If you’ve spent time browsing NFT marketplaces, you’ve probably seen a mix of icons, abbreviations, and blockchain references that seem confusing at first. What do those little symbols next to an NFT mean? Why are some NFTs marked with certain chain logos, token identifiers, or numbers?
These symbols are more than just visual labels—they give important clues about how the NFT works, what platform it’s built on, and how you can interact with it. Knowing what they mean can help you navigate the space with more confidence, whether you’re a collector, creator, or just starting out. If you ever need quick access to these visual elements, tools like Symbol copy and paste make it easier to use them across platforms.
What This Article Covers
This guide explains the most common NFT symbols you’ll encounter on marketplaces and wallet platforms.
We’ll look at blockchain icons, token standards, rarity indicators, and metadata tags—breaking them down in plain language. By the end, you’ll be able to spot what’s behind those tiny symbols and what they tell you about the NFT you’re looking at.
Blockchain Logos and What They Represent
One of the first symbols you’ll notice on any NFT listing is the logo of the blockchain it’s built on. This matters because it tells you how the NFT functions and which wallet or marketplace you’ll need to interact with it.
Here are the most common blockchain icons:
Ethereum (ETH) – A diamond-shaped logo. Ethereum is the most widely used NFT blockchain. Most NFTs created here follow ERC-721 or ERC-1155 standards.
Polygon (MATIC) – A purple hexagon or chain link. Polygon is built on top of Ethereum and offers faster, lower-cost transactions.
Solana (SOL) – A layered, gradient “S” logo. Solana is popular for its speed and low gas fees. It powers marketplaces like Magic Eden and Solanart.
Tezos (XTZ) – A symbol that looks like a stylized “Tz.” Tezos is known for its eco-friendly approach and is used by platforms like Objkt and fxhash.
BNB Chain (BNB) – Often shown with a cube pattern or yellow diamond. NFTs on BNB Chain are compatible with Binance’s broader ecosystem.
Each blockchain has its own rules and network fees, so knowing the symbol tells you what tools and wallets you’ll need to use.
Token Standards and Contract Labels
Next to blockchain symbols, you’ll sometimes see codes like ERC-721 or ERC-1155. These refer to the smart contract standards that define how NFTs behave.
ERC-721 – The original NFT standard on Ethereum. It’s used for unique, single-edition tokens. Think of it like a one-of-one item.
ERC-1155 – A flexible standard that allows creators to mint both single and multiple-edition NFTs in the same contract. This is useful for gaming items, badges, or editions.
SPL – Solana’s equivalent token standard for NFTs. It doesn’t show up in the same way as ERC tokens but still plays a key role under the hood.
FA2 – Used on Tezos to manage both fungible and non-fungible tokens. NFTs on Tezos typically follow this format.
Seeing one of these standards tells you how the NFT was built and what kind of actions it supports—like resale, transfer, or batch minting.
Rarity Indicators and Trait Symbols
In many collections, especially large generative sets like profile pictures (PFPs), NFTs come with trait symbols that reflect rarity.
Stars or Diamonds – Often used to indicate ultra-rare items in a collection. The more stars, the rarer the NFT.
Colored Dots or Bars – Some marketplaces show rarity rank with color-coded markers or progress bars. These are based on how uncommon certain traits are.
Trait Count Symbols – Numbers next to icons may show how many traits a specific NFT has. For example, “5/10” might mean it has 5 out of 10 possible attributes.
Fire or Lightning Icons – These usually highlight trending or recently sold NFTs. They can signal hype or fast-moving activity but don’t always mean high value.
It’s helpful to remember that rarity doesn’t always equal value, but these symbols can help you spot unique items faster.
Verification and Creator Tags
NFTs often come with small checkmarks, shields, or badges to show they’re from verified creators or official collections.
Blue Checkmarks – Like on social platforms, this symbol usually means the collection is verified by the marketplace. It helps protect buyers from fakes.
Creator Icons – Some platforms show a small icon next to the artist’s name or wallet, helping identify the original minter or creator.
Royalties Info – You might also see a symbol that links to royalty settings. This can tell you how much of each resale goes back to the artist.
These symbols give you a clearer sense of who made the NFT and whether the collection is recognized by the platform you’re using.
Media and File Type Symbols
NFTs aren’t just images. They can include audio, video, 3D models, and more. Many marketplaces use symbols to show what kind of media the NFT holds.
Play Button – Indicates an audio or video NFT. Clicking the symbol usually lets you preview the content.
Image Icons – A basic image frame or landscape icon shows it’s a still picture, usually a JPEG or PNG.
Cube or 3D Icon – Used for 3D models or interactive NFTs. These can often be rotated or explored in a viewer.
Music Note – A quick signal that the NFT includes music, often used in musician drops or sound-based collectibles.
Understanding these symbols helps you know what to expect before clicking through to the NFT itself.
Metadata and Storage Symbols
Some platforms display icons that explain how an NFT’s metadata or file is stored.
Chain Link – Often used to show on-chain storage, meaning the data lives directly on the blockchain.
IPFS Symbol – A small cube or circle with nodes. This means the file is stored on the InterPlanetary File System, a decentralized way to hold digital files.
Cloud Icon – Signals off-chain storage, often tied to centralized servers. While common, this type of storage depends on external hosts.
Knowing where your NFT’s data lives affects its long-term reliability. On-chain and decentralized storage are often more secure.
Symbols Help You Read NFTs Faster
NFT symbols pack a lot of useful information into tiny icons. Once you learn what to look for, you can get a quick read on any NFT—where it lives, how it was made, and what kind of media or value it offers.
Whether you’re minting, collecting, or just curious, recognizing these symbols helps you move through the space with more confidence. And as NFT projects grow more creative and diverse, new symbols may appear—so staying aware helps you keep learning and making informed choices.
No Responses