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How to Get NFT Metadata

Posted on the 02 September 2022 by Nftnewspro
How to get NFT Metadata

A non-fungible token or an NFT represents a single specific digital asset that may come in various formats such as JPEG, GIF, MP4, etc. It is already known that these files are hosted off-chain and cannot be hosted directly on the Ethereum blockchain. NFTs are not typically divided into smaller parts and they represent the metadata related to actual or virtual things.

On the other hand, NFT metadata clarifies all the data related to an NFT and includes information from visual or auditory assets to all transactions of the NFT. Considering the huge volume of data available on a blockchain and knowing how keeping all these data could lower the functionality of a blockchain, it seems necessary to make use of metadata as a careful balance of utilizing a blockchain without burdening it with lots of data.

In the following, we provide a guide on NFT metadata and how it serves blockchain technology.

What is NFT metadata?

The name, description and any other significant details of an NFT are all recorded in metadata. In fact, metadata is data that provides information about other data related to an NFT. In addition, the images and other “primary” digital assets that give an NFT its value are directly linked to an NFT’s metadata.

The main question regarding NFT metadata is the exact location of NFTs that are stored off-chain. The other question can be about the supervision of the online storage of NFT metadata.

Therefore, since NFT marketplaces employ metadata to display non-fungible tokens to buyers and sellers, metadata is required to be in a format that marketplaces can comprehend. As a result, users should know the existing metadata standards to be able to augment them to meet their particular needs and make NFTs interoperable with as much of the ecosystem of marketplaces, wallets, etc.

Besides, users must be aware that NFTs emerged from the Ethereum ecosystem, and the ERC-721 proposal was the first official standard for interoperable NFTs so that they can be generally used. ERC-721 makes use of a standardized JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format to specify metadata. Since JSON is a lightweight format, it is known to be the most common format for NFT metadata and has no restrictions on the data’s structure.

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Where is NFT metadata stored?

NFT metadata is the essential component of NFTs that allows them to operate in marketplaces or games. Although it is stored in a blockchain according to its smart contract, NFTs can link to data outside their smart contract, which enables the network to refer to off-chain data. However, the main question rises about storing NFT metadata.

An NFT’s metadata is often saved in the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), which is a peer-to-peer system for preserving multimedia files, regardless of being created based on ERC-721 or ERC-1155 standards.

Where is NFT metadata stored

IPFS is a special kind of file system that does not function differently from most file systems. As an example, a content ID (CID) is generated for each file and saved on the IPFS network; then, it is dispersed among various independent storage providers.

To identify the most reliable file storage providers, powerful content addressing is needed. Users may take advantage of Filecoin to reach out for a reputation system and a means of communication with various storage providers.

In addition, IPFS also introduces NFT.Storage that is entirely free and devoted to storing NFTs. NFT investors can quickly secure their NFT’s long-term preservation by uploading the data related to it to IPFS and Filecoin using NFT.Storage.

Then, the metadata that is already stored on the IPFS network is returned to the smart contract as a new entry. As the next step, all the new data is pinned to the protocol. To make it easily traceable, the resultant URL is recorded in contract storage and it is directly linked to the ID of the relevant NFT.

Accordingly, the same URL resolves to a JSON object on the web, including a clear structure and set of properties. In the case the JSON object is integrated with the most well-known marketplaces, including OpenSea and Rarible, it sure needs specific fields like name, description and image to show the content properly.

How to view NFT metadata?

When an NFT project is created, a random number is generated and assigned to the NFT. This number and all other information of an NFT, such as meaning, name, present owner, creator, and transactional history, exist in its metadata. Therefore, viewing the NFT’s metadata allows monitoring and verification of the services with an NFT as well as its authentication, ownership and transaction history.

There are several NFT verification applications available if you choose to view an NFT’s information. A good device is Etherscan, the Ethereum blockchain explorer. Etherscan also allows users to enable transaction history, wallet addresses, metadata, smart contracts, and a variety of on-chain data. Users can find all their NFTs in their wallet addresses on NFT markets that use Etherscan to verify the transactions on the blockchain. Additionally, users can use BscScan to obtain NFT metadata on the BNB chain network

Besides, users may access the NFTs smart contract using the link supplied in the contract’s details section to extract the metadata. It allows quick inspection and confirmation of the metadata. All users need is the token ID. However, users can only get the user information and light details, not other private credentials unless the owner has turned them on for public usage.

Token URIs, or Uniform Resource Identifiers, include the locations of NFTs and can be used to download or read them. The user can click on the image value in the JSON metadata output, which links directly to the NFT, to go through the NFT and download files to their computers.

Is it possible to edit the metadata of an NFT?

To make changes to NFT metadata, you first need a better understanding of blockchain technology. Here is a quick guide.

To edit your NFT metadata, begin by altering the URI in the NFT’s source code. The next step varies according to the way it was produced, its intended usage and the marketplace you use. For instance, changing the NFT metadata of a game is not the same as changing that of artwork. Therefore, you need to seek advice from an expert to edit NFT metadata.

Though there are basic steps to update any NFT metadata:

  1. Go to Etherscan.io.
  2. Locate your NFT’s transaction.
  3. Select Contract from the menu.
  4. Click on Read Contract.
  5. Locate the token URI.
  6. In the given box, type your NFT token ID.

Now, the properties of your NFT are shown as a string of numbers and letters. Then, a window opens up and you are allowed to change your NFT’s metadata.

It is important to know how to code in order to make the modifications you want to your NFT’s information. We already stated that depending on the type of your NFT, you may need to take a few extra steps to alter its metadata.

Since the unique features of NFTs are parts of the NFT appeal, sometimes changing the metadata of an NFT could make more problems. In fact, when you update, you risk wiping the NFT’s rarity as well as its collectability. These may cause NFTs to develop defects. Therefore, be careful if you wish to update an NFT’s metadata.

What cannot be changed in metadata of an NFT?

There are a few things on an NFT that cannot be changed. The token ID and contact address, which are located where your NFT is stored on the blockchain, are the only aspects that cannot be changed.

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Consider the following while editing metadata of an NFT

It is already known that the impact of editing an NFT will depend on the specific situation and how the edit is made. For a better result with editing an NFT metadata consider the following:

  • NFT metadata edition can change its meaning or interpretation, which could have unintended consequences.
  • Editing an NFT may cause confusion or ambiguity since people might interpret the edited version differently.
  • If the edit does not follow a proper consultation or agreement from all relevant parties, there can be conflicts or disagreements.
  • Any changes made to an NFT should be documented and tracked in order to ensure transparency and accountability.

If you insist on editing the NFT you have already made, be sure that you know all the complications and issues that could result from this.

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