NFTs12 min read

Setting Up IPFS Metadata

Configure IPFS for decentralized, permanent NFT metadata storage that will outlast any centralized server.

What is IPFS?

IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a decentralized storage protocol. Unlike traditional URLs that point to a server location, IPFS uses content addressing - files are identified by their content hash (CID), ensuring the content never changes.

Permanent - content never changes

Decentralized - no single point of failure

Verifiable - hash proves content integrity

Standard - supported by all NFT marketplaces

IPFS Providers

Pinata

500 MB free

Easy UIAPI accessGatewayDedicated gateways

Visit Pinata →

NFT.Storage

Unlimited free

Free foreverFilecoin backedIPFS + FilecoinNFT optimized

Visit NFT.Storage →

Web3.Storage

5 GB free

Free tierW3UP protocolFilecoin dealsContent addressing

Visit Web3.Storage →

Infura

5 GB free

Enterprise readyHigh availabilityAPI accessAnalytics

Visit Infura →

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1

Choose an IPFS Provider

Select a pinning service to host your files permanently.

Pinata: Most popular, user-friendly, generous free tier
NFT.Storage: Free, backed by Protocol Labs
Infura: Enterprise-grade with API access
Web3.Storage: Free with Filecoin backing
Self-hosted: Run your own IPFS node

Step 2

Prepare Your Assets

Organize your images and media files for upload.

Name files sequentially: 1.png, 2.png, 3.png, etc.
Use consistent dimensions and formats
Optimize file sizes for faster loading
Include high-res and thumbnail versions if needed
Verify all files before upload

Step 3

Upload Images to IPFS

Upload your images folder and get the CID (Content Identifier).

Upload entire folder to maintain structure
Record the folder CID (starts with "Qm..." or "bafy...")
Verify images are accessible via IPFS gateway
Example URL: ipfs://QmXxx.../1.png
Pin files to ensure persistence

Step 4

Create Metadata JSON Files

Generate JSON metadata for each NFT following standards.

Create one JSON file per NFT (1.json, 2.json, etc.)
Include: name, description, image, attributes
Point image field to IPFS URL of the image
Follow OpenSea/marketplace metadata standards
Use consistent attribute trait types

Step 5

Upload Metadata to IPFS

Upload your metadata folder and get the base URI.

Upload metadata folder to IPFS
Record the metadata folder CID
This CID becomes your base URI for the collection
Format: ipfs://QmMetadataCID/
Verify metadata is correctly formatted

Metadata JSON Example

Standard NFT metadata format (OpenSea compatible)

{
  "name": "Cool NFT #1",
  "description": "This is a cool NFT from my collection.",
  "image": "ipfs://QmImageFolderCID/1.png",
  "attributes": [
    {
      "trait_type": "Background",
      "value": "Blue"
    },
    {
      "trait_type": "Rarity",
      "value": "Common"
    }
  ]
}

Pro Tips

Always pin your files with at least one pinning service for persistence
Use a dedicated IPFS gateway for faster loading (Pinata, Cloudflare)
Test your metadata on OpenSea testnet before mainnet launch
Keep local backups of all your files and metadata
Consider using Arweave for truly permanent storage alongside IPFS

Ready to Launch?

Once your metadata is on IPFS, create your NFT collection on ChainPortal.

What is IPFS?

Permanent - content never changes

Decentralized - no single point of failure

Verifiable - hash proves content integrity

Standard - supported by all NFT marketplaces

IPFS Providers

Pinata

500 MB free

Easy UIAPI accessGatewayDedicated gateways

Visit Pinata →

NFT.Storage

Unlimited free

Free foreverFilecoin backedIPFS + FilecoinNFT optimized

Visit NFT.Storage →

Web3.Storage

5 GB free

Free tierW3UP protocolFilecoin dealsContent addressing

Visit Web3.Storage →

Infura

5 GB free

Enterprise readyHigh availabilityAPI accessAnalytics

Visit Infura →

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1

Choose an IPFS Provider

Select a pinning service to host your files permanently.

Pinata: Most popular, user-friendly, generous free tier
NFT.Storage: Free, backed by Protocol Labs
Infura: Enterprise-grade with API access
Web3.Storage: Free with Filecoin backing
Self-hosted: Run your own IPFS node

Step 2

Prepare Your Assets

Organize your images and media files for upload.

Name files sequentially: 1.png, 2.png, 3.png, etc.
Use consistent dimensions and formats
Optimize file sizes for faster loading
Include high-res and thumbnail versions if needed
Verify all files before upload

Step 3

Upload Images to IPFS

Upload your images folder and get the CID (Content Identifier).

Upload entire folder to maintain structure
Record the folder CID (starts with "Qm..." or "bafy...")
Verify images are accessible via IPFS gateway
Example URL: ipfs://QmXxx.../1.png
Pin files to ensure persistence

Step 4

Create Metadata JSON Files

Generate JSON metadata for each NFT following standards.

Create one JSON file per NFT (1.json, 2.json, etc.)
Include: name, description, image, attributes
Point image field to IPFS URL of the image
Follow OpenSea/marketplace metadata standards
Use consistent attribute trait types

Step 5

Upload Metadata to IPFS

Upload your metadata folder and get the base URI.

Upload metadata folder to IPFS
Record the metadata folder CID
This CID becomes your base URI for the collection
Format: ipfs://QmMetadataCID/
Verify metadata is correctly formatted

{ "name": "Cool NFT #1", "description": "This is a cool NFT from my collection.", "image": "ipfs://QmImageFolderCID/1.png", "attributes": [ { "trait_type": "Background", "value": "Blue" }, { "trait_type": "Rarity", "value": "Common" } ] }

Pro Tips

Always pin your files with at least one pinning service for persistence

Use a dedicated IPFS gateway for faster loading (Pinata, Cloudflare)

Test your metadata on OpenSea testnet before mainnet launch

Keep local backups of all your files and metadata

Consider using Arweave for truly permanent storage alongside IPFS