Creating a File
Overview
This guide walks you through creating a new file on the Hedera network using the Transaction Tool. The file creation process uploads content to the Hedera File Service and returns a unique File ID, which is displayed in the interface and recorded on the Hedera network. You can use this File ID to read, update, or delete the file later.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, you should have completed the following:
Transaction Tool Setup: New User Installation Guide or Install: Existing Users
User Account Configuration: Account Setup process to create user account.
You should also have:
Payer Account: An account with sufficient HBAR balance to pay transaction fees.
Owner Key: The key that will manage the file. Ensure this key is added or imported into the Transaction Tool before creating the file.
File Content: The data you want to store (either as a file to upload or hex-encoded content).
Transaction Properties
Payer ID
All transactions submitted to the Hedera network require a Payer ID. This is the Hedera account ID that will pay the transaction fees. The account must have enough HBAR to cover the fee. Transaction Fee Table
Yes
0.0.12345 - View examples on HashScan
Valid Start
The date and time the transaction should be submitted to the network.
Yes
2025-04-05T10:00:00Z
Max Transaction Fee
The maximum amount of HBARs you're willing to pay for the transaction. If the required fee exceeds this value, the transaction will fail. Helps avoid accidentally overspending.
Yes
2 HBAR (Default)
Transaction Memo
Optional text description attached to the transaction
No
Creating config file
File Create Properties
Owner Key
Key(s) that control file updates and deletions.
Yes
121c3e1bda2e8f9e839b89522....
File Memo
A short description of this file (max 100 bytes UTF-8)
No
Network config v2
Expiration
The date/time after which the file expires on the network.
Yes
2025-12-31 23:59:59
Name
Label for the file (stored only in Transaction Tool)
No
Config File
File Description
A brief description displayed in the Transaction Tool.
No
Production configuration
Upload File
Upload a local file whose contents will be stored on the Hedera network. Or Enter the File Content manually
Optional
config.json
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Navigate to the File Create Transaction interface
You can access the Create File form in two ways:
Method 1 – Using the Main Menu
Select Create New, then choose Transaction.
Select File, then choose Create File.
Method 2 – From the left navigation panel
Select Files.
On the Files page, select Add New then choose Create New from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Configure File Properties
Fill in the required file parameters in the form. Refer to the Transaction Properties and File create properties table above for descriptions and examples.
Step 3: Provide File Content
Choose one of the following methods to provide the file content:
Option 1: Upload a File
Select Upload File.
Browse and select the file from your system.
The file will be converted to bytes and stored on the Hedera network.
Option 2: Enter File Content manually
In the File Contents field, enter the file content manually.
Ensure the content is properly formatted in hexadecimal.
Step 4: Submit the Transaction
Select Sign and Execute on the top right corner.
In the authentication prompt, confirm the transaction.
If you set up the Transaction Tool using an email address and password, you will be prompted to enter your application password.
If you set up the Transaction Tool using the keychain option, the transaction executes automatically. However, if you haven’t recently entered your keychain password, a system prompt may appear be execution.
The system processes the transaction and creates the file on the Hedera network.
Step 5: View the Created File
Once the transaction is successful, the newly created File ID will be displayed in the transaction details.
You can also view the file transaction details in the following locations:
Transaction History: View the transaction record that includes the File ID.
Files Page: The new file entry appears in your files list with its File ID and associated metadata.
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