# IPFS Manager

The [**IPFS Manager Tool**](https://tools.kabila.app/en/ipfs-manager) is used for creating and uploading NFT Metadata to IPFS, as well as for viewing Metadata CIDs information from IPFS.

### Read Carefully

Most L1 and L2 blockchains are not designed to store media files.

However, all NFTs need a place to store their metadata.

One of the most common providers is **NFT.Storage**, an open NFT storage platform that uses the **IPFS** (InterPlanetary File System) to manage decentralized data storage.

A key concept to manage NFTs Metadata are **CIDs (Content Identifiers)**. They are like tradicional URL Links, only that in this case they do not point to a Web address but to content stored to IPFS, like NFT Metadata.

**Think of the CID as the container where all the NFT information/metadata is permanently stored.**

So every time you mint an NFT into a Blockchain you'll need to introduce the CID link into its Metadata field, that will be used to retrieve all the NFT information in Wallets, Marketplaces or any other DApps loading the NFT.

In order to be able to use NFT.Storage you'll need to create a free account and get your API Key. That key will allow you to upload data (images, videos, PDFs, NFT Metadata, ...) into IPFS.

### How to get an NFT.Storage API Key

First go to [NFT.Storage](https://tools.kabila.app/en/test) and create an account with your email.

Then, go to the API Keys section in the main menu, click on the **New Key** button to generate a new API Key. This is the API Key that you will later have to copy and paste in Kabila Tools in order to create your NFTs.

<figure><img src="/files/GIU407z3y5PnTDcZLsUy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once you upload new NFT Metadata to IPFS from Kabila Tools using your API Key, you will be able to see the status of the images/files in the Files section.

Once they are 100% uploaded to IPFS, they should change from Queuing to Pinned status.

<figure><img src="/files/Lszi6LMcxFcQEiOyVlnn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Note that it may take from a few seconds to up to 48 hours.

Now, let's get started by [uploading your first NFT Metadata to IPFS](/products/tools/ipfs-manager/upload-1-file.md).


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