Account Generation
DISCLAIMER: Key Security
The only ways to get access to your account are via your secret seed or your account's JSON file in combination with a password. You must keep them both secure and private. If you share them with anyone they will have full access to your account, including all of your funds. This information is a target for hackers and others with bad intentions - see also How to Recognize Scams.
On this page, we recommend a variety of account generation methods that have various convenience and
security trade-offs. Please review this page carefully before making your account so that you
understand the risks of the account generation method you choose and how to properly mitigate them
in order to keep your funds safe.
Ways to Generate an Account
The most user-friendly way to create an Allfeat address is through the Allfeat Substrate UI. Remember to back up the seed phrase used to generate your account - the accounts are stored only in your browser, so purging the cache will wipe your accounts as well. You would then have to recreate them using the seed phrase given to you by the UI - this will also restore all your previously held balances.
A more convenient and recommended method of keeping the accounts stored on your computer is using the Talisman wallet extension. This extension remembers your accounts and allows you to clear your browser cache without fear. Still, don't forget to back up your seed phrase - if you lose access to this computer or the extension somehow crashes beyond repair, the phrase will come in handy.
Please note that as this keeps your accounts in the browser, it is not safe to keep significant holdings. By definition, a browser is a "hot wallet" and susceptible to a wide range of attacks, so keep your funds in cold storage when dealing with non-trivial amounts. For improved security, you can securely stash away the seed phrase for your accounts and remove all traces of the accounts from your computer after creating them.
Besides the extension and the default UI, Allfeat addresses can also be created with the Subkey tool. Subkey is intended for users comfortable using the command line and can seem intimidating but is quite approachable. Follow the instructions in the Subkey documentation. When used properly, Subkey is the most secure available method of creating an account.
There is also the very secure Parity Signer. This keeps your keys on an air-gapped mobile phone. However, it does require obtaining an old Android or iOS-compatible phone that you are comfortable using only for Parity Signer.
In the future, hardware wallet integration would be possible with Ledger.
See our Support Articles for more information about how to create an account using the tools below.
- Talisman Extension RECOMMENDED FOR MOST USERS
- Subkey ADVANCED and MOST SECURE
- Allfeat Substrate UI
- Parity Signer
Account Address Format
An account created for Allfeat can also be used on other chains build with Substrate (like Polkadot).
More specifically, the account of a chain that uses the *25519 account address format
(the latest list can be accessed on the
ss58 registry repository)
is cross-compatible with all the chains that use the similar format. To switch between the accounts
on different chains,
Subscan has a tool you can use to convert your
address between the different chain formats.
The address format differs from chain to chain, but that difference is only visual. The same private key can be used to sign transactions on behalf of the respective accounts on multiple chains. Using a single account on multiple chains is convenient, as you do not have to deal with multiple mnemonic phrases or private keys. But, if your account gets compromised on one chain, the attacker can gain full access to the accounts on all other chains. This also has implications for the account holder's privacy, as knowing the identity of an account on one chain can expose the account holder's identity on all the chains.
On Talisman, you can copy your address by clicking on the 'Copy Address' and by choosing the desired chain. E.g. selecting "Allfeat" will copy the address in the good format for the Allfeat network.
Backing Up Accounts
Depending on what software you are using to access your account, there are various ways to back up and restore your account. It is a good idea to back your information up and keep it in a secure place. Note that in order to recover an account, you should create your account according to the instructions here. In general, as long as you know how you created your account, and have the seed phrase (mnemonic phrase) or JSON file (and password) stored securely, you will be able to restore your account.
Talisman
Talisman Wallet Extension (simply referred to as Talisman) provides a reasonable balance of security and usability. It provides a separate local mechanism to generate your address and interact with Allfeat and other chains.
This method involves installing the Talisman Extension and using it as a "virtual vault," separate from your browser, to store your private keys. It also allows the signing of transactions and similar functionality.
It is still running on the same computer you use to connect to the internet with and thus is less secure than using Parity Signer or other air-gapped approaches.
Subkey
Subkey is recommended for technically advanced users who are comfortable with the command line and compiling Rust code. Subkey allows you to generate keys on any device that can compile the code. Subkey may also be useful for automated account generation using an air-gapped device. It is not recommended for general users.
Allfeat Substrate UI
If you use this method to create your account and clear your cookies in your browser, your account will be lost forever if you do not back it up. Make sure you store your seed phrase in a safe place, or download the account's JSON file if using the Talisman browser extension. Learn more about account backup and restoration here.
Using the Allfeat Substrate user interface without the plugin is not recommended. It is the least secure way of generating an account. It should only be used if all the other methods are not feasible in your situation.
Parity Signer
Parity Signer is a secure way of storing your AFT on an air-gapped device. It is highly recommended that you turn off Wi-Fi, cellular network, Bluetooth, NFC, and any other communications methods after installing it.
Ledger Hardware Wallet
Using a Ledger hardware wallet to create your address and keep your tokens in cold storage will be available soon !