The `googlecompute` Packer builder is able to create images for use with Google
description:|-
Compute Engine (GCE) based on existing images. Google Compute Engine doesn't
The `googlecompute` Packer builder is able to create images for use with Google Compute Engine (GCE) based on existing images. Google Compute Engine doesn't allow the creation of images from scratch.
allow the creation of images from scratch.
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layout: docs
page_title: Google Compute Builder
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# Google Compute Builder
# Google Compute Builder
Type: `googlecompute`
Type: `googlecompute`
The `googlecompute` Packer builder is able to create [images](https://developers.google.com/compute/docs/images) for use with
The `googlecompute` Packer builder is able to create
[Google Compute Engine](https://cloud.google.com/products/compute-engine)(GCE) based on existing images. Google
[images](https://developers.google.com/compute/docs/images) for use with [Google
Compute Engine doesn't allow the creation of images from scratch.
Compute Engine](https://cloud.google.com/products/compute-engine)(GCE) based on
existing images. Google Compute Engine doesn't allow the creation of images from
scratch.
## Authentication
## Authentication
Authenticating with Google Cloud services requires at most one JSON file,
Authenticating with Google Cloud services requires at most one JSON file, called
called the _account file_. The _account file_ is **not** required if you are running
the *account file*. The *account file* is **not** required if you are running
the `googlecompute` Packer builder from a GCE instance with a properly-configured
the `googlecompute` Packer builder from a GCE instance with a
[Compute Engine Service Account](https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/authentication).