How to Create and Deploy an ERC-721 NFT

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Creating and deploying a non-fungible token (NFT) has become a foundational skill in the world of blockchain development. The ERC-721 standard powers most NFTs on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains, enabling unique digital ownership for art, collectibles, gaming assets, and more. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step—from understanding what NFTs are to minting your first token on the Sepolia testnet—using industry-standard tools like OpenZeppelin, Remix IDE, and IPFS.

Whether you're a developer exploring Web3 or an artist looking to tokenize your work, this tutorial delivers practical knowledge with clear, actionable steps.

Understanding Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

At its core, a non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique digital asset that cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis like traditional cryptocurrencies. Unlike ETH or DAI—where each unit is identical and interchangeable—each NFT carries distinct properties and metadata, making it one-of-a-kind.

Think of NFTs as digital certificates of ownership. They can represent:

This uniqueness is enforced at the smart contract level through standards such as ERC-721, which ensures consistency across platforms while allowing flexibility in implementation.

What Is ERC-721?

ERC-721 stands for "Ethereum Request for Comments," with 721 being the proposal number. It defines a standard interface for non-fungible tokens on EVM-compatible blockchains. Created to support use cases requiring individual token tracking—like collectibles or real-world asset tokenization—ERC-721 provides a set of mandatory functions and events that ensure interoperability.

By adhering to this standard, developers enable their NFTs to work seamlessly with wallets, marketplaces (like OpenSea), and other decentralized applications.

Core Functions of ERC-721

These are essential methods every ERC-721 contract must implement:

Key Events Emitted by ERC-721 Contracts

Smart contracts emit these events so external systems can react in real time:

These functions and events form the backbone of NFT functionality, enabling secure and transparent ownership tracking.

Common Use Cases for NFTs

NFTs go far beyond profile pictures and JPEGs. Their ability to prove authenticity and ownership unlocks innovative applications:

As adoption grows, new use cases continue to emerge across industries.

Prerequisites for Deployment

Before creating your NFT, gather the following:

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Step 1: Acquire Test ETH

To deploy on Ethereum’s Sepolia testnet, you’ll need testnet ETH. Head to the QuickNode Multi-Chain Faucet, connect your wallet or paste your address, and request funds. You’ll receive 0.05 ETH—enough for several deployments.

⚠️ Note: Some faucets require a small mainnet balance (e.g., 0.001 ETH) to prevent abuse.

Step 2: Store NFT Metadata Using IPFS

The visual and descriptive data of your NFT (image, name, description) should be stored off-chain in a decentralized system. IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is ideal because it’s censorship-resistant and content-addressed.

You have two options:

Option A: Standard Method – IPFS CLI

  1. Install IPFS CLI

  2. Initialize your node:

    ipfs init

  3. Start the daemon:

    ipfs daemon

  4. Add your image:

    ipfs add art.png

    Copy the returned hash (e.g., Qm...) and form the URL:
    https://ipfs.io/ipfs/Qm...

  5. Create a nft.json file:

    {
  "name": "NFT Art",
  "description": "This image shows the true nature of NFT.",
  "image": "https://ipfs.io/ipfs/Qm..."
}

  6. Upload the JSON:

    ipfs add nft.json

    Save the resulting IPFS URL—you’ll use it during minting.

Option B: QuickNode IPFS (Recommended)

For a smoother experience:

  1. Log into your QuickNode dashboard
  2. Navigate to IPFS > Files
  3. Drag and drop your image file
  4. Copy the generated IPFS URL
  5. Update your nft.json with this URL and upload it the same way

QuickNode handles pinning automatically, ensuring your files stay accessible.

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Step 3: Write and Deploy Your ERC-721 Smart Contract

We’ll use OpenZeppelin’s ERC-721 implementation via Remix IDE—a browser-based Solidity development environment.

Set Up in Remix

  1. Go to remix.ethereum.org
  2. Create a new file: MyToken.sol
  3. Paste the following code:
// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.20;

import "@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC721/ERC721.sol";
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC721/extensions/ERC721URIStorage.sol";
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/token/ERC721/extensions/ERC721Burnable.sol";
import "@openzeppelin/contracts/access/Ownable.sol";

contract MyToken is ERC721, ERC721URIStorage, ERC721Burnable, Ownable {
    constructor(address initialOwner)
        ERC721("MyToken", "MTK")
        Ownable(initialOwner)
    {}

    function safeMint(address to, uint256 tokenId, string memory uri)
        public
        onlyOwner
    {
        _safeMint(to, tokenId);
        _setTokenURI(tokenId, uri);
    }

    function tokenURI(uint256 tokenId)
        public
        view
        override(ERC721, ERC721URIStorage)
        returns (string memory)
    {
        return super.tokenURI(tokenId);
    }

    function supportsInterface(bytes4 interfaceId)
        public
        view
        override(ERC721, ERC721URIStorage)
        returns (bool)
    {
        return super.supportsInterface(interfaceId);
    }
}

Customize Your Token

Update "MyToken" and "MTK" with your desired name and symbol:

ERC721("YourNFTName", "SYMBOL")

Compile and Deploy

  1. Switch MetaMask to Sepolia testnet
  2. In Remix, go to Solidity Compiler > Compile MyToken.sol
  3. Go to Deploy & Run Transactions
  4. Select Injected Provider - MetaMask
  5. Enter your wallet address as initialOwner
  6. Click Deploy

Confirm the transaction in MetaMask.

Step 4: Mint Your NFT

Once deployed:

  1. Expand your contract under Deployed Contracts
  2. Find the safeMint function

  3. Fill in:

    • _to: Your wallet address
    • _tokenId: 1 (or any unique number)
    • _uri: The IPFS link to your nft.json
  4. Click transact, confirm in MetaMask

Wait a few moments, then verify ownership using:

Your NFT is now live on-chain!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I change the metadata after minting?

No—once an NFT's URI is set, it cannot be altered unless the contract includes an update function. Always double-check metadata before minting.

Q: Is ERC-721 different from ERC-1155?

Yes. ERC-721 issues one unique token per ID, while ERC-1155 supports both fungible and non-fungible tokens within the same contract—ideal for games with multiple item types.

Q: How do I view my NFT on OpenSea?

After minting, visit testnets.opensea.io, connect your wallet, and search for your collection. It may take several minutes to appear.

Q: What happens if I lose my private key?

You lose access to your wallet—and any NFTs inside it. Always back up recovery phrases securely.

Q: Can I mint multiple NFTs?

Yes! Just call safeMint again with a new tokenId and URI.

Q: Why use IPFS instead of regular hosting?

IPFS ensures decentralization and permanence. Traditional servers can go down; IPFS content remains available as long as it's pinned somewhere on the network.

Final Thoughts

You’ve successfully created and deployed an ERC-721 NFT using best practices in smart contract development. From leveraging OpenZeppelin’s battle-tested libraries to securing metadata with IPFS, you now possess the foundation needed to build robust Web3 applications.

Whether you're launching a digital art collection or developing a game economy, mastering NFT creation opens doors to innovation in decentralized ecosystems.

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Core Keywords: ERC-721, NFT creation, smart contract deployment, IPFS storage, OpenZeppelin, Remix IDE, blockchain development