How to Create Ethscription: A Guide on Copying XXXX

While the title mentions "Copying XXXX," it's important to understand that Ethscriptions aren't about directly copying existing digital assets in a way that infringes on copyright. Instead, they offer a novel method for inscribing data, currently images, directly onto the Ethereum blockchain. This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own Ethscription and explain what this innovative technology entails.

What Are Ethscriptions?

Ethscriptions represent a fascinating development in the Ethereum ecosystem, drawing inspiration from Bitcoin Ordinals. Coined as "NFTs without NFTs," they provide a way to permanently associate data, currently limited to images, with an Ethereum address without the need for traditional ERC-721 tokens. The creator of Ethscriptions posits that this method offers advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and decentralization compared to conventional NFTs.

At its core, creating an Ethscription involves converting an image (up to 96 kilobytes in size) into a specific text-based format known as a Base64-encoded data URI. This encoded image data is then embedded within the "Hex data" field of a 0 ETH transaction sent to a designated Ethereum address. This address then effectively "owns" the inscribed image.

Also Read: Is XXXX (Ethscription) Still Alive? No Price, No Activity

Ethscriptions vs. NFT

While both Ethscriptions and NFT allow for the ownership and transfer of digital assets, their underlying mechanisms differ significantly:

Data Storage

• Ethscriptions: Store the image data directly within the transaction calldata on the Ethereum blockchain.

• NFT: Typically store metadata (which points to the actual content) on-chain via smart contracts, while the content itself is often hosted off-chain on centralized or decentralized storage solutions.

Cost

• Ethscriptions: Generally cheaper to create and transfer as they primarily involve a 0 ETH transaction with some hex data. The main cost is the gas fee associated with the transaction itself.

• NFT: Involve deploying and interacting with smart contracts, which can incur higher gas fees for creation and transfer.

Decentralization

• Ethscriptions: Can be argued as more decentralized since the content is natively stored on the Ethereum blockchain itself, reducing reliance on third-party storage infrastructure.

• NFT: Often depend on external storage solutions like IPFS or centralized servers, introducing potential points of failure or censorship.

Data Type Support

• Ethscriptions: Currently limited to images, although future updates aim to support a wider range of file types.

• NFT: Can represent various forms of digital assets, including images, audio, video, and more, as defined by the smart contract and associated metadata.

Size Limit

• Ethscriptions: Currently have a size restriction of 96 kilobytes, limiting the complexity and detail of the inscribed data.

• NFT: Size limitations are generally imposed by the storage solutions used and can vary.

Platform Compatibility

• Ethscriptions: As a novel technology, they might not be immediately compatible with all existing NFT marketplaces and standards.

• NFT: Benefit from established standards (like ERC-721) and widespread support across various platforms.

How To Create Your Own Ethscription

Creating your own Ethscription is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed quickly:

Convert Your Image to Base64

Prepare an image that is 90KB or smaller. Use an online tool like base-64image.de or a similar service to convert your image into a Base64-encoded data URI. This will be a long string of characters.

Convert the Base64 URI to Hex

Take the Base64-encoded data URI you just generated and convert it into hexadecimal format using a tool like hexhero or another hex converter. This hex string will be used in your Ethereum transaction.

Send a 0 ETH Transaction with Hex Data

Using your Ethereum wallet (e.g., MetaMask), initiate a transaction to the Ethereum address where you want the Ethscription to reside. Set the transaction value to 0 ETH. In the transaction details, look for a field labeled "Hex data" or "Input data." Paste the hexadecimal string you generated in the previous step into this field.

Alternatively, Use a Direct Creation Website

Some platforms are emerging that simplify the Ethscription creation process by allowing you to connect your wallet and upload your image directly to their interface. These platforms handle the Base64 encoding and hex conversion behind the scenes.

Once the 0 ETH transaction is confirmed on the Ethereum blockchain, the recipient address will own the Ethscription – the inscribed image data is now permanently associated with that address.

Also Read: XXXXXX vs XXXX: Viral Song or Real Crypto?

Conclusion

The process of creating an Ethscription as described here is about inscribing your own unique image data onto the blockchain. "Copying XXXX" in the context of the initial prompt should not be interpreted as a method for violating copyright. Always ensure you have the necessary rights to the images you are Ethscribing.

Ethscriptions represent an exciting new frontier in how data can be owned and transferred on the Ethereum blockchain. By understanding the process and the distinctions between Ethscriptions and traditional NFTs, you can explore this innovative technology and participate in its evolving ecosystem responsibly. Remember to always be mindful of the content you are inscribing and ensure you have the appropriate rights to it.

FAQ

What exactly is an Ethscription?

An Ethscription is a method of inscribing data, currently images, directly onto the Ethereum blockchain by embedding the data in the calldata of a 0 ETH transaction. It's considered an "NFT without an NFT" as it achieves on-chain data ownership without using traditional ERC-721 tokens.

How is an Ethscription different from a regular NFT?

Ethscriptions store the image data directly on-chain in transaction calldata, whereas NFTs typically store metadata on-chain that points to off-chain content. Ethscriptions are generally cheaper to create and transfer and can be argued as more decentralized in terms of content storage.

What types of files can be Ethscribed?

Currently, the Ethscriptions protocol primarily supports images. However, the creator has indicated plans to expand support for other file types in the future.