Introduction
Getting Started
This guide introduces the core concepts and workflow for launching a token with Genesis. You'll learn how to initialize a Genesis Account, understand the bucket system, and finalize your launch configuration.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Node.js 16+ installed
- A Solana wallet with SOL for transaction fees
- The Genesis SDK installed and configured (see JavaScript SDK)
The Genesis Launch Flow
Every Genesis token launch follows the same fundamental flow:
1. Initialize Genesis Account
└── Creates your token and master coordination account
2. Add Buckets
└── Configure how tokens are distributed (your launch type)
3. Finalize
└── Lock configuration and activate the launch
4. Active Period
└── Users participate based on your bucket configuration
5. Transition
└── Execute end behaviors (e.g., send funds to outflow buckets)
Step 1: Initialize a Genesis Account
The Genesis Account is the foundation of your token launch. Initialization creates:
- A new SPL token with metadata
- A master account that coordinates all distribution buckets
- The total token supply held in escrow
import {
findGenesisAccountV2Pda,
initializeV2,
} from '@metaplex-foundation/genesis';
import { generateSigner, publicKey } from '@metaplex-foundation/umi';
// Generate a new mint keypair for your token
const baseMint = generateSigner(umi);
// wSOL is the standard quote token
const WSOL_MINT = publicKey('So11111111111111111111111111111111111111112');
// Derive the Genesis Account PDA
const [genesisAccount] = findGenesisAccountV2Pda(umi, {
baseMint: baseMint.publicKey,
genesisIndex: 0, // Use 0 for your first campaign
});
// Initialize the Genesis Account
await initializeV2(umi, {
baseMint,
quoteMint: WSOL_MINT,
fundingMode: 0,
totalSupplyBaseToken: 1_000_000_000_000_000n, // 1 million tokens (9 decimals)
name: 'My Token',
symbol: 'MTK',
uri: 'https://example.com/metadata.json',
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);
console.log('Genesis Account created:', genesisAccount);
console.log('Token Mint:', baseMint.publicKey);
Understanding Token Supply
When specifying totalSupplyBaseToken, account for decimals. SPL tokens typically use 9 decimals:
const ONE_TOKEN = 1_000_000_000n; // 1 token
const ONE_MILLION = 1_000_000_000_000_000n; // 1,000,000 tokens
const ONE_BILLION = 1_000_000_000_000_000_000n; // 1,000,000,000 tokens
The totalSupplyBaseToken should equal the sum of all bucket allocations. Plan your token distribution across buckets before initialization.
Step 2: Add Buckets
Buckets are modular components that define how tokens flow during your launch. There are two categories:
Inflow Buckets
Collect quote tokens (SOL) from users:
| Bucket Type | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Launch Pool | Deposit window with proportional distribution |
| Priced Sale | Pre-deposit collection before token distribution |
Outflow Buckets
Receive tokens or quote tokens via end behaviors:
| Bucket Type | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Unlocked Bucket | Receives funds for team/treasury claims |
Choose Your Launch Type
Launch Pool - Users deposit during a window and receive tokens proportional to their share of total deposits.
Priced Sale - Collect commitments before trading begins, then distribute tokens based on custom criteria.
Step 3: Finalize
Once all buckets are configured, finalize the Genesis Account to lock the configuration:
import { finalizeV2 } from '@metaplex-foundation/genesis';
await finalizeV2(umi, {
baseMint: baseMint.publicKey,
}).sendAndConfirm(umi);
console.log('Genesis Account finalized!');
What Finalization Does
After finalization:
- No more buckets can be added
- Bucket configurations are locked
- The launch becomes active based on your time conditions
- Users can start participating
Finalization is irreversible. Double-check all bucket configurations, time conditions, and token allocations before finalizing.
Next Steps
Choose your launch type and follow the detailed guide:
- Launch Pool - Token distribution with deposit windows
- Priced Sale - Pre-deposit collection before trading
- Uniform Price Auction - Time-based auction with uniform clearing price
Each guide includes complete setup code, user operations, and configuration.