How to Create NFT for Free with No Gas Fee

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The world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, and with digital ownership taking center stage, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) have emerged as a powerful tool for creators, artists, and innovators. Whether you're an aspiring digital artist or simply curious about blockchain technology, learning how to create NFT for free is easier than ever—without paying gas fees. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step, from setting up your crypto wallet to minting your first NFT on a zero-fee blockchain.

We’ll cover essential concepts like wallets, minting, and blockchains while focusing on practical, cost-free methods using platforms like Rarible and OpenSea with the Polygon blockchain. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to launch your own NFT with zero upfront costs.

Understanding NFTs: The Basics

What Is an NFT?

An NFT, or Non-Fungible Token, is a unique digital asset stored on a blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum—which are fungible and interchangeable—each NFT is one-of-a-kind. This uniqueness makes NFTs ideal for representing digital art, collectibles, music, videos, and more.

Once minted, an NFT becomes a permanent, tamper-proof record on the blockchain. While the actual media file (like a PNG or MP4) isn’t stored directly on-chain, the NFT contains a link to its location and metadata that verifies authenticity and ownership.

👉 Discover how easy it is to start your NFT journey today.

What Can Be Turned Into an NFT?

Almost any digital file can become an NFT:

For this tutorial, we'll use a simple image file (e.g., PNG), which is ideal for profile pictures or digital collectibles.

Setting Up Your Crypto Wallet

What Is a Crypto Wallet?

A crypto wallet doesn’t store your NFTs or coins directly. Instead, it holds private keys that prove your ownership of blockchain assets. Wallets also allow you to interact with decentralized applications (dApps), sign transactions, and connect to NFT marketplaces.

Think of it as your digital ID card for the blockchain world.

How to Create a MetaMask Wallet

MetaMask is the most widely used wallet for Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains like Polygon. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Visit the Chrome Web Store and click “Add to Chrome”.
  2. Click “Add Extension” when prompted.
  3. Open the extension and click “Get Started”.
  4. Select “Create a Wallet”.
  5. Set a strong password and agree to the terms.
  6. Write down your 12-word recovery phrase—never share it.
  7. Confirm the phrase and complete setup.

You now have a functional wallet ready for NFT creation.

What Does “Minting” an NFT Mean?

Minting is the process of converting your digital file into a blockchain-verified NFT. During minting, your file’s details—such as name, description, and URL—are recorded permanently on the blockchain.

Traditionally, minting on Ethereum incurs gas fees, which are transaction costs paid in ETH. These can range from a few dollars to over $100 depending on network congestion.

But here’s the good news: you can mint NFTs for free using two proven methods.

Can You Really Mint an NFT for Free?

Yes—there are two reliable ways to avoid gas fees:

  1. Lazy Minting: The buyer pays the gas fee when they purchase your NFT.
  2. Using Zero-Fee Blockchains: Platforms like Polygon (Matic) allow free minting and transactions.

Let’s explore both options in detail.

Method 1: Create NFT for Free Using Lazy Minting on Rarible

Rarible supports lazy minting, meaning your NFT isn’t recorded on the blockchain until someone buys it. The buyer covers the gas fee, so you pay nothing upfront.

Step-by-Step: Create an Account on Rarible

  1. Go to Rarible.com and click “Create” in the top-right corner.
  2. Choose MetaMask as your wallet.
  3. Unlock MetaMask with your password.
  4. Confirm the connection by selecting your account and clicking “Connect”.

How to Mint Your NFT

  1. Click “Create Single NFT”.
  2. Upload your media file (image, video, etc.).
  3. Fill in details: title, description, royalties (recommended: 5–10%).
  4. Scroll down and enable “Free Minting” (this activates lazy minting).
  5. Click “Create Item”.
  6. When prompted by MetaMask, sign the transaction twice to finalize.

Your NFT is now live! It will only be minted on-chain when purchased.

👉 Start creating your first free NFT in minutes—no experience needed.

Method 2: Create NFT for Free on Polygon Blockchain via OpenSea

Polygon (formerly Matic) is an Ethereum-compatible blockchain with near-zero transaction fees. Minting here is completely free.

Add Polygon Network to MetaMask

  1. Open MetaMask and click the network dropdown (top-left).
  2. Select “Add Network”.

  3. Enter these details:

  4. Click “Save”.

You’re now connected to the Polygon network.

Create an OpenSea Account

  1. Visit OpenSea.io.
  2. Click “Create” and select MetaMask.
  3. Ensure MetaMask is set to the Polygon network.
  4. Click “Next”, then “Sign” to confirm.

Mint Your Free Polygon NFT

  1. Click the upload box and add your file.
  2. Fill in name, description, properties, etc.
  3. Under Blockchain, select Polygon (not Ethereum).
  4. Click “Create”.

  5. To list it for sale:

    • Click “Sell”.
    • Set price (in ETH or stablecoins).
    • Choose duration (up to 6 months).
    • Click “Complete Listing”.
  6. Approve and sign two free transactions in MetaMask.

Your NFT is now listed—fully minted at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to create an NFT?

It can cost nothing if you use lazy minting or the Polygon blockchain. Traditional Ethereum minting ranges from $10–$100+ in gas fees.

Can I sell an NFT created on Polygon?

Yes! OpenSea supports Polygon-based NFTs, and buyers can purchase them using ETH or other supported currencies.

Do I retain copyright when I sell my NFT?

Unless stated otherwise in the smart contract, you typically retain copyright. The buyer owns the tokenized version, not the intellectual property.

Can someone copy my NFT image?

Yes—anyone can screenshot or download your artwork—but they won’t own the verified token on the blockchain. Ownership is what gives value.

What’s the difference between lazy minting and regular minting?

Lazy minting delays blockchain recording until purchase (buyer pays gas), while regular minting records it immediately (creator pays gas).

Is creating free NFTs safe?

Yes, as long as you use official platforms like OpenSea or Rarible and never share your recovery phrase.

Final Thoughts: Start Your NFT Journey Today

Creating an NFT doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With tools like MetaMask, marketplaces like OpenSea and Rarible, and blockchains like Polygon, anyone can launch their first NFT at no cost.

Whether you're an artist exploring new revenue streams or a tech enthusiast diving into Web3, now is the perfect time to get started.

👉 Take the next step—turn your creativity into digital ownership today.