Specifying a node image

This page shows you how to specify a node image for your nodes in Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).

To learn about how node images work, and the types of node images that are available, see Node images.

Before you begin

Before you start, make sure you have performed the following tasks:

Ensure that you have enabled the Google Kubernetes Engine API.

Enable Google Kubernetes Engine API

Ensure that you have installed the Cloud SDK.

Set up default gcloud settings using one of the following methods:

Using gcloud init, if you want to be walked through setting defaults.
Using gcloud config, to individually set your project ID, zone, and region.

Using gcloud init

If you receive the error One of [--zone, --region] must be supplied: Please specify location, complete this section.

Run gcloud init and follow the directions:
```
gcloud init
```
If you are using SSH on a remote server, use the --console-only flag to prevent the command from launching a browser:
```
gcloud init --console-only
```
Follow the instructions to authorize gcloud to use your Google Cloud account.
Create a new configuration or select an existing one.
Choose a Google Cloud project.
Choose a default Compute Engine zone.

Note: You can override these default settings in gcloud commands using the --project, --zone, and --region flags.

Using gcloud config

Set your default project ID:
```
gcloud config set project project-id
```
If you are working with zonal clusters, set your default compute zone:
```
gcloud config set compute/zone compute-zone
```
If you are working with regional clusters, set your default compute region:
```
gcloud config set compute/region compute-region
```
Update gcloud to the latest version:
```
gcloud components update
```

Note: You can override these default settings in gcloud commands using the --project, --zone, and --region flags.