NFT artwork and metadata, explained.
Understand collection covers, individual NFT images and where your metadata lives.
Before you start
- Keep the original artwork and a copy of your metadata files.
- Choose whether RockTheCoin or your own public storage will host the files.
- Prepare a separate image and metadata document for each NFT that needs unique artwork.
Collection artwork or NFT artwork?
Collection artwork represents the whole collection, like an album cover. Individual NFT artwork belongs to one item, like Rock #1. For example, use your project logo as the collection cover, then upload a different character image for each NFT you mint. Creating a collection does not generate those images.
Prepare your image
Use PNG, JPG or WebP up to 2 MB. A square 1024 × 1024 image is a good starting point for wallet previews. Images must be no larger than 4096 × 4096 and 12 million pixels. RockTheCoin resizes hosted images to a maximum width of 1024 px. Upload only artwork you have permission to use.
What metadata contains
Metadata is a JSON document with an asset’s name, description, image reference and optional traits. A metadata URI points to that JSON document, rather than directly to an image. The artwork itself normally lives outside the blockchain.
Choose where it lives
By default, RockTheCoin hosts uploaded images and metadata. You can instead supply your own HTTPS, IPFS or Arweave JSON URI where the form offers it. Keep the JSON and image publicly accessible without a login. Availability depends on the hosting or storage provider; keep your original files.
Check before minting
Ethereum collection metadata URIs, item URIs and royalty settings are fixed in this version. Solana collection management follows the current Core update authority. Check the image, spelling, recipient and URI before approving. Wallets and marketplaces may take time to refresh their previews.
An NFT metadata example
This example JSON describes one item. The metadata URI points to this document; the image field points to the image file.
{
"name": "Rock #1",
"description": "The first item in Rock Club.",
"image": "https://example.org/rock-1.png",
"attributes": [
{
"trait_type": "Background",
"value": "Orange"
}
]
}Common problems
The metadata URI points to an image.
Use the URI of the JSON document. Its image field points to the artwork. A direct image URL does not replace the metadata document.
I changed a file, but the preview is unchanged.
Check the exact URI recorded for the NFT and whether its metadata can still be changed. Wallets and marketplaces may also cache earlier previews.
Ready for the next step?
Open the matching tool and review your settings before approving.