  #            2=monolithic flat, 3=split flat,
  #            4=VMFS flat, 5=compressed stream
  disk_type_id = "0"

  # Adapter: ide | sata | nvme | scsi (default lsilogic)
  disk_adapter_type = "sata"

  # VMDK base filename (without extension), defaults to "disk"
  vmdk_name = "my-disk"

  # Additional data disks (sizes in MB)
  disk_additional_size = [10240, 20480]
}
```

--------------------------------

### VMware ISO Builder Export Configuration

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Configure export settings for a VMware ISO builder, including output format (vmx, ovf, ova) and OVF Tool options. Compaction and export steps can be skipped.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "export-demo" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Output format: vmx (default, skips export), ovf, or ova
  format = "ova"

  # Pass extra arguments directly to ovftool
  ovftool_options = [
    "--compress=9",
    "--shaAlgorithm=SHA256"
  ]

  # Skip disk compaction step (useful for pre-allocated disk types)
  skip_compaction = false

  # Skip export entirely (e.g., artifact produced inside the VM)
  skip_export = false
}
```

--------------------------------

### Configure VMware Tools Disabled Mode

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Set `tools_mode` to `disable` to prevent VMware Tools from being provided to the guest operating system during the build process.

```hcl
source "vmware-iso" "tools-disabled" {
  iso_url      = "..."
  iso_checksum = "sha256:..."
  ssh_username = "packer"
  ssh_password = "packer"
  shutdown_command = "sudo shutdown -P now"

  # Mode 3: don't provide VMware Tools at all
  tools_mode = "disable"
}
```

--------------------------------

### Set VMware Fusion Application Path via Environment Variable

Source: https://context7.com/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware/llms.txt

Alternatively, the `FUSION_APP_PATH` environment variable can be used to specify the VMware Fusion application path before running the `packer build` command.

```shell
export FUSION_APP_PATH="/Applications/VMware Fusion Tech Preview.app"
packer build .
```

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