How to make NFT and put it on the chain? Simple steps to teach you to issue your first digital collection

Creating and minting an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) can be an exciting way to showcase your digital art or collectibles on the blockchain. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create your first digital collection and put it on the chain. Let's dive in and explore how you can turn your creative ideas into unique, blockchain-verified assets.

Preparing Your Digital Artwork

Before you can mint an NFT, you need to have your digital artwork ready. This can be an image, video, or any other digital file that you want to turn into an NFT.

• Ensure your artwork is in a suitable format. Common formats include JPEG, PNG, GIF, and MP4 for videos.
• Optimize the file size to ensure it's not too large, as this can affect the minting process and gas fees.
• Consider the resolution of your artwork. Higher resolution files can be more appealing to potential buyers.

Choosing the Right Blockchain

There are several blockchains you can use to mint your NFT, each with its own advantages and ecosystem. Some popular choices include Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Flow.

• Ethereum is the most widely used blockchain for NFTs, supported by platforms like OpenSea and Rarible. It has a strong community and high liquidity, but gas fees can be high.
• Binance Smart Chain offers lower transaction fees and faster transaction times, making it an attractive option for many creators. Platforms like BakerySwap and Treasureland operate on this chain.
• Flow is known for its scalability and is used by projects like NBA Top Shot. It's designed to handle high-volume NFT transactions efficiently.

Selecting an NFT Marketplace

Once you've chosen your blockchain, you'll need to select an NFT marketplace where you can mint and list your digital collection. Some popular marketplaces include:

• OpenSea is one of the largest and most user-friendly NFT marketplaces, supporting Ethereum and other blockchains.
• Rarible offers a user-friendly interface and supports Ethereum. It also allows creators to set royalties on their NFTs.
• Mintable is another platform that supports multiple blockchains and offers a simple minting process.

Setting Up Your Wallet

To interact with the blockchain and mint your NFT, you'll need a cryptocurrency wallet that supports the blockchain you've chosen.

• For Ethereum, you can use wallets like MetaMask, which is available as a browser extension and mobile app.
• For Binance Smart Chain, wallets like Trust Wallet or MetaMask (with the BSC network added) are suitable.
• For Flow, you can use the Blocto wallet or the Flow wallet.

To set up your wallet:

• Download and install the wallet application.
• Create a new wallet or import an existing one.
• Secure your wallet by writing down and safely storing your recovery phrase.
• Fund your wallet with the necessary cryptocurrency (e.g., ETH for Ethereum, BNB for Binance Smart Chain).

Minting Your NFT

Now that you have your artwork ready, blockchain chosen, marketplace selected, and wallet set up, you can proceed to mint your NFT.

• Connect your wallet to the NFT marketplace. This is usually done by clicking a 'Connect Wallet' button and selecting your wallet from the list.
• Upload your artwork to the marketplace. Follow the platform's instructions to upload your file.
• Fill in the details for your NFT, such as the title, description, and any additional metadata you want to include.
• Set the price for your NFT. You can choose to sell it at a fixed price or through an auction.
• Review the transaction details, including any gas fees or platform fees.
• Confirm the transaction through your wallet. This will initiate the minting process, which may take a few moments to complete.

Once the transaction is confirmed, your NFT will be minted and available on the blockchain. You can now list it for sale on the marketplace.

Listing Your NFT for Sale

After minting your NFT, you'll want to list it for sale so others can purchase it.

• Navigate to your NFT on the marketplace and select the option to list it for sale.
• Choose the sale type, such as a fixed price or auction.
• Set the price and any other relevant details, such as the duration of the auction.
• Confirm the listing through your wallet. Once confirmed, your NFT will be live on the marketplace for others to see and purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I mint an NFT for free?

A: While some platforms offer free minting options, most require you to pay gas fees to mint an NFT on the blockchain. Platforms like Mintable and OpenSea may offer free minting under certain conditions, but you'll still need to pay gas fees when selling the NFT.

Q: How do I set royalties on my NFT?

A: Many NFT marketplaces allow you to set royalties, which means you'll receive a percentage of the sale price every time your NFT is resold. To set royalties, you'll typically do this during the minting process. For example, on Rarible, you can set a royalty percentage when you create your NFT.

Q: Can I mint an NFT on multiple blockchains?

A: Yes, some platforms support minting NFTs on multiple blockchains. For example, OpenSea allows you to mint NFTs on Ethereum, Polygon, and Klaytn. However, you'll need to ensure your wallet supports the respective blockchains and that you have the necessary cryptocurrency to cover fees.

Q: What happens if my NFT doesn't sell?

A: If your NFT doesn't sell, you can relist it at a different price or on a different marketplace. You can also choose to keep it in your wallet as a personal collection or gift it to someone else. Remember that the value of NFTs can fluctuate, so patience and strategic pricing can be key.