Extension NavigatorFILE EXTENSION LIBRARY
日本語
Home›Virtual Machines›.ovf
THE FILE FIELD GUIDE
.ovf

Open Virtualization Format

Virtual Machines

An OVF descriptor uses XML to describe a virtual appliance and references separate disk files. Copying the descriptor alone does not transfer VM data. Preserve companion files and the distribution’s relative paths.

What it is used for
Describing virtual appliance configuration
What the file contains
Text
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Collect referenced files

The descriptor alone lacks disk contents.

  1. Retain descriptor, disks and available manifests together.
  2. Compare referenced names with actual files.
  3. Preserve layout and provider integrity checks.
Import into a compatible hypervisor

Inspect supported OVF features.

  1. Select OVF in the import workflow.
  2. Review virtual hardware and destination.
  3. Test boot and required services in a suitable environment.
Diagnose missing references

Inspect/edit a backup copy.

  1. Identify the referenced disk in the error.
  2. Inspect naming, case, relative layout and missing files.
  3. Obtain the complete distribution and compare integrity.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Missing disk: compare descriptor references with distributed files.
  • Failure after renaming: inspect referenced names/relative paths.
  • Settings differ: check unsupported items or vendor-specific extensions.
  • Manifest mismatch: compare changes/missing files with the distribution.
  • No boot after import: inspect firmware/controller.
  • Duplicate VM: inspect import destination and existing registration.

OVF set → import / OVA export with compatible software

  1. Gather descriptor, referenced disks and companions; import into a compatible environment.
  2. For distribution, use supported export and validate the resulting import configuration.
  3. Import the exported set from another folder to verify references and boot.

Renaming XML does not make an OVA; export may not preserve equivalent history or vendor-specific settings.

Preserve references and integrity

Treat descriptor, images and manifest as a set and inspect integrity after changes.

Example: preserve a referenced disk1.vmdk with the descriptor.

Source for these steps：Oracle · Working with Virtual Machines — VirtualBox 7.2 / Oracle · Virtual Storage — VirtualBox 7.2

Recheck imported configuration

Recheck firmware, controllers and network after import.

Source for these steps：Oracle · Working with Virtual Machines — VirtualBox 7.2 / Oracle · Virtual Storage — VirtualBox 7.2

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / methodRoleWhat to verify
OVFXML descriptorReferenced files
OVAAppliance archiveContents/support
VM settingsRuntime configurationPost-import review

Handling and security

Verify origin/integrity before starting an unfamiliar VM. Review initial credentials, networking, shared folders and permissions. Exports may contain personal data or credentials.

Questions and answers

Is the OVF alone sufficient?

Referenced disks and companions are also needed.

Does text inspection start the VM?

Text inspection and execution in a virtualization app are separate.

Will every setting be reproduced?

Check supported features and imported settings.

Can referenced filenames be changed?

References/manifests can depend on names; use supported re-export.

Does reading OVF reveal guest files?

The descriptor identifies configuration/files; guest data resides in disk images.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
Open Virtualization Format descriptor
Steward / specification
OVF ecosystem / virtualization vendors
MIME type
Depends on the producer or server; an extension alone does not establish a MIME type.

Primary and official sources