How to create a snapshot

The snapshot feature allows you to create an image of a specific volume of your Instance. A snapshot is a full-volume copy stored in our secure data centers. They are usually used to recover volume data or to create a copy of a volume.

Several options are available to create snapshots from your Instance:

• LSSD (Local Storage): This snapshot type can be created from local volumes. LSSD snapshots can be converted to local volumes only.
• BSSD (Block Storage): This snapshot type can be created from block volumes. BSSD snapshots can be converted to block volumes only.

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• An SSH key
• An Instance

How to create a snapshot

1. Click Instances in the Compute section of the side menu. The Instances page displays.
2. Click the Snapshots tab.
   
3. Click the + Create snapshot button. You are directed to the snapshot creation wizard.
4. Complete the following steps in the wizard:
   • Choose a name for the snapshot, or use the default suggested name.
   • Select the volume you wish to snapshot. All of your Instances’ volumes will be shown on the drop-down list, grouped by Availability Zone.
   • Select the snapshot type. The available types of snapshots depend on your volume type and can either be LSSD or BSSD.
   • Check the Estimated cost.
5. Click Create snapshot to finish. You are redirected to the Snapshots tab, where your new snapshot now appears in the list.

How to create a volume from a snapshot

You can create a volume from a snapshot as follows:

1. Click Instances in the Compute section of the side menu. The Instances page displays.

2. Click the Snapshots tab.

3. Click «See more Icon» next to the snapshot you want to create an image from. A drop-down menu displays.

4. Click Volume from snapshot. A pop-up displays.

   

5. Enter a name for the volume (or use the default suggested name), select the volume type, and click Create volume from Snapshot.

   Note

   The available volume types may change according to the type of snapshot you select.

   The volume is created, and can be viewed in the Volumes tab. Check out our documentation on attaching volumes and mounting volumes to learn how to use the volume with your Instances.

How to create an Instance from a snapshot

Follow the instructions for creating an Instance. At the Choose an image step of the creation wizard, click the My snapshots tab, and select the desired snapshot.

You can see the snapshotted volume in the Instance’s volumes at step 4 of the creation wizard.