Command
aws cloudfront create-invalidation --distribution-id DIST_ID --paths "/*"Explanation
Removes specified objects from CloudFront’s cache so that the next viewer request fetches the latest version from the origin.
Common Use Cases
- •Clearing outdated static assets after deployment
- •Ensuring new frontend builds are served immediately
Best Practices
- ✓Invalidate only changed files when possible
- ✓Automate invalidation after CI/CD deployments
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠Invalidating `/*` unnecessarily (can increase costs)
- ⚠Using wrong distribution ID
Troubleshooting
Problem: Invalidation not reflected
Solution: Wait a few minutes—invalidations are eventually consistent.
Problem: Access denied
Solution: Ensure `cloudfront:CreateInvalidation` IAM permission is granted.
Examples
Invalidate all objects in cache
aws cloudfront create-invalidation --distribution-id E123456 --paths "/*"Invalidate specific paths
aws cloudfront create-invalidation --distribution-id E123456 --paths "/index.html /app.js"