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Adding Custom Attributes and Metadata Properties

Updated over a week ago

Custom Attributes & Metadata Properties

Every NFT on Manifold includes metadata, the information that describes your token. Beyond the basics (name, description, media), Manifold lets you attach custom attributes that appear underneath your asset on marketplaces and block explorers. These aren't just decorative traits — they're a powerful way to embed structured data directly into your token, permanently on-chain.

What Are Custom Attributes?

Custom attributes (also called Properties) let you store additional data alongside your NFT. Think of them as structured fields you define, each with a name and a value. They appear as traits on OpenSea, Blur, and other marketplaces, and are readable by anyone inspecting your contract on Etherscan.

Attribute types include:

  1. Text: A simple name/value pair displayed as a trait. Great for:

    • Categorical data (e.g. Year / 2026, Medium / Oil on Canvas)

    • Edition details or series labels

    • External URLs (e.g. Full Size / https://...)

  2. Number A numeric trait value. Useful for ranking, scoring, or edition numbering. Marketplaces can use these for filtering and rarity calculations.

  3. Hidden Same as Text, but not displayed publicly as a trait on most marketplaces. The data lives in the metadata and is visible on Etherscan, perfect for:

    • Links to documentation or unlockable content

    • Easter eggs for collectors who dig into the contract

    • Internal reference data

Why Use Custom Attributes

  • Preserve extra context — store data that doesn't fit in the description

  • Link to full-resolution media — reference a high-quality file without bloating the primary upload

  • Add collectibility signals — traits drive rarity rankings and filtering on marketplaces

  • Embed hidden value — hidden properties let you reward curious collectors or attach private notes visible only on-chain

Linking Full-Resolution Media

If your primary media is a compressed or optimized version (recommended for fast loading), you can use a Text property to point collectors to the full-resolution original. Workflow:

  1. Upload your compressed/optimized file as the main asset

  2. Add a Text Property with a name like Full Size and set the value to the URL of your full-resolution file

This keeps your token lightweight while preserving access to the original asset.

Storing Media on Decentralized Networks

For permanent, censorship-resistant storage, consider uploading your full-size asset to Arweave or IPFS before adding it as a property value.

  1. Upload your file to ArDrive

  2. Copy the resulting ar:// or https://arweave.net/ URL

  3. Paste it as the value in your Text Property

This gives collectors a permanent, verifiable link to your original media. Directly embedded in the token's metadata.

Tip

  • Property names are visible on marketplaces - keep them clean and descriptive

  • Hidden properties are still public on-chain - don't use them for anything truly private

  • You can add multiple properties per token - mix types freely

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