Create a Solana token

Frequently asked

How do I create a Solana token without writing code?

Connect a wallet, pick a token program (classic SPL Token or Token-2022), set the decimals, and optionally enable Token-2022 extensions. SolKnife builds the mint-creation transaction; your wallet co-signs with a fresh browser-generated mint keypair, and the mint goes on-chain. No CLI, no Anchor, no Solana Playground. The whole flow is one form and one signed transaction.

Should I use SPL Token or Token-2022?

If you don't need any of the new features, classic SPL Token is fine and broadly compatible — most memecoins and older tokens use it. If you want a transfer fee, interest-bearing, mint close authority, or confidential transfer (amount privacy), pick Token-2022. Wallets and explorers render both; the decision comes down to which extensions you need.

What decimals should I pick?

9 is the Solana ecosystem norm and what SOL uses. 6 is common for memecoins and matches USDC. Lower decimals (0–4) suit point/credit tokens where fractional amounts don't make sense. Decimals are FIXED at creation and cannot be changed afterwards — pick deliberately.

What does it cost to create a token on Solana?

Three things: the mint account's rent deposit (about 0.0015 SOL, refundable if you close the mint later with a mint-close authority), the Solana network fee (a few thousand lamports), and a small flat SolKnife fee shown in the review screen before you sign. Token-2022 extensions add a bit more rent but stay sub-cent at typical SOL prices.

Can I add a logo and name during creation?

Not in this tool — creation only sets the on-chain structural fields (decimals, authorities, program). Name, symbol, and image are off-chain metadata you set with the metadata tool. SolKnife's create-mint flow shows next-step links right after a successful creation, including the metadata tool with the mint address pre-filled and a built-in Arweave uploader for the image and JSON.

Is the mint authority transferable?

Yes, while it's active you can transfer it to another wallet via the SPL Token / Token-2022 set-authority instruction. SolKnife's revoke-authority tool handles the case where you want to permanently revoke it (set to None), which is one-way and irreversible — typically done after you've minted the final supply.

What is the confidential transfer extension?

A Token-2022 protocol feature where transfer amounts are encrypted (ElGamal + ZK proofs) while sender and receiver pubkeys stay public on-chain. It's amount privacy, not anonymity, and it is not a mixer. SolKnife's create-mint enables it as a flag; no auditor key is set, so your wallet is the only config authority. It cannot be combined with a transfer fee.

Should I keep a freeze authority?

Default to no. An active freeze authority lets you freeze any holder's account so they cannot sell — token-safety checkers (including SolKnife's own rug-checker) flag it as a risk. Keep it only if you have a concrete need (regulated stablecoin, compliance hold). Revoke it as soon as you can if you initially kept it.

Can I combine Token-2022 extensions?

Most combinations work (transfer fee + interest-bearing, mint close authority + anything, etc.). The one combination that's blocked at the protocol level is transfer fee + confidential transfer — they're structurally incompatible. SolKnife's form prevents this combination automatically.

Does the new mint show up in my wallet immediately?

The mint exists on-chain after confirmation, but wallets and explorers won't show it by name until you attach metadata (with the metadata tool) — until then it appears as just the mint address. The next-steps panel after creation links straight to the metadata tool with the mint pre-filled.