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What Is IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)?

Definition

IPFS is a decentralized file storage network where content is addressed by its hash — used in crypto for storing token images, metadata JSON files, and NFT assets permanently.

IPFS solves the "where do I host my token image?" problem. Instead of uploading to a centralized server (which could go down), IPFS stores files across a decentralized network of nodes. Files are addressed by their content hash — if the file content changes, the hash changes, ensuring immutability.

  • Token images — your token's logo is uploaded to IPFS. The URI is stored in Metaplex metadata.
  • Metadata JSON — a JSON file containing name, symbol, description, and image URI is stored on IPFS.
  • NFT assets — images, videos, and attributes for NFT collections.
  • Pinata — the most popular IPFS pinning service. CoinDevTools uses Pinata for token image uploads.
  • Arweave — permanent storage (pay once, stored forever). Used by some NFT projects.
  • Infura IPFS — another pinning service with API access.
  • nft.storage — free IPFS pinning for NFT-related content.

When you create a token on CoinDevTools (Solana), your image is automatically uploaded to IPFS via Pinata. The resulting IPFS URI is stored in the Metaplex metadata JSON, which is then stored on-chain. This means your token's image is decentralized and persistent.

Related Guides

How to Create a TokenHow to Add LiquidityHow to Burn Tokens

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Related Terms

Metaplex Token Metadata
Metaplex Token Metadata is a Solana program that stores human-readable information (name, symbol, image, description) for SPL tokens.
Token Metadata
Token metadata is the human-readable information attached to a token — name, symbol, description, image, and attributes that wallets and block explorers display.
SPL Token
An SPL token is the standard fungible token format on the Solana blockchain, equivalent to ERC-20 on Ethereum.
NFT (Non-Fungible Token)
An NFT is a unique, one-of-a-kind digital token on a blockchain that represents ownership of a specific asset — unlike fungible tokens (SPL, ERC-20) where every unit is identical.