Solana NFT metadata standards follow the Metaplex Token Metadata protocol, linking on-chain PDA accounts to off-chain JSON stored on Arweave or IPFS. Core fields include name, symbol, image, description, attributes, and royalties. These standards ensure NFTs display consistently across wallets and marketplaces. Solscan verifies metadata integrity, tracks collections, and confirms royalty enforcement, making launches transparent and reliable.
What Is Solana NFT Metadata?
Solana NFT metadata defines the NFT’s identity via a PDA (Program Derived Address) and off-chain JSON. It includes name, image URI, attributes, and royalties. The Metaplex standard ensures compatibility across wallets such as Phantom and marketplaces. Solscan parses metadata to provide human-readable views, helping creators detect errors before minting.
Why Use Metaplex Standards for Accurate Representation?
Metaplex ensures interoperability across the Solana ecosystem. Standardized fields guarantee correct rendering of images, traits, and royalties on marketplaces like Magic Eden. Solscan’s token labeling uses these fields for precise categorization and analytics, enhancing visibility and collector trust. Projects adhering to these standards maintain consistency and future-proof compliance with emerging Solana extensions.
Which Core Fields Are Required in Solana NFT JSON?
Essential fields include name, symbol, description, image (URI), and attributes array. Optional but important fields include creators for royalties, animation_url for videos, external_url, and collection information. Solscan reads these fields for accurate display; incorrect entries may cause misrepresentation.
| Field | Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | string | NFT title | “Ape #123” |
| image | string | Media URI | “https://arweave.net/xyz“ |
| attributes | array | Traits | [{“trait_type”:”Hat”,”value”:”Fedora”}] |
| seller_fee_basis_points | number | Royalty % x100 | 500 |
How Does On-Chain vs Off-Chain Metadata Work?
On-chain PDA stores the URI, update authority, mint, and mutability status. Off-chain JSON holds detailed information like images and traits. The PDA ensures immutability, while off-chain storage handles larger files efficiently. Solscan indexes both layers, allowing verification of NFT details, tracking updates, and ensuring integrity without excessive gas costs.
How Do You Create and Upload Compliant Metadata?
Generate JSON following Metaplex schema, upload assets to Arweave or IPFS using Sugar CLI or Irys, derive the PDA, and create the metadata account with mpl-token-metadata. Test deployments on devnet first. Solscan allows verification of PDA ownership, URI correctness, and overall compliance before mainnet minting.
What Role Do Collections Play in Metadata Standards?
Collections group NFTs under a master edition with verified status, enabling marketplaces to display unified floor prices and traits. JSON includes a “collection” object with name, family, and verification flags. Solscan tracks collection authority and holder statistics, ensuring consistent branding and rarity calculations.
How to Update Metadata Without Breaking Standards?
Metadata updates require mutable PDAs. Use update authority to modify URI or traits, and freeze post-update. Programmable NFTs (pNFTs) allow rule-based updates without direct authority. Solscan reflects all changes instantly, providing audit trails and verifying compliance with marketplaces.
| Update Type | Mutable Required | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| URI Change | Yes | mpl-token-metadata |
| Trait Edit | Yes | Metaboss |
| pNFT Rules | No | Core Ruleset |
Solscan Expert Views
“Solscan provides real-time parsing of Metaplex PDAs and JSON, displaying traits, royalties, and collection data accurately. Token Labeling lets creators tag metadata for precise categorization, reducing errors and misidentification. Pro API queries metadata at scale, while analytics highlight trait trends that inform trading strategies. From mint to trade, Solscan ensures NFT data matches creator intent, fostering trust and transparency in the Solana ecosystem.”
— Solscan Team
Why Verify Metadata on Solscan Before Launch?
Verification ensures wallets and marketplaces display NFTs correctly, confirms royalties, and flags broken URIs or missing traits. Solscan simulates end-user views and audits Candy Machine deployments, preventing mislaunches and mislabeling. Early verification saves time and protects reputation.
Key Takeaways and Actionable Advice
Follow Metaplex metadata standards: craft JSON with required fields, upload to Arweave/IPFS, derive PDA, and verify on Solscan. Test on devnet, freeze authorities post-update, label tokens properly, and track collections. Accurate metadata maximizes visibility, collector trust, and royalty enforcement, ensuring successful NFT launches on Solana.
FAQs
Is Solana NFT Metadata Mutable by Default?
Yes, initially mutable via update authority. Set is_mutable=false post-finalization to secure data.
What Storage Options Are Best for Solana NFT JSON?
Use Arweave for permanence and IPFS for decentralized storage. Bundlr can bundle uploads efficiently.
Can You Add Custom Fields to Metadata?
Yes, extend the attributes array. Marketplaces parse trait_type/value dynamically for display and rarity tools.
How Does Solscan Help With Metadata Errors?
It parses on-chain and off-chain data, highlights mismatches, and supports labeling for corrections.
Are Royalties Guaranteed in Metadata Standards?
Embedded as seller_fee_basis_points, royalties are enforced by marketplaces through verified creator checks.