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Create a Token

Overview​

This guide explains how to create a new SPL (Solana Program Library) token directly on the Solana blockchain using Pinksale's integrated token creation feature, typically interacting via a Phantom wallet. Reading this will help you:

  • Understand the process for creating a Solana token through Pinksale.
  • Know the required fields: Name, Symbol, Decimals, Total Supply.
  • Learn about the crucial Solana-specific Authority settings (Mint, Freeze, Update) and their implications.
  • Follow the steps to configure and deploy your Solana token contract.

Steps to Create a Solana Token​

Follow these steps using your Phantom wallet (or another compatible Solana wallet) connected to Pinksale on your desktop:

  1. Navigate and Select Chain:

    • From the Pinksale homepage: https://pinksale.finance/ click on Token => Create Token.
    • Under Chain, select Solana.
    • Ensure your Solana wallet (e.g., Phantom) is connected.

  2. Enter Token Details: Fill in the required and optional fields on the token creation form:

    • Chain: Confirm Solana is selected.
    • Token Program: Select the standard TOKEN program. This guide focuses on creating a standard SPL token.
    • Name: The full name of your token (e.g., "PinkSale Token"). Token name cannot be blank. (Required)
    • Symbol: The ticker symbol for your token (e.g., "PINKS").
    • Decimals: The number of decimal places your token will have (e.g., 9).
    • Total Supply: The initial total number of tokens to be minted (e.g., 1000000).
    • Logo: (Optional) Provide the direct URL for your logo or Upload one. You can either manually input the logo URL or use AI to generate it. The URL must resolve to an image resource with a supported extension (png, jpg, jpeg, gif) and the size must be less than 2Mb.
    • Website: (Optional) Your project's official website URL (e.g., https://pinksale.finance).
    • Telegram: (Optional) Link to your project's Telegram group/channel (e.g., https://t.me/pinkecosystem).
    • X: (Optional) Link to your project's X (formerly Twitter) profile (e.g., https://twitter.com/pinkecosystem).
    • Discord: (Optional) Link to your project's Discord server (e.g., https://discord.gg/).
    • Description: (Optional) A brief description of your token or project.
    • Authority: (Optional) Choose whether to retain specific authorities for the token by checking the corresponding boxes.
      • Set Mint Authority: (Not Recommended) If checked, the specified address is required to sign a transaction that creates new tokens (mints). This allows the total supply to be increased later if this authority signs the minting transaction. If unchecked, the total supply is fixed after initial creation.
      • Set Freeze Authority: (Not Recommended) If checked, the specified address can "freeze" tokens inside a holder's wallet, preventing the owner of that wallet from transferring or selling the frozen tokens. This authority can be used to create non-transferable tokens (like soul-bound tokens). If unchecked, tokens are always transferable by their owners.
      • Set Update Authority: If checked, the specified address can update the token's metadata or potentially replace the underlying smart contract code (program) associated with the token, allowing for upgrades or changes to its logic.

    Create Token - Solana - Input Fields \(Showing standard TOKEN program focus\)

  3. Create and Confirm:

    • Review all the details and note the Creation Fee (e.g., 1 SOL, as shown in the image hint).
    • Click the Create Token button (it might be greyed out until all required fields are valid).
    • Your connected Solana wallet (e.g., Phantom) will pop up, asking you to confirm the transaction.
    • The prompt will show the estimated transaction fee (network fee + Pinksale creation fee).
    • Review the details, and if you agree, click Confirm in your Solana wallet to finalize the token creation process.

Q&A (FAQs)​

  • Q1: What are the "Authorities" (Mint, Freeze, Update) and why are they important on Solana?
    • A: Solana's token program (SPL Token) explicitly separates these control functions. The Mint Authority controls supply increase, the Freeze Authority controls transferability of tokens in user wallets, and the Update Authority controls the underlying program code. Assigning these authorities carefully (or disabling/burning them after creation) is crucial for token security and investor trust.
  • Q2: If I want a fixed supply token, what should I do with the Mint Authority?
    • A: You would typically assign the Mint Authority to your wallet initially. After the token is created and the total supply is minted, you would then execute another transaction (often via Solana CLI tools or specific platforms) to revoke or disable the mint authority permanently, ensuring no more tokens can ever be created.
  • Q3: Is it common to keep the Freeze Authority active?
    • A: Generally, for standard fungible tokens intended for trading, the Freeze Authority is disabled or revoked after creation. Keeping it active gives the authority holder immense power over user assets and is usually a major red flag for investors unless used for very specific, clearly communicated purposes (like soul-bound tokens).
  • Q4: What about the Update Authority?
    • A: Retaining the Update Authority allows for contract upgrades but also means the code isn't immutable, which can be a concern for trust. Many projects choose to revoke this authority after launch to demonstrate immutability, while others retain it for future improvements, clearly communicating this to their community.
  • Q5: What is the usual number of decimals for Solana tokens?
    • A: While the Pinksale interface shown requires >= 9, common practice on Solana is often 6 or 9 decimals. Ensure the value matches your project's needs and aligns with common Solana DEX standards.

Troubleshooting​

  • Q: The "Create" button is greyed out.
    • A: Ensure all required fields (Name, Symbol, Decimals, Total Supply, and all three Authority addresses) are filled correctly. Check that Decimals is >= 9 and Total Supply is positive. Ensure your Phantom wallet is connected and set to the Solana network.
  • Q: My "Create" transaction failed in Phantom wallet.
    • A: Ensure you have enough SOL in your wallet to cover the Solana network fees (which include rent for account creation). Network congestion can cause timeouts or failures; try again. Double-check that the Authority addresses you entered are valid Solana wallet addresses. Check the error message in your wallet or on a Solana block explorer (like Solscan.io or Explorer.solana.com) for more details.
  • Q: I assigned the wrong address for an Authority. Can I change it?
    • A: Whether an authority can be changed depends on the specific authority and how the token program is implemented. Generally, you can transfer an active authority to a new address if you control the current authority address. However, if you assigned it to an incorrect address you don't control, you likely cannot get it back. If you disabled an authority (like Mint or Freeze), it usually cannot be re-enabled. It's critical to get these addresses right during creation.