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microsandbox cannot read Docker’s private local image store directly. If you build an image locally with docker build, export it with docker save and load it into microsandbox:
You can also save to a file first:
If the archive has no useful tag, or you want a different local alias, pass one:
msb load is the short top-level form of msb image load. msb load can also import OCI Image Layout archives produced by tools such as BuildKit, Skopeo, or ORAS. If the OCI layout does not include an org.opencontainers.image.ref.name annotation, pass --tag to name the imported image locally.

Local registry alternative

Use a local registry when you want registry-like push/pull behavior, or when multiple machines should pull the same locally built image.

Step 1: Start a local registry

Run a local OCI registry on port 5050:
Port 5000 is used by AirPlay on macOS. This guide uses port 5050 to avoid conflicts.

Step 2: Build, tag, and push your image

Build your Docker image and tag it for the local registry:
If you already have an existing image, re-tag it:
Push to the local registry:

Step 3: Pull with microsandbox

Since the local registry runs over plain HTTP, use the --insecure flag:

Step 4: Use it in microsandbox

For persistent configuration that applies to all CLI and SDK operations, add the registry to ~/.microsandbox/config.json instead. See Registry TLS.