How do I create an IAM policy using this generator?

Use this visual IAM policy generator by selecting the AWS service you want to configure (like S3, EC2, or Lambda), choose the specific actions (such as GetObject, PutObject, or ListBucket), specify the resource ARNs, and set the effect (Allow or Deny). The tool automatically generates the proper JSON policy format that you can copy directly into AWS Console or your Terraform configuration.

What is the principle of least privilege in IAM?

The principle of least privilege means granting only the minimum permissions necessary to perform a task. Instead of using wildcard (*) permissions, you should specify exact actions and resources. This IAM policy generator helps you follow best practices by allowing you to select specific actions rather than granting broad access.

Can I use the generated policy in Terraform?

Yes, the JSON policy generated by this tool is compatible with Terraform. You can use it with the aws_iam_policy resource or inline in aws_iam_role_policy. Simply copy the generated JSON and paste it into your Terraform configuration's policy attribute.

What is the difference between identity-based and resource-based policies?

Identity-based policies are attached to IAM users, groups, or roles and define what actions the identity can perform. Resource-based policies are attached directly to resources (like S3 buckets) and specify who can access that resource. This generator creates identity-based policies that you attach to IAM entities.

How do I specify resources in an IAM policy?

Resources in IAM policies are specified using Amazon Resource Names (ARNs). The format is: arn:aws:service:region:account-id:resource-type/resource-id. For example, an S3 bucket ARN looks like arn:aws:s3:::my-bucket/*. You can use wildcards (*) for flexibility, but be cautious as this grants broader access.

What are IAM policy conditions and when should I use them?

IAM policy conditions add extra constraints to when a policy applies. Common conditions include restricting access by IP address (aws:SourceIp), requiring MFA (aws:MultiFactorAuthPresent), or limiting access to specific time periods. Use conditions to implement fine-grained access control and enhance security.

Is this IAM policy generator free to use?

Yes, this IAM policy generator is completely free to use. It runs entirely in your browser, so your policy configurations never leave your device. There are no usage limits, no sign-up required, and you can generate as many policies as you need.

aws iam builder

IAM Policy Generator

Build AWS IAM policies visually. Select services, actions, and resources, then copy the generated JSON for use in AWS Console, Terraform, or CloudFormation. Create S3 bucket policies, Lambda execution roles, and custom access policies.

Policy Name

Statements

Statement 1

Effect

Service

Actions

Resource ARN

Generated Policy

{
  "Version": "2012-10-17",
  "Statement": [
    {
      "Sid": "s3Allow",
      "Effect": "Allow",
      "Action": [
        "s3:GetObject"
      ],
      "Resource": [
        "*"
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Usage

Copy the generated JSON and paste it into the AWS IAM console when creating a new policy, or use it with Terraform's aws_iam_policy resource.

How to Use the IAM Policy Generator

Select AWS Service

Choose from AWS services like S3, EC2, Lambda, DynamoDB, or any other service you need to configure permissions for.

Choose Actions

Select specific actions like GetObject, PutItem, or InvokeFunction. Follow least privilege by choosing only necessary actions.

Specify Resources

Enter the ARN of resources to grant access to. Use specific ARNs instead of wildcards for better security.

Copy JSON Policy

Copy the generated JSON policy and paste it into AWS Console, Terraform aws_iam_policy, or CloudFormation templates.

About AWS IAM Policies

AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies are JSON documents that define permissions for accessing AWS resources. They follow a specific structure with Version, Statement, Effect, Action, and Resource elements. This IAM policy generator simplifies the process of creating properly formatted policies by providing a visual interface instead of writing JSON manually.

Whether you need to create an S3 bucket policy for object access, a Lambda execution role for invoking other AWS services, or a custom policy for EC2 instance management, this tool generates the correct JSON format. The output is compatible with AWS Console, AWS CLI, Terraform, CloudFormation, and other infrastructure-as-code tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

An AWS IAM (Identity and Access Management) policy is a JSON document that defines permissions for AWS resources. It specifies what actions are allowed or denied on which resources and under what conditions. IAM policies are attached to users, groups, or roles to control access to AWS services.

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