# Generating block producer keys

## 1) Generate node, VRF, and KES keys

```bash
04a_genNodeKeys.sh myPool cli
04b_genVRFKeys.sh myPool cli
04c_genKESKeys.sh myPool cli
04d_genNodeOpCert.sh myPool

ls -al myPool*
```

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/xrlmSXFVUUchj551oRom/image.png)

## 2) Generate the pool certificate

Run the certificate generation script:

```bash
05a_genStakepoolCert.sh myPool
```

This creates a JSON template (`myPool.pool.json`). Edit it with your pool's details:

```bash
nano myPool.pool.json
```

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/26IvOmZKf4AVcePdfXlu/image.png)

Example configuration for a single-owner pool:

| Parameter             | Example value                                      |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Pledge                | 1,000,000 ADA                                      |
| Fixed fee             | 340 ADA (current minimum)                          |
| Margin                | 5%                                                 |
| Relays                | IP-based: 89.191.111.111:3001, 89.191.111.112:3001 |
| Ticker                | XPOOL                                              |
| Metadata URL          | <https://yoursite.com/pool.metadata.json>          |
| Extended metadata URL | <https://yoursite.com/pool.extended.json>          |

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/rcwGKsPMY6KSk3IB2wpQ/image.png)

After editing, re-run the certificate generation:

```bash
05a_genStakepoolCert.sh myPool
```

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/tJHgn0sCygNExu3AHEPK/image.png)

The script creates an extended metadata template. Edit it:

```bash
nano myPool.additional-metadata.json
```

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/M2vEdwUkXNuiC9Zdc3Us/image.png)

Run the certificate generation one final time:

```bash
05a_genStakepoolCert.sh myPool
```

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/WSxwCRRzuzMuTZ6l0ZJe/image.png)

## 3) Upload metadata files

The script generates two metadata files that **must be uploaded to your web server** before proceeding:

| File                            | Upload to                                         |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| `myPool.metadata.json`          | Your metadata URL (defined in pool.json)          |
| `myPool.extended-metadata.json` | Your extended metadata URL (defined in pool.json) |

Rename and upload them:

```bash
cp myPool.metadata.json pool.metadata.json
cp myPool.extended-metadata.json pool.extended.json
```

Upload via SCP, SFTP, or any method you prefer. Verify the URLs are accessible before continuing.

## 4) Create the delegation certificate

Delegate to your own pool:

```bash
05b_genDelegationCert.sh myPool poolOwner
```

## 5) Fund the pledge address

Send your pledged amount to the `poolOwner.payment` address:

```bash
cat poolOwner.payment.addr
```

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/jPoPWc31dYuztFlG795x/image.png)

Send your pledge to this address and verify it has arrived:

```bash
01_queryAddress.sh poolOwner.payment
```

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/HUqzt8PGrjniCdJnhzsZ/image.png)

## 6) Register the stake pool on-chain

Register the pool. `myWallet` pays the transaction fee and 500 ADA deposit:

```bash
05c_regStakepoolCert.sh myPool myWallet
```

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/Qnn4Lm82wPt9a0vftgB6/image.png)

After registration propagates (minutes to hours), the pool will appear in wallets like Daedalus:

![](https://content.gitbook.com/content/UuyIBhqHgBAmQaDXz0PX/blobs/ODPuR7iVnLtxL5P5YQOx/image.png)