Create a VM

Steps

1. Go to Compute → Virtual Machines → Create VM
2. Name your VM
3. Select Region: choose the data center nearest to you or your users to minimize latency
4. Select Image: pick an OS family, then a specific Version (e.g. Ubuntu 24.04). The available images are listed on the form.
5. Networking: your VM automatically joins the workspace's default private network (e.g. 10.16.0.0/16) so resources can talk to each other securely. Custom Virtual Isolated Networks (VINs) are coming soon.
6. SSH Keys: select an existing key, or click Add New Key to upload one
7. Select or Create Volumes (optional): attach existing volumes or create new ones for additional storage
8. Startup Configuration (optional): choose packages to install under Install Packages, or use Add Script to run a custom script on first boot (runs with root privileges)
9. Select Compute: choose a plan (see Compute plans)
10. Review the Total Payment estimate at the top, then click Create VM

note

The first time you create a VM you are asked to accept the Acceptable Use Policy before the creation is submitted.

Provisioning

Once you click Create VM, you're taken to the VM detail page with a live progress panel showing the percentage complete, elapsed time, and step-by-step updates:

Preparing your VM.
Preparing your workspace environment.
Preparing the VM disk.
Configuring secure access.
Starting the VM.
Waiting for network readiness.
Waiting for VM access.
Virtual machine is ready.

The VM's status badge switches to running once provisioning finishes.

After creation

Your VM detail page shows:

• Status (e.g. RUNNING)
• Spec summary: vCPU, RAM, disk, region, OS image
• Private IP, guest username (root on new VMs), and, once an app is exposed, the app port and URL
• Tabs for Connect, Metrics, Snapshots, Firewall, Deploy, and Settings
• Start VM, Stop VM, and Reboot VM actions in the header. Stopping interrupts running apps and SSH sessions; rebooting causes a short interruption while the VM comes back online.

Free trial: Ephemeral plan

If you select the Ephemeral Trial compute plan, note the terms shown at the bottom of the create form:

• Runs for up to 3 days, then automatically expires
• On expiry, the VM and its root disk are permanently deleted, so back up anything you need
• You can run one active ephemeral VM at a time