Creating an AWS IAM User
Creating an AWS IAM User for Defang
To deploy applications with Defang on AWS, you need an IAM user with appropriate permissions and access keys. This guide walks you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Create an IAM User
a. Open the IAM Service
Go to the IAM Users Panel.
b. Click Create User
Click the Create user button at the top right.

c. User details
Enter a user name, and assign permissions. Defang requires the PowerUserAccess
policy in order to deploy and manage resources in your account.


d. Review and Confirm
Review your settings and confirm the creation of the user.
Step 2: Create Access Keys
Access keys are the easiest way to authorize programmatic access to AWS. Follow these steps to create them:
a. Select the New User
After creating the user, locate them in the IAM Users Panel and select the user.

b. Create Access Key
In the User Summary panel, click Create access key.

c. Select Use Case
For Defang, select the use case "Application running on AWS compute service".

d. Add Description and Continue
Optionally, provide a description for the key and click Next.

e. Save Your Access Keys
Your new access key will be generated. Copy and save the Access Key ID and Secret Access Key—you will need these for Defang deployments.
