# What Are the Differences Between Import/Export and Fast Import/Export?

Item | Description | Helpful Link
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Import

Import an external image file to the management console for creating a private image.

External image files in the following formats can be imported: VMDK, VHD, QCOW2, RAW, VHDX, QED, VDI, QCOW, ZVHD2, and ZVHD.

Maximum file size: 128 GB

During the import, operations such as driver injection will be performed in the background. Therefore, the import takes a longer time than fast import.

- Creating a Windows System Disk Image from an External Image File
- Creating a Linux System Disk Image from an External Image File
- Creating a Data Disk Image from an External Image File

Fast import

When importing an external image file in the RAW or ZVHD2 format to the management console, you can select Enable Fast Create. The system does not perform any operations such as driver injection. Verify that:

- The image file converted to the RAW format has been optimized as required and a bitmap file has been generated for it.
- The image file converted to the ZVHD2 format has been optimized as required.

Maximum file size: 1 TB

Quickly Importing an Image File

Export | You can export private images to OBS buckets and download them to your local PC for further use on other cloud platforms. Maximum file size: 128 GB (If an image file is larger than 128 GB, use fast export to export it.) You can specify the format of the exported image file. Currently, only QCOW2, VMDK, VHD, and ZVHD are supported. | Exporting an Image
Fast export | On the Export Image page, select Enable following Fast Export. You cannot specify the format of the exported image file. After the export is complete, you can use a tool to convert the exported image to your desired format. The file size is not limited. Encrypted images do not support fast export. | Exporting an Image

Parent topic: Image Exporting