IPFS stands for InterPlanetary File System.
It is a distributed system for storing and retrieving content and is commonly used by blockchain applications for assets such as token images and metadata files.
Why use IPFS for tokens?
Traditional web hosting normally identifies a file by its location.
For example, a website can host an image at a particular server path.
IPFS uses content addressing. Files can be referenced by a Content Identifier, commonly called a CID.
The identifier is derived from the content itself.
Why is that useful?
Blockchain assets benefit from references that are not tied only to one conventional website path.
A token metadata file can reference an IPFS-hosted image, while the token's on-chain metadata can reference the metadata document.
This creates a useful connection between:
- The Solana token.
- Its metadata.
- Its image or logo.
Does IPFS mean a file is private?
No.
You should assume token images and metadata published for a public blockchain project may become publicly accessible.
Never upload passwords, private keys, seed phrases or confidential information as token metadata.
Can an IPFS file be changed?
A particular CID refers to particular content.
If the content changes, the resulting CID normally changes as well.
A token with mutable metadata may be updated to point to a different metadata URI or different IPFS content, depending on its configuration and authority.
IPFS and ForgeMyToken
ForgeMyToken uses IPFS-compatible storage for supported token logos and metadata.
The resulting content reference can then be used as part of the token creation or metadata workflow.
You should still review every image, description and project link before signing a blockchain transaction.