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Building with Metaplex Core: Next-Gen NFTs

BUILDERZ

January 12, 2026

3 min read

In this guide

The decisions and working steps ahead.

3 min read

TL;DR

Prerequisites

Why Metaplex Core?

Building with Metaplex Core: The Next-Gen NFT Standard on Solana

Metaplex Core reduces NFT minting costs by 80% compared to the legacy Token Metadata standard. With a single-account architecture and built-in plugin system, Core represents the future of digital assets on Solana. This guide walks you through creating, managing, and extending NFTs with the new standard.

TL;DR

**Core uses a single account** per asset instead of 5+ accounts (80% cost reduction)
**Plugins replace metadata extensions** - royalties, freeze authority, and custom behaviors built-in
**Collections are first-class citizens** - native collection management without separate verification
**Lifecycle hooks** enable programmable behaviors on transfer, burn, and update
**Full backwards compatibility** - existing tools and marketplaces support Core assets

Prerequisites

Before building with Metaplex Core, ensure you have:

Node.js 18+ and npm/yarn installed
Basic TypeScript knowledge
A Solana wallet with devnet SOL
Understanding of Solana's account model

Package versions used in this guide:

`@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core`: 1.7.0
`@metaplex-foundation/umi`: 0.9.2
`@metaplex-foundation/umi-bundle-defaults`: 0.9.2
`@solana/web3.js`: 1.98.4

Why Metaplex Core?

The legacy Token Metadata standard served Solana well, but its multi-account architecture created friction:

| Aspect | Token Metadata | Metaplex Core |
|--------|---------------|---------------|
| Accounts per NFT | 5-7 | 1 |
| Mint Cost | ~0.02 SOL | ~0.004 SOL |
| Collection Verification | Separate TX | Built-in |
| Royalty Enforcement | Off-chain | On-chain plugins |
| Custom Behaviors | Not supported | Lifecycle hooks |

Core's single-account design stores everything - ownership, metadata, plugins - in one place.

Setting Up Your Environment

Install Dependencies

Code examplebash

npm install @metaplex-foundation/mpl-core \
  @metaplex-foundation/umi \
  @metaplex-foundation/umi-bundle-defaults \
  @metaplex-foundation/umi-uploader-irys \
  @solana/web3.js

Initialize Umi Client

Code exampletypescript

import { createUmi } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi-bundle-defaults';
import { mplCore } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';
import { irysUploader } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi-uploader-irys';
import {
  keypairIdentity,
  generateSigner,
  percentAmount
} from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';
import { base58 } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi/serializers';

// Initialize Umi with Core plugin
const umi = createUmi('https://api.devnet.solana.com')
  .use(mplCore())
  .use(irysUploader());

// Load your wallet keypair
// In production, use a secure key management solution
import { readFileSync } from 'fs';
const walletFile = JSON.parse(
  readFileSync('/path/to/keypair.json', 'utf-8')
);
const keypair = umi.eddsa.createKeypairFromSecretKey(
  new Uint8Array(walletFile)
);
umi.use(keypairIdentity(keypair));

console.log('Umi initialized with wallet:', umi.identity.publicKey);

Creating Your First Core Asset

Step 1: Upload Metadata to Arweave

Code exampletypescript

import { createGenericFile } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';

// Upload the image first
const imageFile = createGenericFile(
  readFileSync('./my-nft-image.png'),
  'my-nft-image.png',
  { contentType: 'image/png' }
);

const [imageUri] = await umi.uploader.upload([imageFile]);
console.log('Image uploaded:', imageUri);

// Create and upload metadata JSON
const metadata = {
  name: 'Builderz Genesis #1',
  symbol: 'BLDZ',
  description: 'The first NFT in the Builderz Genesis collection',
  image: imageUri,
  attributes: [
    { trait_type: 'Background', value: 'Cosmic Purple' },
    { trait_type: 'Rarity', value: 'Legendary' },
    { trait_type: 'Edition', value: '1 of 100' }
  ],
  properties: {
    files: [{ uri: imageUri, type: 'image/png' }],
    category: 'image'
  }
};

const metadataUri = await umi.uploader.uploadJson(metadata);
console.log('Metadata uploaded:', metadataUri);

Step 2: Create the Core Asset

Code exampletypescript

import { create, fetchAsset } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

// Generate a new keypair for the asset
const asset = generateSigner(umi);

// Create the Core asset
const tx = await create(umi, {
  asset,
  name: 'Builderz Genesis #1',
  uri: metadataUri,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

const signature = base58.deserialize(tx.signature)[0];
console.log('Asset created!');
console.log('Signature:', signature);
console.log('Asset address:', asset.publicKey);

// Fetch and verify the asset
const fetchedAsset = await fetchAsset(umi, asset.publicKey);
console.log('Asset details:', {
  name: fetchedAsset.name,
  uri: fetchedAsset.uri,
  owner: fetchedAsset.owner,
  updateAuthority: fetchedAsset.updateAuthority
});

Working with Collections

Collections in Core are native - no separate verification transactions needed.

Create a Collection

Code exampletypescript

import {
  createCollection,
  fetchCollection
} from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

const collection = generateSigner(umi);

// Upload collection metadata
const collectionMetadata = {
  name: 'Builderz Genesis Collection',
  symbol: 'BLDZ',
  description: 'The official Builderz Genesis NFT collection',
  image: imageUri,
  external_url: 'https://builderz.dev'
};

const collectionUri = await umi.uploader.uploadJson(collectionMetadata);

// Create the collection
const collectionTx = await createCollection(umi, {
  collection,
  name: 'Builderz Genesis Collection',
  uri: collectionUri,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Collection created:', collection.publicKey);

Mint Assets to a Collection

Code exampletypescript

import { create } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

const collectedAsset = generateSigner(umi);

const mintTx = await create(umi, {
  asset: collectedAsset,
  name: 'Builderz Genesis #2',
  uri: metadataUri,
  collection: collection.publicKey, // Reference the collection
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset minted to collection:', collectedAsset.publicKey);

Plugins: Extending Asset Functionality

Plugins are Core's superpower - they enable custom behaviors without external programs.

Built-in Plugin Types

| Plugin | Purpose |
|--------|---------|
| Royalties | Enforce creator royalties on transfers |
| FreezeDelegate | Allow delegated freezing of assets |
| TransferDelegate | Enable delegated transfers |
| BurnDelegate | Allow delegated burning |
| UpdateDelegate | Delegate metadata updates |
| Attributes | On-chain key-value storage |
| Edition | Print edition management |

Adding Royalty Plugin

Code exampletypescript

import {
  create,
  ruleSet,
  addPlugin
} from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

const assetWithRoyalties = generateSigner(umi);

// Create asset with royalties plugin
const tx = await create(umi, {
  asset: assetWithRoyalties,
  name: 'Royalty-Enabled Asset',
  uri: metadataUri,
  plugins: [
    {
      type: 'Royalties',
      basisPoints: 500, // 5% royalty
      creators: [
        {
          address: umi.identity.publicKey,
          percentage: 100
        }
      ],
      ruleSet: ruleSet('None'), // No additional rules
    }
  ]
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset with royalties created:', assetWithRoyalties.publicKey);

Adding Freeze Delegate Plugin

Code exampletypescript

import {
  addPlugin,
  freezeAsset,
  thawAsset
} from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

// Add freeze delegate plugin to existing asset
await addPlugin(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  plugin: {
    type: 'FreezeDelegate',
    frozen: false,
    authority: {
      type: 'Address',
      address: umi.identity.publicKey
    }
  }
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

// Freeze the asset
await freezeAsset(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  delegate: umi.identity
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset frozen');

// Thaw the asset later
await thawAsset(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  delegate: umi.identity
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset thawed');

On-Chain Attributes Plugin

Store game state, achievements, or any key-value data directly on-chain:

Code exampletypescript

import { addPlugin, updatePlugin } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

// Add attributes plugin
await addPlugin(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  plugin: {
    type: 'Attributes',
    attributeList: [
      { key: 'level', value: '1' },
      { key: 'experience', value: '0' },
      { key: 'lastPlayed', value: Date.now().toString() }
    ]
  }
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

// Update attributes (e.g., after gameplay)
await updatePlugin(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  plugin: {
    type: 'Attributes',
    attributeList: [
      { key: 'level', value: '5' },
      { key: 'experience', value: '2500' },
      { key: 'lastPlayed', value: Date.now().toString() }
    ]
  }
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

Transferring Core Assets

Code exampletypescript

import { transfer, fetchAsset } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';
import { publicKey } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';

const recipientAddress = publicKey('RECIPIENT_WALLET_ADDRESS');

// Transfer the asset
const transferTx = await transfer(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  newOwner: recipientAddress,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset transferred to:', recipientAddress);

// Verify the transfer
const updatedAsset = await fetchAsset(umi, asset.publicKey);
console.log('New owner:', updatedAsset.owner);

Burning Core Assets

Code exampletypescript

import { burn } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

// Burn the asset (only owner can burn)
const burnTx = await burn(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset burned successfully');

Advanced: Lifecycle Hooks

Lifecycle hooks allow external programs to execute logic on Core asset events.

Code exampletypescript

import { create, ExternalPluginAdapterSchema } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

const hookAsset = generateSigner(umi);

// Create asset with lifecycle hook
const tx = await create(umi, {
  asset: hookAsset,
  name: 'Hooked Asset',
  uri: metadataUri,
  plugins: [
    {
      type: 'LifecycleHook',
      hookedProgram: publicKey('YOUR_HOOK_PROGRAM_ID'),
      // Define which events trigger the hook
      schema: ExternalPluginAdapterSchema.Binary,
      // Pass data to your hook program
      data: new Uint8Array([1, 2, 3])
    }
  ]
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

Complete Example: Mint a Collection with Royalties

Code exampletypescript

import { createUmi } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi-bundle-defaults';
import { mplCore } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';
import { irysUploader } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi-uploader-irys';
import {
  keypairIdentity,
  generateSigner,
  percentAmount,
  publicKey
} from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';
import {
  create,
  createCollection,
  fetchAsset,
  fetchCollection,
  ruleSet
} from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';
import { base58 } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi/serializers';
import { readFileSync } from 'fs';

async function mintCollection() {
  // Initialize Umi
  const umi = createUmi('https://api.devnet.solana.com')
    .use(mplCore())
    .use(irysUploader());

  // Load wallet
  const walletFile = JSON.parse(
    readFileSync(process.env.WALLET_PATH!, 'utf-8')
  );
  const keypair = umi.eddsa.createKeypairFromSecretKey(
    new Uint8Array(walletFile)
  );
  umi.use(keypairIdentity(keypair));

  console.log('Wallet:', umi.identity.publicKey);

  // Step 1: Create Collection
  const collection = generateSigner(umi);

  const collectionMetadata = {
    name: 'Builderz Genesis',
    symbol: 'BLDZ',
    description: 'Premium Solana development NFT collection',
    image: 'https://arweave.net/your-collection-image',
    external_url: 'https://builderz.dev'
  };

  const collectionUri = await umi.uploader.uploadJson(collectionMetadata);

  await createCollection(umi, {
    collection,
    name: collectionMetadata.name,
    uri: collectionUri,
  }).sendAndConfirm(umi);

  console.log('Collection created:', collection.publicKey);

  // Step 2: Mint NFTs to collection with royalties
  const mintCount = 5;
  const assets: string[] = [];

  for (let i = 1; i <= mintCount; i++) {
    const asset = generateSigner(umi);

    const nftMetadata = {
      name: `Builderz Genesis #${i}`,
      symbol: 'BLDZ',
      description: `Genesis NFT #${i} from the Builderz collection`,
      image: 'https://arweave.net/your-nft-image',
      attributes: [
        { trait_type: 'Edition', value: i.toString() },
        { trait_type: 'Collection', value: 'Genesis' }
      ]
    };

    const nftUri = await umi.uploader.uploadJson(nftMetadata);

    await create(umi, {
      asset,
      name: nftMetadata.name,
      uri: nftUri,
      collection: collection.publicKey,
      plugins: [
        {
          type: 'Royalties',
          basisPoints: 500, // 5%
          creators: [
            {
              address: umi.identity.publicKey,
              percentage: 100
            }
          ],
          ruleSet: ruleSet('None')
        }
      ]
    }).sendAndConfirm(umi);

    assets.push(asset.publicKey);
    console.log(`Minted NFT #${i}:`, asset.publicKey);
  }

  // Step 3: Verify collection
  const fetchedCollection = await fetchCollection(umi, collection.publicKey);
  console.log('\nCollection Summary:');
  console.log('Name:', fetchedCollection.name);
  console.log('URI:', fetchedCollection.uri);
  console.log('Assets minted:', assets.length);

  return {
    collection: collection.publicKey,
    assets
  };
}

mintCollection()
  .then(result => console.log('\nMinting complete!', result))
  .catch(console.error);

Common Pitfalls

**Forgetting to fund your wallet** - Core operations require SOL for rent and transaction fees
**Using wrong network** - Ensure your RPC matches your intended network (devnet/mainnet)
**Plugin authority confusion** - Each plugin has its own authority; verify you're using the correct signer
**Collection authority** - Only the collection authority can add assets to a collection
**Immutable assets** - Once an asset has no update authority, it cannot be modified

Migration from Token Metadata

If you have existing Token Metadata NFTs, Metaplex provides migration tools:

Code exampletypescript

// Migration is handled by Metaplex infrastructure
// Contact Metaplex for large-scale migration support
// Individual assets can be burned and re-minted as Core

Next Steps and Resources

Continue Learning:

[Metaplex Core Documentation](https://developers.metaplex.com/core)
[Umi Framework Guide](https://developers.metaplex.com/umi)
[Core GitHub Repository](https://github.com/metaplex-foundation/mpl-core)

Build Something:

Create a generative art collection with Core
Implement a gaming item system with on-chain attributes
Build a marketplace integration with royalty enforcement

Get Support:

[Metaplex Discord](https://discord.gg/metaplex)
[Solana Stack Exchange](https://solana.stackexchange.com)

Ready to build your NFT project on Metaplex Core? Builderz has extensive experience with the new standard. Contact us to discuss your project.

Continue reading

Blockchain

View image

Blockchain

Building with Metaplex Core: Next-Gen NFTs

BUILDERZ

January 12, 2026

3 min read

In this guide

The decisions and working steps ahead.

3 min read

TL;DR

Prerequisites

Why Metaplex Core?

Building with Metaplex Core: The Next-Gen NFT Standard on Solana

TL;DR

**Core uses a single account** per asset instead of 5+ accounts (80% cost reduction)
**Plugins replace metadata extensions** - royalties, freeze authority, and custom behaviors built-in
**Collections are first-class citizens** - native collection management without separate verification
**Lifecycle hooks** enable programmable behaviors on transfer, burn, and update
**Full backwards compatibility** - existing tools and marketplaces support Core assets

Prerequisites

Before building with Metaplex Core, ensure you have:

Node.js 18+ and npm/yarn installed
Basic TypeScript knowledge
A Solana wallet with devnet SOL
Understanding of Solana's account model

Package versions used in this guide:

`@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core`: 1.7.0
`@metaplex-foundation/umi`: 0.9.2
`@metaplex-foundation/umi-bundle-defaults`: 0.9.2
`@solana/web3.js`: 1.98.4

Why Metaplex Core?

The legacy Token Metadata standard served Solana well, but its multi-account architecture created friction:

Core's single-account design stores everything - ownership, metadata, plugins - in one place.

Setting Up Your Environment

Install Dependencies

Code examplebash

npm install @metaplex-foundation/mpl-core \
  @metaplex-foundation/umi \
  @metaplex-foundation/umi-bundle-defaults \
  @metaplex-foundation/umi-uploader-irys \
  @solana/web3.js

Initialize Umi Client

Code exampletypescript

import { createUmi } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi-bundle-defaults';
import { mplCore } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';
import { irysUploader } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi-uploader-irys';
import {
  keypairIdentity,
  generateSigner,
  percentAmount
} from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';
import { base58 } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi/serializers';

// Initialize Umi with Core plugin
const umi = createUmi('https://api.devnet.solana.com')
  .use(mplCore())
  .use(irysUploader());

// Load your wallet keypair
// In production, use a secure key management solution
import { readFileSync } from 'fs';
const walletFile = JSON.parse(
  readFileSync('/path/to/keypair.json', 'utf-8')
);
const keypair = umi.eddsa.createKeypairFromSecretKey(
  new Uint8Array(walletFile)
);
umi.use(keypairIdentity(keypair));

console.log('Umi initialized with wallet:', umi.identity.publicKey);

Creating Your First Core Asset

Step 1: Upload Metadata to Arweave

Code exampletypescript

import { createGenericFile } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';

// Upload the image first
const imageFile = createGenericFile(
  readFileSync('./my-nft-image.png'),
  'my-nft-image.png',
  { contentType: 'image/png' }
);

const [imageUri] = await umi.uploader.upload([imageFile]);
console.log('Image uploaded:', imageUri);

// Create and upload metadata JSON
const metadata = {
  name: 'Builderz Genesis #1',
  symbol: 'BLDZ',
  description: 'The first NFT in the Builderz Genesis collection',
  image: imageUri,
  attributes: [
    { trait_type: 'Background', value: 'Cosmic Purple' },
    { trait_type: 'Rarity', value: 'Legendary' },
    { trait_type: 'Edition', value: '1 of 100' }
  ],
  properties: {
    files: [{ uri: imageUri, type: 'image/png' }],
    category: 'image'
  }
};

const metadataUri = await umi.uploader.uploadJson(metadata);
console.log('Metadata uploaded:', metadataUri);

Step 2: Create the Core Asset

Code exampletypescript

import { create, fetchAsset } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

// Generate a new keypair for the asset
const asset = generateSigner(umi);

// Create the Core asset
const tx = await create(umi, {
  asset,
  name: 'Builderz Genesis #1',
  uri: metadataUri,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

const signature = base58.deserialize(tx.signature)[0];
console.log('Asset created!');
console.log('Signature:', signature);
console.log('Asset address:', asset.publicKey);

// Fetch and verify the asset
const fetchedAsset = await fetchAsset(umi, asset.publicKey);
console.log('Asset details:', {
  name: fetchedAsset.name,
  uri: fetchedAsset.uri,
  owner: fetchedAsset.owner,
  updateAuthority: fetchedAsset.updateAuthority
});

Working with Collections

Collections in Core are native - no separate verification transactions needed.

Create a Collection

Code exampletypescript

import {
  createCollection,
  fetchCollection
} from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

const collection = generateSigner(umi);

// Upload collection metadata
const collectionMetadata = {
  name: 'Builderz Genesis Collection',
  symbol: 'BLDZ',
  description: 'The official Builderz Genesis NFT collection',
  image: imageUri,
  external_url: 'https://builderz.dev'
};

const collectionUri = await umi.uploader.uploadJson(collectionMetadata);

// Create the collection
const collectionTx = await createCollection(umi, {
  collection,
  name: 'Builderz Genesis Collection',
  uri: collectionUri,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Collection created:', collection.publicKey);

Mint Assets to a Collection

Code exampletypescript

import { create } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

const collectedAsset = generateSigner(umi);

const mintTx = await create(umi, {
  asset: collectedAsset,
  name: 'Builderz Genesis #2',
  uri: metadataUri,
  collection: collection.publicKey, // Reference the collection
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset minted to collection:', collectedAsset.publicKey);

Plugins: Extending Asset Functionality

Plugins are Core's superpower - they enable custom behaviors without external programs.

Built-in Plugin Types

Adding Royalty Plugin

Code exampletypescript

import {
  create,
  ruleSet,
  addPlugin
} from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

const assetWithRoyalties = generateSigner(umi);

// Create asset with royalties plugin
const tx = await create(umi, {
  asset: assetWithRoyalties,
  name: 'Royalty-Enabled Asset',
  uri: metadataUri,
  plugins: [
    {
      type: 'Royalties',
      basisPoints: 500, // 5% royalty
      creators: [
        {
          address: umi.identity.publicKey,
          percentage: 100
        }
      ],
      ruleSet: ruleSet('None'), // No additional rules
    }
  ]
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset with royalties created:', assetWithRoyalties.publicKey);

Adding Freeze Delegate Plugin

Code exampletypescript

import {
  addPlugin,
  freezeAsset,
  thawAsset
} from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

// Add freeze delegate plugin to existing asset
await addPlugin(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  plugin: {
    type: 'FreezeDelegate',
    frozen: false,
    authority: {
      type: 'Address',
      address: umi.identity.publicKey
    }
  }
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

// Freeze the asset
await freezeAsset(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  delegate: umi.identity
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset frozen');

// Thaw the asset later
await thawAsset(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  delegate: umi.identity
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset thawed');

On-Chain Attributes Plugin

Store game state, achievements, or any key-value data directly on-chain:

Code exampletypescript

import { addPlugin, updatePlugin } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

// Add attributes plugin
await addPlugin(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  plugin: {
    type: 'Attributes',
    attributeList: [
      { key: 'level', value: '1' },
      { key: 'experience', value: '0' },
      { key: 'lastPlayed', value: Date.now().toString() }
    ]
  }
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

// Update attributes (e.g., after gameplay)
await updatePlugin(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  plugin: {
    type: 'Attributes',
    attributeList: [
      { key: 'level', value: '5' },
      { key: 'experience', value: '2500' },
      { key: 'lastPlayed', value: Date.now().toString() }
    ]
  }
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

Transferring Core Assets

Code exampletypescript

import { transfer, fetchAsset } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';
import { publicKey } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';

const recipientAddress = publicKey('RECIPIENT_WALLET_ADDRESS');

// Transfer the asset
const transferTx = await transfer(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
  newOwner: recipientAddress,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset transferred to:', recipientAddress);

// Verify the transfer
const updatedAsset = await fetchAsset(umi, asset.publicKey);
console.log('New owner:', updatedAsset.owner);

Burning Core Assets

Code exampletypescript

import { burn } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

// Burn the asset (only owner can burn)
const burnTx = await burn(umi, {
  asset: asset.publicKey,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

console.log('Asset burned successfully');

Advanced: Lifecycle Hooks

Lifecycle hooks allow external programs to execute logic on Core asset events.

Code exampletypescript

import { create, ExternalPluginAdapterSchema } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';

const hookAsset = generateSigner(umi);

// Create asset with lifecycle hook
const tx = await create(umi, {
  asset: hookAsset,
  name: 'Hooked Asset',
  uri: metadataUri,
  plugins: [
    {
      type: 'LifecycleHook',
      hookedProgram: publicKey('YOUR_HOOK_PROGRAM_ID'),
      // Define which events trigger the hook
      schema: ExternalPluginAdapterSchema.Binary,
      // Pass data to your hook program
      data: new Uint8Array([1, 2, 3])
    }
  ]
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);

Complete Example: Mint a Collection with Royalties

Code exampletypescript

import { createUmi } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi-bundle-defaults';
import { mplCore } from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';
import { irysUploader } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi-uploader-irys';
import {
  keypairIdentity,
  generateSigner,
  percentAmount,
  publicKey
} from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';
import {
  create,
  createCollection,
  fetchAsset,
  fetchCollection,
  ruleSet
} from '@metaplex-foundation/mpl-core';
import { base58 } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi/serializers';
import { readFileSync } from 'fs';

async function mintCollection() {
  // Initialize Umi
  const umi = createUmi('https://api.devnet.solana.com')
    .use(mplCore())
    .use(irysUploader());

  // Load wallet
  const walletFile = JSON.parse(
    readFileSync(process.env.WALLET_PATH!, 'utf-8')
  );
  const keypair = umi.eddsa.createKeypairFromSecretKey(
    new Uint8Array(walletFile)
  );
  umi.use(keypairIdentity(keypair));

  console.log('Wallet:', umi.identity.publicKey);

  // Step 1: Create Collection
  const collection = generateSigner(umi);

  const collectionMetadata = {
    name: 'Builderz Genesis',
    symbol: 'BLDZ',
    description: 'Premium Solana development NFT collection',
    image: 'https://arweave.net/your-collection-image',
    external_url: 'https://builderz.dev'
  };

  const collectionUri = await umi.uploader.uploadJson(collectionMetadata);

  await createCollection(umi, {
    collection,
    name: collectionMetadata.name,
    uri: collectionUri,
  }).sendAndConfirm(umi);

  console.log('Collection created:', collection.publicKey);

  // Step 2: Mint NFTs to collection with royalties
  const mintCount = 5;
  const assets: string[] = [];

  for (let i = 1; i <= mintCount; i++) {
    const asset = generateSigner(umi);

    const nftMetadata = {
      name: `Builderz Genesis #${i}`,
      symbol: 'BLDZ',
      description: `Genesis NFT #${i} from the Builderz collection`,
      image: 'https://arweave.net/your-nft-image',
      attributes: [
        { trait_type: 'Edition', value: i.toString() },
        { trait_type: 'Collection', value: 'Genesis' }
      ]
    };

    const nftUri = await umi.uploader.uploadJson(nftMetadata);

    await create(umi, {
      asset,
      name: nftMetadata.name,
      uri: nftUri,
      collection: collection.publicKey,
      plugins: [
        {
          type: 'Royalties',
          basisPoints: 500, // 5%
          creators: [
            {
              address: umi.identity.publicKey,
              percentage: 100
            }
          ],
          ruleSet: ruleSet('None')
        }
      ]
    }).sendAndConfirm(umi);

    assets.push(asset.publicKey);
    console.log(`Minted NFT #${i}:`, asset.publicKey);
  }

  // Step 3: Verify collection
  const fetchedCollection = await fetchCollection(umi, collection.publicKey);
  console.log('\nCollection Summary:');
  console.log('Name:', fetchedCollection.name);
  console.log('URI:', fetchedCollection.uri);
  console.log('Assets minted:', assets.length);

  return {
    collection: collection.publicKey,
    assets
  };
}

mintCollection()
  .then(result => console.log('\nMinting complete!', result))
  .catch(console.error);

Common Pitfalls

**Forgetting to fund your wallet** - Core operations require SOL for rent and transaction fees
**Using wrong network** - Ensure your RPC matches your intended network (devnet/mainnet)
**Plugin authority confusion** - Each plugin has its own authority; verify you're using the correct signer
**Collection authority** - Only the collection authority can add assets to a collection
**Immutable assets** - Once an asset has no update authority, it cannot be modified

Migration from Token Metadata

If you have existing Token Metadata NFTs, Metaplex provides migration tools:

Code exampletypescript

// Migration is handled by Metaplex infrastructure
// Contact Metaplex for large-scale migration support
// Individual assets can be burned and re-minted as Core

Next Steps and Resources

Continue Learning:

[Metaplex Core Documentation](https://developers.metaplex.com/core)
[Umi Framework Guide](https://developers.metaplex.com/umi)
[Core GitHub Repository](https://github.com/metaplex-foundation/mpl-core)

Build Something:

Create a generative art collection with Core
Implement a gaming item system with on-chain attributes
Build a marketplace integration with royalty enforcement

Get Support:

[Metaplex Discord](https://discord.gg/metaplex)
[Solana Stack Exchange](https://solana.stackexchange.com)

Ready to build your NFT project on Metaplex Core? Builderz has extensive experience with the new standard. Contact us to discuss your project.

Continue reading

Blockchain

Solana RPC Guide: Reads, Subscriptions, and Production Setup

BUILDERZJul 21, 2026

Blockchain

SPL Token Guide: Mints, Accounts, ATAs, and Authorities

BUILDERZJul 21, 2026

Blockchain

Solana Transaction Guide: Instructions, Fees, and Confirmation

BUILDERZJul 21, 2026

Building with Metaplex Core: Next-Gen NFTs

In this guide

Building with Metaplex Core: The Next-Gen NFT Standard on Solana

TL;DR

Prerequisites

Why Metaplex Core?

Setting Up Your Environment

Install Dependencies

Initialize Umi Client

Creating Your First Core Asset

Step 1: Upload Metadata to Arweave

Step 2: Create the Core Asset

Working with Collections

Create a Collection

Mint Assets to a Collection

Plugins: Extending Asset Functionality

Built-in Plugin Types

Adding Royalty Plugin

Adding Freeze Delegate Plugin

On-Chain Attributes Plugin

Transferring Core Assets

Burning Core Assets

Advanced: Lifecycle Hooks

Complete Example: Mint a Collection with Royalties

Common Pitfalls

Migration from Token Metadata

Next Steps and Resources

Continue reading

Solana RPC Guide: Reads, Subscriptions, and Production Setup

SPL Token Guide: Mints, Accounts, ATAs, and Authorities

Solana Transaction Guide: Instructions, Fees, and Confirmation

Have a blocked Solana or AI system?

Building with Metaplex Core: Next-Gen NFTs

In this guide

Building with Metaplex Core: The Next-Gen NFT Standard on Solana

TL;DR

Prerequisites

Why Metaplex Core?

Setting Up Your Environment

Install Dependencies

Initialize Umi Client

Creating Your First Core Asset

Step 1: Upload Metadata to Arweave

Step 2: Create the Core Asset

Working with Collections

Create a Collection

Mint Assets to a Collection

Plugins: Extending Asset Functionality

Built-in Plugin Types

Adding Royalty Plugin

Adding Freeze Delegate Plugin

On-Chain Attributes Plugin

Transferring Core Assets

Burning Core Assets

Advanced: Lifecycle Hooks

Complete Example: Mint a Collection with Royalties

Common Pitfalls

Migration from Token Metadata

Next Steps and Resources

Continue reading

Solana RPC Guide: Reads, Subscriptions, and Production Setup

SPL Token Guide: Mints, Accounts, ATAs, and Authorities

Solana Transaction Guide: Instructions, Fees, and Confirmation

Have a blocked Solana or AI system?