# Using Amazon EC2 launch templates with AWS PCS
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In Amazon EC2, a launch template can store a set of preferences so that you don't have to specify them individually when you launch instances. AWS PCS incorporates launch templates as a flexible way to configure compute node groups. When you create a node group, you provide a launch template. AWS PCS creates a derived launch template from it that includes transformations to help ensure it works with the service. 

Understanding what the options and considerations are when writing a custom launch template can help you write one for use with AWS PCS. For more information on launch templates, see Launching an Instance from a [Launch an instance from a launch template](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/ec2-launch-templates.html) in the *Amazon EC2 User Guide*.

**Topics**
+ [Overview of launch templates in AWS PCS](working-with_launch-templates_overview.md)
+ [Create a basic launch template](working-with_launch-templates_create.md)
+ [Working with Amazon EC2 user data for AWS PCS](working-with_ec2-user-data.md)
+ [Capacity Reservations in AWS PCS](working-with_capacity-reservations.md)
+ [Useful launch template parameters](working-with_launch-templates_parameters.md)