# Create a token

Source: https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/create-token/

After this, you'll have your token created on the launchpad of your choice, ready to configure and launch.

Creating a token is the first step of a launch. You give it a name, a symbol and an image, and pick where it lives. Configuring the launch (mode, amounts, wallets) comes next, on [Configure your launch](https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/configure/).

## Before you start [#before-you-start]

- Your primary wallet is set up. It is the deployer wallet that creates your token.
- Your token image is ready. If it's a GIF, it must be square.

### Open the form and pick a launchpad [#open-the-form-and-pick-a-launchpad]

Click **Create Token**, then pick the launchpad your project targets. See [Choosing a launchpad](https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/create-token/#choosing-a-launchpad).

### Fill in the core details [#fill-in-the-core-details]

Every launchpad needs these:

- **Name**: 1 to 32 characters.
- **Symbol**, also called the ticker: 1 to 10 letters or numbers.
- **Description**.
- **Image**. An image is required.

### Add the optional extras [#add-the-optional-extras]

- **Socials**: X, Telegram and website, if you have them.
- **Vanity address**: a contract address that ends in a suffix you choose. See [Setting a vanity address](https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/create-token/#setting-a-vanity-address).

### Set the deployer and create [#set-the-deployer-and-create]

Set your **deployer wallet**; your primary wallet is used by default. Click **Create**.

## Choosing a launchpad [#choosing-a-launchpad]

On Solana, Ballistic creates tokens on pump.fun and on StonkFun, a launchpad for tokens paired with tokenised stocks. pump.fun tokens use the newer Solana token standard (Token-2022) by default.

On Robinhood Chain, you create the token on Pons as the first step of a Pons launch. See [Reserve mode](https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/reserve-mode/).

## Setting a vanity address [#setting-a-vanity-address]

A vanity address is a contract address that ends in a suffix you choose. For example, a pump.fun token can end in "pump".

Ballistic claims the address from a pool of pre-generated addresses that match the suffix. This is optional. Skip it and your token gets a standard address.

## Verify [#verify]

After you click **Create**, Ballistic creates your token on the launchpad and takes you to the launch configuration step. You should see your token's name, symbol and image there. If you don't, check [What can go wrong](https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/create-token/#what-can-go-wrong).

## What can go wrong [#what-can-go-wrong]

| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Name or symbol rejected | The name is over 32 characters, or the symbol is not 1 to 10 letters or numbers | Shorten the name to 32 characters or fewer. Use only letters and numbers in the symbol, 1 to 10 characters. |
| Image rejected | You uploaded a GIF that is not square | Use a square GIF (equal width and height), or upload a non-GIF image. |
| I don't see CTO here | Taking over an existing token (CTO) is a separate flow from creating a new one | See [Community takeover (CTO)](https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/cto/). |

## Related

- [Configure your launch](https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/configure/)
- [Community takeover](https://ballistic.app/docs/launch/cto/)