Aptos on-chain NFT cross-chain implementation and operation guide

The NFTs on the Aptos blockchain have now achieved cross-chain functionality with other blockchains, and this breakthrough was accomplished through a certain cross-chain protocol. For the average user, how can this cross-chain process be operated? Let's explore together.

A senior executive from Aptos stated that with the new NFT cross-chain bridge, Aptos's network interoperability has reached new heights. This will bring millions of NFT assets and a lot of attention from creators and artists to Aptos.

The Working Principle of the NFT Cross-Chain Bridge

The NFT cross-chain bridge supports bidirectional transfer of NFTs across multiple compatible chains while retaining their metadata. When an NFT is transferred from the original chain, it goes through the following steps:

1. NFT is locked in the smart contract of the cross-chain bridge;
2. Mint an equivalent wrapped NFT in the corresponding collection on the target chain.
3. This wrapped NFT has the same name as the original NFT, looks the same, and functions no differently from other on-chain NFTs. On the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible chain, the wrapped NFT is an ERC721 token; on Solana, they are SPL tokens with Metaplex metadata; on Aptos, they are instances of the Aptos token standard.

The unique aspect of packaging NFTs is that they can be sent back to the original chain and unlock the original NFT. For example, an NFT originating from Aptos can be cross-chain to Ethereum, sold on a certain NFT trading platform, and then transferred back to Aptos by the new owner.

Support for cross-chain blockchain with Aptos

Currently, users can bridge NFTs bidirectionally between Aptos and chains such as Arbitrum, Aurora, Avalanche, BSC, Celo, Ethereum, Fantom, Karura, Klaytn, Moonbeam, Oasis, Optimism, Polygon, and Solana.

It is worth mentioning that some well-known NFTs, such as dozens of Cryptopunks and a Beeple piece, have successfully migrated to the Aptos blockchain through cross-chain protocols.

Introduction to Cross-Chain Protocols

The cross-chain protocol is an interoperability protocol that allows projects to build on its universal messaging layer. It connects multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, Algorand, Fantom, Karura, Celo, Acala, Aptos, and Arbitrum.

The protocol achieves cross-chain functionality by sending messages between different chains. These messages are observed and validated by a network of node guardians, and once validated, they are submitted for processing to the target chain. This simple messaging mechanism enables cross-chain functionality, allowing users to interact with cross-chain decentralized applications (xDapps), transfer cross-chain assets (xAssets) between different networks, or access their cross-chain data (xData).

Currently, the total transaction volume of the protocol has exceeded 35 billion USD, successfully transmitting hundreds of millions of messages, with millions of messages submitted daily. More than 60 protocols have been built on its universal messaging layer.

Aptos on-chain NFT cross-chain operation guide

1. Visit the cross-chain bridge web interface

Users can see multiple chains' NFTs available for selection, for example, they can choose NFTs on Arbitrum for cross-chain.

2. Select the NFT to be cross-chain

After selecting the NFT, click and confirm through your wallet signature to start the cross-chain process.

3. Redeem cross-chain NFT

After completing the cross-chain process, users can click the "redeem" button to cross-chain the packaged NFT back to the original chain.

By following these simple steps, users can achieve the free migration of NFTs between Aptos and other compatible chains, opening new possibilities for the circulation and application of NFTs.