How to make a token in the Solana blockchain using a CLI

2 min readMar 22, 2024

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own token on Solana, step by step, leveraging the power of the Solana Command Line Interface (CLI) tools and Metaplex.

1. Install Solana CLI Tools

First, download the Solana Command Line Interface (CLI) tools with the necessary commands to interact with the Solana blockchain.

Click here: https://docs.solanalabs.com/cli/install

For windows you’ll have to run these commands:

cmd /c "curl https://release.solana.com/v1.18.4/solana-install-init-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc.exe --output C:\solana-install-tmp\solana-install-init.exe --create-dirs"

and

C:\solana-install-tmp\solana-install-init.exe v1.18.4

2. Generate a Wallet

Then, use solana-keygen new to create a new Solana wallet. Remember to fund this wallet with SOL tokens to cover transaction fees.

3. Create Your Token

Execute the token creation command with a specified program ID, typically the Token Program’s ID for standard tokens. Save the output token address.

spl-token create-token --program-id TokenzQdBNbLqP5VEhdkAS6EPFLC1PHnBqCXEpPxuEb

4. Set Up Your Project

Download this tool: https://github.com/webpov/solana_token_metadata and install dependencies with npm install. Prepare your project for token manipulation.

5. Configure Your Token

Create a .env file in your project with key details like your token address, coin name, symbol, and metadata URI.

KEYPAIR_FILE ="C:\Users\Equipo\.config\solana\id.json"
UMI_RPC_ENDPOINT ="https://api.mainnet-beta.solana.com"


TOKEN_ADDRESS ="8ETRMuisyt8fgtdVFKx2JWSSqtuQxQyCuWEBQJym86Nf"
METADATA_NAME="Test Token"
METADATA_SYMBOL="NEWCOIN"
METADATA_URI="https://coinrace.online/token/metadata.json"

6. Run the Setup Script

Execute thescript, with ts-node token22, to execute and finalize your token's setup, including minting and distribution configurations.

7. Mint Your Tokens

Create a token account with create-account, then mint tokens to this account using the mint command and the desired initial supply amount.

spl-token create-account <token_address>
spl-token mint <token_address> <amount>

You’ve now created your own cryptocurrency on Solana! Check your token profile page in any solana blockchain explorer to see the details. For further developments and to explore more functionalities, check our youtube tutorial series: https://youtube.com/@webpov