Metaplex

Metaplex is a decentralized protocol paired with an open-source web framework that allows artists, brands, and creators to launch self-hosted NFT storefronts. Metaplex is a collection of tools, smart contracts, and more, designed to facilitate the launching of NFTs. While formerly focused on supporting the needs of the arts and entertainment industry, the company's plans extend to different use cases where an NFT may add value.

Metaplex has two major ongoing projects:

• Stores, a generalizable NFT selling standard
• Candy Machine, a Profile Picture (PFP) focused tool

Adam Jeffries, CEO of Metaplex Studios said:

“NFTs presents a very unique opportunity for the millions of artists, makers and creators around the world. For the first time, they will be empowered to take ownership of their content, how it’s distributed and how they’re compensated for it."

The Solana-powered protocol allows for the creation and minting of non-fungible tokens, auctions, and visualizing NFTs in a standard way across wallets and applications, comprised of two core components: an on-chain program and a self-hosted front-end web2 application. The protocol’s on-chain programming provides support for different sale types, automatic payouts to creators, and removal of additional fees to centralized authorities. The design of the Metaplex protocol also lets perpetual royalties to be hard-coded into NFTs, to allow creators get their cut of secondary sales.