Multipass

Multipass is a tool to generate cloud-style virtual machines quickly on Linux, macOS and Windows. It provides a GUI client and a simple but powerful CLI that enables you to quickly access an Ubuntu command line, launch virtual machine instances of other Linux distributions, or create your own local mini-cloud.

Local development and testing can be challenging, but Multipass simplifies these processes by automating setup and teardown. Multipass has a growing library of images that you can use to launch purpose-built VMs or custom VMs you’ve configured yourself through its powerful cloud-init interface.

Developers can use Multipass to prototype cloud deployments and to create fresh, customised Linux dev environments on any machine. Multipass is the quickest way for Mac and Windows users to get an Ubuntu command line on their systems. You can also use it as a sandbox to try new things without affecting your host machine or requiring a dual boot.

In this documentation

Basics

Core concepts and functionality

Multipass and its host

Features

Performance, security and logging

Special use-cases, concerns, and problems

How this documentation is organized

This documentation uses the Diátaxis documentation structure.

  • Tutorial takes you step-by-step through your first Multipass workflow, from installation to launching and working with instances.

  • How-to guides assume you have basic familiarity with Multipass. They cover practical tasks such as instance management, configuration, networking, and troubleshooting.

  • Reference provides technical details on CLI commands, settings, architecture, and platform-specific behavior.

  • Explanation includes conceptual overviews, background context, and deeper discussion of how Multipass works.

Project and community

We value your input and contributions! Here are some ways you can join our community or get help with your Multipass questions: