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SPL Token Metadata: Complete Guide to Token Information

Token metadata is essential information about your Solana token that appears in wallets, block explorers, and exchanges. Understanding how SPL token metadata works helps you create professional, recognisable tokens that users can easily identify and trust. Visit our homepage for more token creation resources.

What is Token Metadata?

Token metadata includes information like the token's name, symbol, description, logo image, and other details that help users identify and understand your token. This metadata is stored off-chain (typically on IPFS or a web server) and referenced by a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) stored on-chain in your token's mint account.

Important: While the token itself lives on the Solana blockchain, metadata is usually stored separately to save on-chain storage costs. The mint account stores only a URI pointing to where the full metadata can be found.

Metadata Structure and Fields

SPL token metadata follows a standard JSON structure. Here are the key fields:

name: The full name of your token (e.g., "My Awesome Token"). This appears in wallets and block explorers.
symbol: A short abbreviation (e.g., "MAT"). Typically 3-5 uppercase characters used in trading pairs.
description: A detailed description of your token's purpose, utility, and use cases. This helps users understand what your token does.
image: URL to your token's logo image. Should be a square image (recommended 512x512px or larger) in PNG or SVG format.
decimals: The number of decimal places your token uses (typically 9 for Solana tokens). Learn more about decimals and supply.
extensions: Optional additional metadata fields for specific use cases or token extensions.

Metadata URI Storage Options

IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)

IPFS is a decentralised storage network that's popular for token metadata. Files stored on IPFS are content-addressed, meaning the address is based on the file's content, ensuring immutability. IPFS URIs typically look like: ipfs://QmXxxx...

Web Servers

You can host metadata on a traditional web server using HTTPS. This gives you more control and easier updates, but requires maintaining the server. Ensure your server is reliable and has good uptime, as wallets and explorers need to fetch this data.

Arweave

Arweave is a permanent storage blockchain. Metadata stored on Arweave is permanently archived and cannot be deleted, making it ideal for tokens where immutability is important.

Best Practices for Token Metadata

Use High-Quality Images

Use square logo images (512x512px minimum) in PNG or SVG format. Ensure your logo is clear and recognisable at small sizes.

Ensure Permanence

Use IPFS or Arweave for critical metadata to ensure it remains accessible even if your website changes.

Write Clear Descriptions

Provide detailed, accurate descriptions that explain your token's purpose, utility, and use cases.

Verify URI Accessibility

Test that your metadata URI is accessible and returns valid JSON before finalising token creation.

Updating Token Metadata

If you retain update authority when creating your token, you can modify metadata later. This allows you to:

Update the token name or symbol (if needed)
Change the logo image
Modify the description
Update the metadata URI

However, be cautious with updates. Frequent changes can confuse users and reduce trust. Learn more about token authorities and when to revoke update authority for maximum security.

Metadata and Token Standards

The SPL token standard defines how metadata should be structured. When using a professional Solana token creator, metadata is automatically formatted correctly. Understanding the SPL token standard helps you make informed decisions about your token's configuration.

Warning: Once you revoke update authority, you cannot change metadata. Ensure all information is correct and your metadata URI is permanent before revoking authority.

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