Devnet is Solana's free test network: same programs, worthless SOL. Create the token there with the spl-token command line, check the supply, decimals, metadata, transfer fee and revokes, then repeat on mainnet with your real settings. Most no-code token creators work on mainnet only, so the CLI is the usual way to rehearse. A throwaway mainnet token is the other option: Solana's own costs are about 0.0045 SOL for Token-2022 and 0.0165 SOL for SPL.
1. Install the tools
sh -c "$(curl -sSfL https://release.anza.xyz/stable/install)"
solana config set --url devnet
solana-keygen new --outfile ~/devnet-wallet.json
solana config set --keypair ~/devnet-wallet.json
The installer adds both solana and spl-token. Use a fresh keypair for devnet, never your real wallet's recovery phrase.
2. Get devnet SOL
solana airdrop 1
solana balance
The built-in airdrop is often rate-limited. If it fails, use a faucet, see how to get free devnet SOL. 1 SOL is plenty for dozens of test tokens.
3. Create the token
A Token-2022 token with its name, ticker and logo link in the mint:
spl-token --program-id TokenzQdBNbLqP5VEhdkAS6EPFLC1PHnBqCXEpPxuEb create-token --enable-metadata --decimals 6
spl-token initialize-metadata <MINT> "My Token" MYT https://example.com/my-token.json
Add a transfer fee (tax) at creation, in basis points, 100 = 1%:
spl-token --program-id TokenzQdBNbLqP5VEhdkAS6EPFLC1PHnBqCXEpPxuEb create-token --enable-metadata --decimals 6 --transfer-fee-basis-points 100 --transfer-fee-maximum-fee 1000000
A plain SPL token is spl-token create-token --decimals 6; its name and logo need a separate Metaplex metadata account, which the CLI does not create. Pick decimals with decimals and supply explained.
4. Mint, send and revoke
spl-token create-account <MINT>
spl-token mint <MINT> 1000000000
spl-token transfer <MINT> 1000 <ANOTHER_WALLET> --fund-recipient
spl-token authorize <MINT> mint --disable
spl-token authorize <MINT> freeze --disable
spl-token display <MINT>
display shows supply, decimals, authorities and extensions. After the two authorize commands, mint and freeze authority should read as disabled. Test the transfer fee by sending to a second wallet and checking the withheld amount.
5. Check it like a buyer
Open the mint in a Solana explorer with the cluster set to devnet. Check the name, logo, supply, decimals, authorities and extensions. Load the token into a devnet-capable wallet to see how it displays.
What devnet cannot tell you
| Question | Why devnet does not answer it |
|---|---|
| Will DEX Screener list it? | It indexes mainnet only |
| Will a pool accept the extensions? | Devnet pool programs and their settings can differ from mainnet |
| What will it cost on mainnet? | Devnet SOL is free; see the measured mainnet costs in SPL or Token-2022 |
| Will rug checkers flag it? | Most scan mainnet only |
Then launch on mainnet
Switch back with solana config set --url mainnet-beta and repeat the commands, or use a no-code creator with the same settings, see how to create a token on Solana. Work through the launch checklist before adding liquidity.
How we checked
Commands and flags from the Solana CLI install guide and the Token-2022 extensions documentation, read on 3 November 2026; mainnet costs simulated on 3 November 2026.