How To Mint an NFT: A Definitive Guide

How to Mint an NFT

Despite the growing popularity of non-fungible tokens, many individuals still find the minting process unclear. Understanding how to mint an NFT is essential for anyone looking to enter the digital art and collectibles space. There are two primary approaches you can take to mint an NFT:

• You can mint NFTs directly from the project's official website
• You can use an NFT marketplace platform

Each method has its own advantages and specific steps. Direct minting from a project's website is often preferred for exclusive collections or limited releases, while marketplace minting offers more flexibility and broader exposure. Let's explore both approaches in detail.

How to Mint NFT Directly on a Project's Website

Minting directly from a project's website is a common practice for new NFT collections, especially during initial launches or exclusive drops. This method often provides early access to collections and can sometimes offer lower fees compared to marketplace minting.

Step 1. Find an NFT Project

You can discover new NFT projects through various channels dedicated to the NFT community. Popular forums, social media platforms like Twitter and Discord, and specialized NFT tracking websites regularly feature upcoming projects. Research the project thoroughly before participating, checking the team's credibility, roadmap, and community engagement. Many successful projects build anticipation through social media campaigns and whitelist opportunities.

Step 2. Install an NFT Wallet

As with any crypto asset, you will need a cryptocurrency wallet to mint and trade NFTs. The wallet serves as your digital identity and storage for your NFTs. The most popular wallet for Ethereum-based NFTs is MetaMask, which has become the industry standard due to its user-friendly interface and broad compatibility.

MetaMask is a noncustodial wallet that you can easily download from the official MetaMask website and install as an extension on your browser. Being noncustodial means you maintain full control over your private keys and assets, which is crucial for security. The wallet supports multiple browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Brave.

Step 3. Create a MetaMask Account

If you haven't used MetaMask before, you will need to create a new crypto wallet. The process is fairly simple and straightforward, typically taking just a few minutes. During setup, you'll create a password for accessing the wallet and receive a seed phrase (also called a recovery phrase).

Make sure to write down (using pen and paper) the seed phrase, which will be needed to recover your wallet later. This 12-word phrase is the only way to restore access to your wallet if you forget your password or lose access to your device. Never share this phrase with anyone and store it securely offline. Consider making multiple copies and storing them in different secure locations.

Step 4. Fund Wallet with Crypto

An empty crypto wallet is worth nothing. That's why you will need to fund it with cryptocurrency before you can start minting NFTs. The amount you need depends on the project's minting price and the current network gas fees. After you've created your MetaMask wallet, you can send funds using the wallet address displayed at the top under the account name.

Since most projects operate on Ethereum, you will need ETH to mint the NFTs. You can send ETH funds to the wallet's address from major centralized exchanges or through peer-to-peer transfers. When transferring from an exchange, double-check that you're using the correct network (usually Ethereum mainnet) to avoid losing funds.

Make sure to check the price of minting an NFT before transferring funds to ensure that you will have enough for both the minting cost and gas fees. Gas fees can fluctuate significantly based on network congestion, so it's wise to have extra ETH available. You can monitor current gas prices using tools like Etherscan's Gas Tracker.

Step 5. Connect the Wallet to the Project's Website

After you've created and funded the Ethereum crypto wallet, you can connect your wallet to the project's website and start minting NFTs. This connection allows the website to interact with your wallet for transactions while keeping your private keys secure.

Click on Connect MetaMask, although the name of the button might be different from project to project (some use "Connect Wallet" or "Sign In"). It will ask you to reload the webpage and then enter the MetaMask wallet password to sign in. You may also need to approve the connection in a MetaMask popup window. Always verify you're on the legitimate project website before connecting your wallet to avoid phishing scams.

Step 6. Select How Many NFTs You Want to Mint

After choosing the number of NFTs to mint, simply click on the Mint button and confirm the transaction from your MetaMask wallet. Most projects set a maximum number of NFTs that can be minted per transaction or per wallet to ensure fair distribution. Review all transaction details carefully, including the total cost and gas fee, before confirming.

Once confirmed, the transaction will be processed on the blockchain, which typically takes a few minutes. You can track the transaction status using the transaction hash on Etherscan. After successful minting, your NFTs will appear in your wallet and can be viewed on NFT marketplaces.

Minting on an NFT Marketplace

One of the easiest ways to mint NFTs is to visit one of the popular NFT platforms and marketplaces and mint an NFT there. Marketplace minting offers several advantages, including immediate visibility to potential buyers, established infrastructure, and often more flexible options for creators. These platforms have streamlined the minting process, making it accessible even to those with limited technical knowledge.

How to Mint an NFT on OpenSea

OpenSea is one of the most popular marketplaces to mint, trade, and manage NFTs. As the largest NFT marketplace by volume, it offers extensive reach and visibility for creators. OpenSea supports multiple blockchains and provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the entire NFT creation and selling process.

Step 1. Connect Your Wallet to OpenSea

Go to the OpenSea marketplace and connect your wallet by clicking on the top right wallet icon. OpenSea supports many Ethereum wallets, including MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, WalletConnect, and others, giving users flexibility in their choice of wallet provider.

After you select the wallet, you will have to follow the steps and confirm the connection to the OpenSea marketplace. This typically involves approving the connection in your wallet's popup window and signing a message to verify ownership. The connection process is secure and doesn't require sharing your private keys.

Step 2. Create an NFT Collection

Since most successful NFTs are part of a collection, it is recommended that you create a collection instead of a standalone NFT. Collections help establish your brand identity and make it easier for collectors to discover and follow your work. Click on your account icon > My collections, and you will see your created collections.

Click on Create a Collection to start a new NFT collection on OpenSea. This will take you to a comprehensive setup page where you'll define your collection's identity and parameters.

On the Create a Collection page, you will have to add all the details about your NFT collection, including:

• Logo image (recommended size: 350 x 350 pixels)
• Featured image (for collection page display)
• Banner image (for collection header)
• Name (unique and memorable)
• URL (custom slug for your collection)
• Description (explain your collection's concept and value)
• Pick a category (Art, Collectibles, Photography, Sports, Trading Cards, Utility)
• Links (website, Discord, Instagram, Medium, Telegram for community building)
• Royalties percentage (maximum 10%, paid on secondary sales)
• Blockchain to mint the NFTs (Ethereum or Polygon)
• Payment tokens (ETH and WETH on Ethereum and ETH on Polygon)
• Display theme on OpenSea (customize how your collection appears)

After you specify all of these details, you can click on Create to create your NFT collection. Take time to carefully craft each element, as these details significantly impact how potential collectors perceive your work.

Step 3. Add Items to the NFT Collection on OpenSea

After you have created your collection, you can start adding items to your NFT collection on OpenSea. This is where you'll upload and configure individual NFTs within your collection. On the collection page, click on Add item to start adding items.

On the Create New Item page, you will need to specify all the details for your new NFT, including:

• Image, Video, Audio, or 3D Model (supported formats vary by type)
• Name (unique identifier for this specific NFT)
• External Link (optional link to additional content)
• Description (detailed information about this piece)
• Collection (select the collection you created)
• Properties, levels, stats (customizable traits for filtering)
• Unlockable content (exclusive content for the owner)
• Explicit content flag (if applicable)
• Supply (number of copies, usually 1 for unique NFTs)
• Blockchain (Ethereum or Polygon)
• Freeze metadata (permanently lock metadata on decentralized storage)

After you fill in all the details, you can click Create to create the NFT. While your NFT is created at this point, nobody will be able to find it on the explore page until you list it for sale. The creation process uses OpenSea's lazy minting technology, which means the NFT isn't actually written to the blockchain until the first purchase or transfer.

Step 4. Sell Your NFTs on OpenSea

To benefit from your digital art, you have to list your NFT for sale and find the right buyers for the collection. Listing options include fixed price sales, timed auctions, and declining price (Dutch) auctions. New artists will have to pay two fees on OpenSea when first listing. Firstly, you will need to initialize your account for selling NFTs, which is a one-time setup fee. Afterward, OpenSea requires access to your NFTs via a second transaction, also a one-time cost per collection.

These initialization fees only apply to Ethereum mainnet. If you choose Polygon, you can list items without paying gas fees. When setting your price, consider the current market conditions, similar works' prices, and your collection's rarity. You can also set up auctions with reserve prices to ensure minimum acceptable bids.

How to Mint an NFT on Rarible

Rarible is another major NFT marketplace that offers unique features, including its own governance token (RARI) and support for multiple blockchains. The platform emphasizes creator rights and community governance, making it popular among independent artists.

Step 1. Connect Your Wallet to Rarible

The first step is to go to Rarible and connect your wallet. Make sure to choose the correct wallet if you have multiple ones. The connection process is similar to other platforms, requiring approval through your wallet's interface.

If you're new to Rarible, make sure to add all the details to your profile, such as name, bio, and social media accounts, so that your community can easily find you on the platform. A complete profile builds trust and helps establish your identity as a creator. There is no gas fee for setting up your account on Rarible, making it accessible for beginners.

Step 2. Create an NFT

On Rarible, you can choose between over a dozen blockchains to create your NFTs, including Ethereum, Polygon, Tezos, and Flow. This multi-chain support gives creators flexibility in choosing the network that best fits their needs and budget. Click on Create to begin the minting process.

After you're all set, you can click on Create and choose between creating a single NFT or multiple NFTs (a collection). Select the one that best fits your needs, but remember that NFT collections tend to perform better over time as they build brand recognition and community.

On the Create multiple collectibles page, you will have to set all the details for your collection, such as:

• File (image, video, audio, or 3D model)
• Price (Fixed price or open for bids)
• Unlock content (exclusive content for buyers)
• Choose Collection (existing or new)
• Who pays for minting (you or the buyer - lazy minting option)
• Name (distinctive title)
• Description (comprehensive explanation)
• Royalties (Maximum is 50%, though 5-10% is standard)
• Number of copies (supply)

After you provide all these details, click on Create item to mint your NFT on Rarible. The platform offers both traditional minting and lazy minting options, allowing you to choose whether to pay gas fees upfront or defer them to the buyer.

Step 3. Mint the NFT on Rarible

After you click on Create item, Rarible will ask you to mint the NFT on the blockchain. There is a gas fee that you need to pay to successfully mint an NFT using the Rarible marketplace if you choose traditional minting. The fee varies based on network congestion and the blockchain you selected.

After you confirm the gas fee from your wallet, your NFT is minted, and you only need to approve it and put it on sale by confirming the transaction from your wallet. This approval grants Rarible permission to facilitate sales of your NFT on your behalf.

When you first mint and list an NFT on Rarible, you will have two fees: the minting fee and the fee to sign the collection, which is only charged once per collection. Subsequent NFTs in the same collection will only require the minting fee.

How to Mint an NFT on SuperRare

SuperRare is selective with its artists, and not everyone can mint NFTs on the marketplace. This exclusivity has helped SuperRare maintain a reputation for high-quality digital art and premium pricing. You need to be whitelisted before you can mint your NFT collection on SuperRare, which involves an application and review process.

Step 1. Connect Your Wallet to SuperRare

Go to SuperRare marketplace and connect your wallet. Click on Sign in > Select a wallet. SuperRare primarily supports Ethereum-based wallets, with MetaMask being the most common choice. The connection process follows standard security protocols to ensure your assets remain protected.

Step 2. Apply for an Artist Profile on SuperRare

After you have connected your wallet to SuperRare, scroll down to the bottom of the page and find the link to Submit for artist profile. This should take you to a comprehensive application form in which the artist should answer specific questions about their art, including:

• Link to their social media profiles (Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
• A 1-minute introductory video showcasing their work and artistic vision
• Link to a selection of their artworks (portfolio)
• The story behind their art pieces and creative process

The review process can take several weeks as SuperRare carefully evaluates each application to maintain the platform's quality standards. They look for original, high-quality work and artists with established portfolios or unique artistic voices.

Step 3. Create a New NFT Collection

After you have been granted artist rights on the platform, you can start minting NFTs using SuperRare. The platform's curation process ensures that only approved artists can mint, which helps maintain the marketplace's premium positioning. You need to provide details for each item you want to mint, such as:

• Upload image/video file (high resolution recommended)
• Artwork title (descriptive and unique)
• Original creator (artist attribution)
• Year created (for provenance)
• Description (detailed context and meaning)
• Tags (for discoverability)

After you provide all the details, you can click on the Issue token to mint your NFT on SuperRare. The platform emphasizes single-edition works, making each piece truly unique.

After your item is authenticated, you will have to pay the gas fee for minting the NFT. It is important to check the Ethereum gas price before proceeding. You can customize the gas fee and pay a lower fee if you are not in a rush to mint the NFT. However, this means it will take longer to mint the NFT on the blockchain, potentially several hours during periods of low network activity.

Confirm the transaction from your wallet once you are happy with all the details. SuperRare NFTs are minted on Ethereum mainnet, ensuring maximum security and permanence.

Which is the Best Platform for Minting NFTs?

OpenSea is generally more popular and, therefore, has a lot of visibility, making it ideal for creators who want maximum exposure to potential buyers. The platform's large user base and comprehensive features make it suitable for both beginners and experienced creators. Rarible is available on more blockchains and has its own token (RARI), which can be earned through platform activity and used for governance. This multi-chain approach offers flexibility and potentially lower fees. SuperRare also has its own token (RARE) but is more exclusive, focusing on premium single-edition artworks and established artists.

While the above list includes some important NFT marketplaces, these are only recommendations, and everyone who wants to mint NFTs should make their own decisions regarding which NFT marketplace is the best choice for them. Consider factors such as your target audience, artistic style, budget for gas fees, and desired level of curation. There is no right or wrong choice, as each platform serves different needs and communities.

Also, Ethereum-based marketplaces are the most popular, and most NFTs are minted on it due to the network's security, established ecosystem, and large collector base. However, there are many networks that support NFTs, including Polygon (lower fees), Solana (fast transactions), Tezos (eco-friendly), and others, each offering unique advantages.

What is NFT Minting?

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, are unique tokens that cannot be replaced by another, distinguishing them from fungible cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Each NFT has distinct properties and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. NFT minting is the process of creating a crypto collectible and recording it on the blockchain. It is impossible to delete, edit, or modify a digital item after it has been stored on a blockchain, ensuring permanence and authenticity.

Because there are various ways to mint an NFT, some have created standards for minting NFTs to ensure compatibility and interoperability. The most familiar standards on Ethereum are the ERC-1155 and the ERC-721. These standards make minting and rendering NFTs much simpler on marketplaces by providing consistent structure and functionality. ERC-721 is used for unique, non-fungible tokens, while ERC-1155 allows for both fungible and non-fungible tokens within the same contract.

The ERC-721 standard requires a JSON metadata schema that defines the NFT's properties. Some of the metadata that you will typically see in this standard are title, type, properties, URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) pointing to the asset, and a description, among other information. This metadata is often stored on decentralized storage systems like IPFS to ensure permanence.

Contrary to popular belief, NFTs are extremely simple to create and mint, especially with the tools and platforms available in recent years. Some of the most popular blockchains that support NFTs are:

• Ethereum (most established and widely used)
• BSC (BNB Chain) (lower fees, faster transactions)
• Flow by Dapper Labs (designed specifically for NFTs)
• Tron (low transaction costs)
• Tezos (energy-efficient proof-of-stake)
• Cosmos (interoperability focus)
• EOS (high throughput)
• WAX (gaming and collectibles focus)
• Polkadot (cross-chain functionality)

However, most NFT minting and trading has traditionally been done on the Ethereum blockchain, as it is the first choice for most digital art and digital content creators and artists. Ethereum's established infrastructure, large collector base, and proven security make it the gold standard, despite higher gas fees.

NFT minting is similar to how metal coins are minted and then put into circulation. Non-fungible tokens can also be "minted" once they have been created, which is the process of recording them on the blockchain. This transforms a file into a digital asset that can be traded or purchased with cryptocurrencies directly on a digital marketplace. The minting process creates a permanent, immutable record of the asset's creation and ownership history.

The creator of the NFT may program royalties into the NFT smart contract. This allows them to receive a commission whenever the work is sold or traded on the secondary markets. Royalty percentages typically range from 5% to 10%, providing ongoing income for creators as their work appreciates and changes hands. This feature represents a significant advantage over traditional art markets, where artists typically only profit from the initial sale.

Minting NFTs is Simple

As shown in our demonstration, minting NFTs is an easy and straightforward process in recent years. Due to NFT standards like the ERC-721 and ERC-1155, combined with user-friendly marketplaces like OpenSea and Rarible, the process has become standardized and made simple for the average user. Technical barriers have been significantly reduced, allowing creators to focus on their art rather than blockchain complexities.

If you decide to create your own collection, you are all the more informed to mint and sell NFTs to your heart's content. The key is to understand the different platforms, their fee structures, and which best aligns with your goals as a creator. Whether you choose the broad reach of OpenSea, the multi-chain flexibility of Rarible, or the exclusivity of SuperRare, the tools are available to bring your digital creations to the blockchain and connect with collectors worldwide.

FAQ

What is NFT minting (Minting), and how does it differ from purchasing existing NFTs?

NFT minting is creating a new NFT on the blockchain for the first time. Purchasing existing NFTs means buying already-circulating NFTs from other holders. Minting gives you original NFTs, while purchasing gets you previously-owned NFTs.

What steps and tools or platforms are needed to mint an NFT?

To mint an NFT, select a blockchain, create a digital wallet with cryptocurrency, choose an NFT platform compatible with your wallet, upload your digital asset, set NFT details, confirm the transaction, and list it for sale if desired.

How much does it cost to mint an NFT, and how are gas fees calculated?

NFT minting costs vary by blockchain. On Ethereum, gas fees depend on network demand and transaction complexity, calculated in gwei (ETH's fractional unit). Costs typically range from $1 to $500+. Formula: Total Fee = Gas Units × (Base Fee + Tip). Lower fees possible during off-peak hours.

Which blockchains can I mint NFTs on (Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, etc.)?

You can mint NFTs on multiple blockchains including Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Klaytn. Each offers different transaction costs and speeds for NFT creation.

Do you need programming knowledge to mint an NFT? Can complete beginners operate it?

No programming knowledge required. Beginners can easily mint NFTs using user-friendly platforms with simple interfaces. Most platforms guide you through straightforward steps to create and sell NFTs without any coding skills.

What do I need to prepare before minting an NFT, such as digital asset formats and wallets?

Prepare a crypto wallet to store private keys securely, a Web3 browser extension to interact with smart contracts, sufficient cryptocurrency funds for minting costs and gas fees, and ensure your digital asset is in a supported format like PNG, JPG, or GIF.

How to sell or trade NFTs after minting?

After minting, list your NFT on marketplaces by connecting your wallet and setting a price. Choose between fixed-price sales or auctions. Once sold, funds transfer directly to your crypto wallet. Monitor transaction volume and market trends to optimize selling timing and pricing strategy.

When minting an NFT, what legal and copyright issues must be observed?

Obtain proper authorization from the original creator before minting. Ensure copyright compliance to avoid infringement liability. NFT ownership grants property rights but may not transfer underlying copyright. Verify all necessary intellectual property permissions are secured from the rights holder.